The Mustache, The Man, & The Symbolism - Why it Matters in Movember

Movember has been around for the last 20 years and has grown into the massive foundation it is today! There are many ways to celebrate, help, and support the Movember Foundation. Whether it's through growing your beard, creating a mustache sculpture, etc. It's all in the good name of bringing awareness to an underlooked thing in our world: Men's health.

We spoke to a few people in our day-to-day lives, non-binary, female, and trans-male, to see if they know what "Movember" is.

Two of the three didn't. It's not completely surprising as we're super fortunate to have special events and months to celebrate culture and holidays around the world. It's easy for something like "Movember" to fly under the radar to those who are unfamiliar. So what exactly is "Movember"? Movember is a charity that helps us support and raise awareness and funds for not only men's physical health, but their mental health as well: testicular and prostate cancer, and suicide prevention. You may see people sporting a mustache of some kind in support of the month created by this leading charity regarding men's health.

The Mustache & The Men

Two friends named Travis Garone and Luke Slattery were out having a drink on a chill day in Melbourne, Australia in 2003. The two joked about how mustaches seemed to vanish from fashion. Inspired by a friend's parent, who was at the time rallying and raising funds for breast cancer, they set out to recruit 30 different men in an attempt to bring staches back - but to, more importantly, bring everyone's attention to the alarming rates suicide and prostate cancer were killing men. They hit the ground running and never looked back - setting the rules of Movember, that are still very similar to this day, and Travis even made a logo!

Unfortunately, the guys couldn't raise any funds, but things were still looking up! They were super happy with the success of having 30 participants who grew a mustache in honor of men's mental health! With that, in 2004, they decided to make things official. Movember was all grown up - with Justin Coghlan (JC) and Adam Garone (our other two co-founders) getting Movember officially registered as a company and developing its first website.

Through research, trial and error, opening things up to men, women, and non-binary people around the world (Adam moved to Los Angeles, California during that time to launch Movember within Canada and the US's Prostate Cancer Foundations) the guys worked their way to growing the company. Movember Foundation is now an official men's health partner, raising more than $710 million for men's health. They've also funded over 1250 men's health projects and 6,886,128 Mo Bros and Mo Sisters have joined the cause. The number continues to grow!

The Symbolism

"The mustache, we understand the origins - that's fantastic, but truly what does it symbolize?" you may be asking! According to our founders, think of it like a visual representation of picture-perfect health. Have you ever heard the saying: 'A healthy head of hair'? The same works for growing a mustache in this case.

"Growing a [mustache] is like wearing a symbol representing healthier men and a healthier world, all Movember long. It shows everyone you walk past that men's health matters to you." - Movember.com

The founders understand not everyone can grow a mustache so there are more ways to support the cause. People can sport a fake mustache and wear shirts, hats, and jackets with mustaches to support! Again the support doesn't just come from men who can grow their own mustache, anyone and everyone can participate and support. There are also some other ways to contribute to Movember such as:

• DONATIONS - this doesn't have to be directly to Movember, but they also recommend other organizations that support raising awareness about men's physical and mental health.
• SIGN UP TO HELP - The official Movember website walks visitors through how to join them, set up a profile, and raise funds in 4 easy steps!
• EXERCISE - You can join in and run or walk 60 miles in Movember - it's a way they help everyone remember an average of 60 men die to suicide every hour.
• HOST AN EVENT - We're all encouraged to host our own event with our followers and supporters or mutuals we may have met as a part of the Movember movement. The events will help raise awareness and funds for men's health.
• GET CREATIVE - We can find our own creative way to support! Whether that's doing a 24-hour Twitch stream, completing a dare, taking up a new or active hobby, or even quitting a terrible habit. There's no wrong way to support.

Why It Matters?

This one's a no-brainer! This matters because people are unaware that the life expectancy of individuals who identify as male is lower these days. Some of them suffer in silence while navigating depression or anxiety. Some have no idea what to do or how to be supported when diagnosed with cancer. And some feel awful about themselves and their physical health. There's a whole stigma surrounding men's mental health - "see something, say [nothing]". For some people, in general, it's easier to not go to a doctor for check-ups or ask for help. Your background, culture, and how you were raised definitely can play a part in this. Sometimes we're taught that you can figure it out on your own. Especially given the nature of toxic masculinity in some ways, it can cause men to suffer in silence because it's "weak" to ask for help. Those 15 million American adults just quietly navigate depression and some with unwarranted shame.

With helpful movements like Movember - it really opens up the conversation regarding men's mental health. Men/Trans-Men can be just as emotional and impacted by things throughout their day or in their lives just like women/Trans-Women, and non-binary people around the world. Movember also equips everyone with the ability to spot signs of mental health issues as well as encouragement for regular check-ups with your doctor.

Make sure you help break the stigma this month and every month! Whether it's through Movemeber or a movement or charity of your choice. Let's help get rid of those cultural, professional, and personal pressures that men face. Wear your mustache proudly this month. Check out more information about the organization that helped "change the face of men's health" at Movember.com!