Summer feels like a distant memory now that November has arrived. The chilly mornings and tired sun tempt us indoors into our cosy clothes and blankets, for warm lighting and cups of tea. But this month, for us and for many across the UK has meant a new challenge, stepping outside and striving to make meaningful change. Let’s talk about Movember. Amy and Rosie x Fashion soc bloggers Every 60 minutes 60 men take their own lives across the globe. That’s 60 brothers, dads, uncles, grandads, partners, mates... that’s on average 1 man dying by suicide every minute of every day and that’s why we’ve got to have this conversation. Rosie: As I've gotten older I've realised the privilege I obtain as a female which is that it’s more socially acceptable and almost expected of me as a woman to be open about my emotions and speak about how I'm feeling. Men don’t have the same privilege. It is wrongfully not as normalised for men to speak about how they really feel or bring up their emotions within conversations with their friends. 5 years ago I was really ill as a result of my own mental health and battling with an eating disorder. Speaking about how I felt and talking out my emotions literally saved my life. I want the brothers, dads, uncles, grandads, partners, mates, to feel like they too can speak about their mental health. I want them to be able to give into that vulnerability and fear of telling someone they are struggling or reach out to that mate who maybe hasn’t seemed like themselves lately. Speaking out, being a man of more words and going beyond the banter are the things that can save a life or help someone take their first step to getting better and getting the help and support they need. A tough and full-on article starter eh? I feel hugely vulnerable every time I talk about my previous struggles even if it’s in brief conversation with my closest pals or writing this wee passage now. I still experience that fear of judgement, that fear that someone is going to think of me differently because of it, even though those experiences ended up teaching me so much about myself and have shaped me into the person I am today. This vulnerable, scared, sicky feeling I still get when I talk about what I went through and came out the other side of is why I empathise so much with the topic of men's mental health awareness (because it really does take guts to talk about how you feel) and have decided to do a little bit of fundraising for the lads via the charity Movember. Amy and I have teamed up with some of my guy friends from home - one of which runs the ‘Tell me a Time’ mental health awareness blogspace to raise money throughout the month of Movember. The boys went for the beardless baby faces at the start of the month and are now fundraising by growing a ‘tache. Since me and Amy sadly aren't capable of growing a mo :’( we have been chipping away at the Movember movement challenge which is to accumulate 60km of movement throughout the month for the 60 men who take their own lives every 60 minutes. Amy: I feel empowered to challenge myself alongside Rosie, a close friend and brave talented beautiful woman. I am so glad that mental health is becoming recognised as a vital part of our conversations. We are social beings and expressing our emotions and vulnerability connects us and changes the way we cherish each other and how we feel. It is heart-breaking that damaging perceptions of ‘masculinity’ generate such stigma and struggle around these conversations, largely for men. I am inspired by all the men in my life to work towards change. Moving to raise money and awareness and seeing the support we have received has been truly wonderful. The power of conversation takes us further every day and men deserve a voice, an outlet and recognition. I feel inspired working alongside Rosie, the rest of the team and beyond. Now for the facial hair situation. You may have noticed quite a few attempts at ‘taches this month in solidarity with this movement. To be honest a moustache could be beneficial for keeping us cosy in these Edinburgh temperatures, however, as mentioned, growing one is not within our skillset. So moustache growers over to you. Moustaches truly vary from subtle to statement, from the ‘lampshade’ to the ‘horseshoe’, curly and strait. The ‘tache has formed a part of many peoples image, some have even become iconic. Let’s start with the name no one can forget; Freddie Mercury
A man who often sported a ‘tache alongside some of his killer (queen) looks. I love this cascading wedding-dress-inspired look from 1974 designed by Zandra Rhodes.
And the theatrical eye features on this flamboyant feathered number from 1984.
Up next, Tom Selleck; who has starred in Westerns and made his name as Private Investigator ‘Thomas Magnum’. But who I best remember from friends, complete with a ‘Chevron’ style ‘tache (experts please correct me), when he graced our screens as Monica’s charming older boyfriend Richard Burke. With that awkward scene when Monica’s parents discover she is in fact his ‘twinkie from the city’.
And finally, someone who I have a soft spot for as a lover of Queer Eye on Netflix, Jonathan Van Ness and his perfectly-sculpted ‘tach. As a huge personality, hairdresser, and fashion icon he deserved a mention. I love this classy Stella McCartney number with the pop of vibrant purple.
‘You’re strong, you’re a Kelly Clarkson song. You got this!’- Jonathan Van Ness
Thank you for reading about our journey and the important message of Movember. We hope us having this important conversation encourages you to do the same. The ALEC model is a great way to navigate a conversation with a man who might be struggling. A - Start by Asking how they are feeling. L - Let them known you're listening and give them your full attention. E - Encourage them to focus on simple things that could improve how they feel. C - Check in with them after your chat. We’ve also attached a link to the Tell me a Time Blog fundraiser page, where you can see what we’ve been up to this month and donate if you wish. Sending lots of love and strength to you all, Rosie and Amy x
University of Edinburgh Fashion Society
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