What Is Movember?

If you notice the people around you looking a little hairier this November, there’s a good reason for it! Every year, folks across the globe grow some pretty impressive ‘staches for Movember.

But what is Movember, and what exactly does it support? We’ve got everything you need to know about the event.

Movember at a Glance

• Global Roots: Began in Melbourne, Australia in 2003 with just 30 participants, now a global movement with over six million supporters.
• Major Impact: Raised more than $500 million to fund over 1,000 men’s health programs worldwide.
• Simple Rules: Shave on November 1st, grow only a mustache, keep it groomed, and use it to start conversations.
• Health Focus: Targets mental health, prostate and testicular cancer, and physical inactivity.
• Purpose Over Style: The mustache isn’t about fashion; it’s a symbol for visibility, dialogue, and action.

What Are the Origins of Movember?

Movember may be a global event, but it got its start as an idea tossed around between two friends in Melbourne, Australia, in 2003. At the time, it was a casual joke between two friends to revive the outdated mustache. 

Travis Garone and Luke Slattery initially thought of growing out their mustaches as a joke, but were quickly inspired by how a friend’s mom was fundraising for breast cancer. So what was their goal? To spark the same awareness for men’s health issues that often go undiscussed.

The first year saw 30 participants, affectionately called “Mo Bros.” Today, there are millions. Since its launch, Movember has raised over $500 million to fund more than 1,000 programs focused on mental health, prostate and testicular cancer, and physical activity.

Check out their website for a more in-depth retelling of their origin story and to learn more about Movember.

What Are the “Rules” of Movember?

The original five rules by Garone and Slattery in 2003 are still in place today. While the rules aren’t complicated, they are essential to making the month a success! 

• Rule One: You can’t get a headstart. Even if you already have the most glorious beard or mustache on the planet, everyone participating in Movember should shave it all off on November 1st. Yes, all of it. 
• Rule Two: Once your face is bare and the month has begun, start growing and grooming your mustache. Trimming it up is okay! Movember isn’t like No-Shave November, where the goal is to get as hairy as possible. You want your mustache to be a conversation starter, and a great way to make that happen is to keep it looking fresh. 
  • All the more reason to get real creative and make it interesting. 
• Rule Three: No cheating, though,  beards, goatees, van dykes, soul patches, etc., don’t count. And, although we can’t believe it has to be said, no fake mustaches are allowed. No one is expecting a perfect mustache in a month!
• Rule Four: Use your mustache to talk to the people around you about the importance of the Movember movement. Your mustache is a fundraising tool, so don’t be afraid to ask people to donate to the cause! Understanding where the money goes (which we’ll get into next) is a good idea, so you’re ready to explain.
• Rule Five: And finally, while participating in Movember, remember that you represent the movement! Act accordingly. While the rules state that you need to “be a gentleman,” we prefer to say that you should just treat others like you’d like to be treated. 

In the U.S., Movember coincides with Thanksgiving, the perfect time to talk about men’s health around the table (after the pie, obviously).

What Does “Men’s Health” Really Mean?

Movember may be fun, but the reason it exists is far more serious. Although the term “men’s health” may be outdated, the health issues that impact people who were assigned male at birth have unfortunately not changed all that much. 

With that in mind the movement aims to help them live longer, healthier lives.

Its four key pillars are:

Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention

Mental health is becoming less and less stigmatized, but it is still so prevalent that it will likely impact everyone at some point in their lives. Although certain populations, like those who identify as LGBTQIA+ are at an increased risk, mental health doesn’t discriminate. 

Any money and awareness garnered from Movember continue to reduce the stigma around seeking help for mental health. Until we can be open and vulnerable about our struggles, no matter who we are or what we look like, we still have a lot of work to do. 

Mental health issues can be mild or far more significant and can even lead to suicidal ideation (thoughts of suicide) or suicide attempts. However, not everyone going through those struggles will be obvious.

Mental health affects everyone, yet stigma remains a major barrier to seeking help. Movember promotes open conversations through the ALEC method:

• A Is for “Ask.” Ask the people in your life if you notice anything “off” or different. They may say they’re “fine,” but trust your instinct. 
• L Is for “Listen.” If they open up to you, be quiet and listen. It’s not your responsibility to fix their problems, but asking follow-up questions can help them know you’re listening. 
• E Is for “Encourage Action.” Although you don’t need to have all the answers, help them do a little brainstorming. Even encouraging them to make small changes, like eating better or going for a walk, can make a big difference.
• C Is for “Check-In.” Getting your people to open up is a big part of the battle, but checking in is equally important. It doesn’t have to be in person, though. Send a text message, make a phone call, or even send them a card.

Prostate Cancer Awareness

As a company rooted in prostate health, GIDDI strongly supports Movember’s focus on prostate cancer, one of the most common cancers among AMAB individuals.

The facts are: 

• Over 268,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S.
• Early detection dramatically improves outcomes.
• Movember funds major research through the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

At GIDDI, we encourage everyone to stay in tune with their prostate health, both for wellness and pleasure. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It’s essential to reproductive health, producing much of the fluid that makes up semen. But it’s also known as the P-spot, a powerful erogenous zone central to sexual wellness and self-awareness.

Using GIDDI’s prostate massagers can be more than a pleasure practice, it’s a way to connect with your body and notice changes early. Regular exploration can help you stay familiar with your baseline, making it easier to spot anything unusual and seek care when needed.

Prostate cancer research has made incredible strides, but there’s still no cure. That’s why Movember’s work, and every conversation, donation, or mustache, continues to matter deeply.. 

Testicular Cancer Awareness

Although less common than other cancers, testicular cancer disproportionately affects younger people, making awareness and self-checks essential.

Here’s what to know:

• Roughly 10,000 new cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S.
• It’s the most common cancer among younger people with testicles.
• Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.

Testicular cancer often begins subtly, with small lumps, swelling, or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum. That’s why knowing what’s “normal” for you is key. Regular self-exams only take a minute but can make a life-changing difference.

Movember’s efforts help destigmatize these conversations, encouraging people to talk about and check in on their own health. Staying aware, informed, and proactive saves lives,  plain and simple.

Physical Inactivity

The Movember movement has also expanded to target physical inactivity, recognizing that staying active is one of the most effective ways to improve both physical and mental health.

A few key insights:

• The CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week (around 20 minutes a day).
• Inactivity directly contributes to rising mental health concerns, including higher rates of depression, anxiety, and low energy.
• Regular movement helps lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
• Being active also reduces stress and boosts mood, supporting overall mental wellness.

You don’t need a gym membership to get started,  just get moving. Go for a bike ride, take a walk, dance in your living room, stretch between meetings, or join a weekend hike. It’s not about perfection; it’s about consistency.

And since GIDDI celebrates all forms of self-care, physical, sexual, and emotional, we see movement as another powerful way to connect with your body and feel good in it.

To Wrap Up

At GIDDI, we’re more than just an award-winning prostate massager company. While we’re known for our designs (like the Vulcan vibrating prostate plug or our best-in-class Thor Master Bundle), we’re just as focused on helping you keep your prostate healthy. 

We strongly support Movember and hope you take the opportunity not just to rock a sweet stache but also to spark conversation about the issues that impact people with prostates all year round.

Sources:

Movember | About Us | Our Story

Mental Health | Los Angeles LGBT Center

Key Statistics for Prostate Cancer | American Cancer Society

Screening | Prostate Cancer Foundation