Movember – What’s That All About?

Why November?

The month of November is upon us and is flying by, as usual. Likely because it is full of a couple of really great sexuality conferences (APHA and SSSS), Remembrance Day,Veteran’s Day, and of course, my birthday. There is one more important event that takes place during the month of November. It’s called Movember. Ever heard of it?

What is Movember?

You may look around you to see men sporting a few more ‘patchy little lip sweaters’ than usual. This is in support of a good cause that has resulted in a re-branding of the month November to be Movember. During Movember, men grow moustaches (or try to) in support of men’s health. In particular, cancers that affect men such as prostate and testicular cancer. The ‘stache is their ribbon.

The creation of the upper-lip ribbon is simple. Start with a clean shaven face on November 1st and grow a moustache for the entire month. Movember is born – awareness and funds are raised for cancers that affect men.

Movember was created in 2003 in Australia. Although it began as a joke over a few pints of beer, it has turned into a global men’s health movement. Last year, 255,755 folks participated with over $42 million dollars raised for causes related to men’s health.

What can women do?

This has left some women questioning what they can do in order to contribute to this worthy cause. Afterall, women care about fighting testicular and prostate cancer too! We can support men in their quest for a sexy moustache. Encourage them. Compliment them on their upper lip fuzz. I will say, not much beats a nicely groomed ‘stache.

Some women have deemed November 18th “Have Sex with a Guy with a Moustache Day” – hmm – check out this clip that humorously promotes why you should get down with a dude sporting a ‘stache. So, there is that. But if having sex with a guy with a moustache isn’t really your thing, there are other things you can do to support this cause.

What can we all do?

If you are physiological capable of growing a moustache, grow one!! Get started now because at this point, you’re running a little behind in the race for a beautiful bushy (or patchy…) ‘stache.

If that isn’t an option, you can start by going to the Movember website to learn more. There, you can donate to an individual participant, a Movember team, or make a general donation to the worthy cause of men’s health.

Spread the word about testicular and prostate cancer. Spread the word about men’s healthin general. And send a smile over to those dudes you pass by on the street who are sporting the moustache. They are likely sporting it for a great cause.

This post was originally on Kinsey Confidential.