It’s that time of year again: Movember. No, not a typo—it’s a global phenomenon dedicated to raising awareness and funds for men’s health, and this year marks its 21st anniversary. That’s right; this iconic moustache-growing tradition is officially old enough to drink in the U.S.!
For those who may not know, Movember began as a quirky idea but has grown into a major charity initiative that mobilizes people around men’s health issues each November. Here’s everything you need to know about Movember’s history, goals, and how you can get involved.
What is Movember?
Movember is a fundraising movement encouraging people to grow moustaches during November to spark conversations and raise awareness for men’s health. While it may look like a simple facial-hair challenge, Movember is about much more than style—it’s an annual effort that tackles key issues affecting men’s well-being.
The Movember Foundation, which oversees the initiative, focuses on three core areas: mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. These are issues where men face significant risks, with alarming statistics to back it up: men die an average of 4.5 years earlier than women, account for 69% of all suicides, and face high incidences of prostate and testicular cancer. Movember exists to bring these issues to light and help fund solutions that can make a difference.
How Did Movember Start?
Movember actually has two origin stories, both rooted in Australia. The first came in 1999, when a group of men in Adelaide decided to spend November growing moustaches to raise funds for the RSPCA, dubbing it “growing whiskers for whiskers.”
Then, in 2003, friends Travis Garone and Luke Slattery met in a Melbourne pub and thought up their own version of Movember, inspired by a friend’s breast cancer fundraiser. They gathered 30 friends, each contributing AUS$10, to grow moustaches to support prostate cancer awareness. This modest campaign sparked something big, and soon they were joined by Adam Garone and Justin Coghlan, who helped them create the Movember Foundation.
Their first major campaign in 2004 drew 450 participants and raised AUS$54,000 (€32,000) for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, which would be their official partner. By 2006, the Movember Foundation became a registered charity, and the movement has only continued to grow. Since its inception, nearly 7 million people have joined Movember, raising millions for men’s health causes around the world.
Movember’s Global Impact
Movember has raised funds for over 1,250 projects across 20 countries, funding everything from mental health resources to COVID-19 initiatives. In 2021, the foundation launched Family Man, a free online program aimed at supporting fathers in effective parenting, highlighting how Movember’s reach extends into the broader sphere of men’s wellness.
Movember’s simplicity is part of its charm: grow a moustache, spark conversations, and encourage donations. Similar to the remembrance poppy for veterans or the viral ice bucket challenge for ALS awareness, Movember taps into a unique visual identity to promote an important cause.
Join the Movement This November
For those who feel strongly about supporting men’s health, Movember provides a tangible way to make a difference. Whether you’re growing your first ‘stache or your 21st, Movember is a powerful reminder of the importance of proactive health and well-being for men. So, get growing this month—your moustache might start a conversation that could help save a life.