all jokes aside, I don’t actually hate men - I want them to be better. better to their partners, their children, and themselves especially. toxic masculinity hurts everyone, especially yourself and the people you care about. breaking down stigmas = breaking cycles of harm

this year’s #InternationalMensDay theme is “better health for men and boys” which starts with self-care. boys raised to avoid vulnerability grow into men who are shamed or emasculated for needing help. encourage your sons/partners/friends to reach out & be there when they do.

suicide rates for men in the US nearly tripled that for women in 2018 ( https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/suicide.shtml)

boys & men can’t be healthy if we shame them out of expressing emotion, being vulnerable, asking for help, or receiving care. we cannot ask them to be protectors if they aren’t safe.

and guys! nurture your platonic friendships with other dudes. find mentors that can show you what being a man is, especially if your father couldn’t. find other men you can talk to about similar issues. your partner can’t understand everything - you need support from other men.

@MOCSAkc offers free services for survivors of sexual assault

@betterhelp has flexible payment options for counseling over text/call

@CrisisTextLine : text HOME to 741741 for immediate crisis help

suicide hotline: 800-273-8255

men - it’s okay to need support. you are enough.

@feministabulous has a great book called For the Love of Men: From Toxic to a More Mindful Masculinity that discusses all of this - how men have always been expected to behave, how that has changed in a modern world, how we navigate masculinity now, and actionable steps to take!

psssst also #InternationalMensDay specifically includes and recognizes “men who don’t fall into traditional manifestations of masculinity, such as gay and bisexual men, transgender, or non-binary people.”

so your support for fellow men better be inclusive of ALL men