International Men's Day (IMD) is an annual global celebration held in November to acknowledge and celebrate men's cultural, political, and social achievements.
1. What is the Date Of International Men’s Day?
On November 19, International Men's Day focuses on men's health, strengthening gender relations, showcasing male role models, and encouraging positive displays of masculinity. It's also an occasion to honor men who do not fit into standard definitions of masculinity, such as homosexual and bisexual men, transgender men, and masculine non-binary persons.
2. History of International Men’s Day
On November 19, International Men's Day focuses on men's health, strengthening gender relations, showcasing male role models, and encouraging positive displays of masculinity. It's also an occasion to honor men who do not fit into standard definitions of masculinity, such as homosexual and bisexual men, transgender men, and masculine non-binary persons.
Thomas Oaster, director of the Missouri Center for Men's Studies, asked organizations in the United States, Australia, and Malta to conduct small International Men's Day activities in February in the early 1990s. Oaster organized similar events successfully for two years, but his 1995 attempt was poorly attended. Disappointed, he canceled preparations to continue the function. Australia followed suit, leaving Malta as the only country still celebrating.
Jerome Teelucksingh of the University of the West Indies resurrected the day in Trinidad and Tobago in 1999. He noticed that, while there was a day to honor dads, there was no day to honor men who did not have children or who were young boys and teenagers. Teelucksingh recognized the value of positive male role models, as his father had been an excellent example for him, and chose to observe International Men's Day on November 19 — his father's birthday as well as the day a local soccer team had united his country in their efforts to qualify for the World Cup.
Since Teelucksingh's rebirth, International Men's Day has been used to promote positive aspects of male identity, with the idea that men respond more productively to positive role models than to negative gender stereotyping. The purpose of the day is not to compete with International Women's Day, but to emphasize the importance of men's physical and mental health, as well as positive masculinity.
3. Facts about International Men’s Day
- International Men's Day (IMD) is celebrated on November 19th, so bring a heavy jacket if you wish to celebrate outside or, like me, solemnly go into the ocean.
- International Men's Day relates to anti-feminist literature that labels domestic violence laws as "anti-family." You can learn more about this by swimming through their website's "about" section, much like I do in the salty brine of the Pacific.
- IMD's Facebook group reposts misogynist stuff, which sends shivers up my spine. Or is it the 60oF seawater that's numbing my feet and ankles?
- IMD was established in 1999. In terms of chronology, Virginia Woolf committed herself by drowning in 1941.
- The topic of International Men's Day in 2021 will be "Better Relations Between Men and Women." This causes me to pause as I stand knee-deep amid foam-crested waves. Maybe the group experienced a feminist awakening?
- Oh well, never mind. There is no further explanation for "Better Relations." It remains hazy and foreboding, like the vast depths ahead of me.
- According to Camille Paglia, "Masculinity is dangerous and elusive." It is accomplished by a female revolt." I'd send you articles about Camille Paglia, but my cellphone has stopped working due to all the water in my pockets.
- As I immerse my head, my eyes burn and I feel as if my brain is exploding—not from the water, but from remembering that International Men's Day is most frequently googled in March, on International Women's Day.
- Warwick Marsh, the IMD organizer, was removed as Australia's men's health advocate after referring to homosexuality as a "gender disorientation disease." When you go to the website, you'll be welcomed with a video of Marsh on the beach. Not the beach where I walked myself into the water, kelp tangled in my hair. But it's the same ocean.
- The United Nations has designated November 19 as Women's Entrepreneurship Day. WED organizers have assisted thousands of women worldwide in obtaining education, scholarships, and microloans to enhance equity. … I float gently in the water. It was declared a holiday in New York in 2014... I look up at the sun, which is glinting through the surface. Andrew Cuomo declared it... As I fall to the seafloor, I am heartened to see a seahorse on paternity leave tending to his young.
4. International Men’s Day Activities
Donate to Causes Associated with Men’ Health
Humans of the world should share their two cents by donating to the causes related to men’s mental & physical health.
Social media users should share infographics about the issues related to men’s health. Here is a royalty-free poster you can use on international men’s day.
Arrange an Event
Since you will not have a day off on IMD, you should: reach out to old buddies, motivate your boss to host a virtual game for the team or represent your company in an IMD seminar
Celebrate in a Special Manner Like Women’s Day
As we all know and appreciate the celebrations of IWD, we should also commemorate International Men's day with the same passion.
Acknowledge the Contribution of Men
There is a plethora of male leaders and influencers. Acknowledge the contribution of those men
Participate in a Social Event
One of the ten ways to celebrate International Men’s Day is to engage socially in activities that stand against negative stereotypes.
Channel Your Feelings
We live in a society that talks so high about masculinity that makes it difficult for a man to emote. “Men don't cry.” On IMD, it is your chance to: Create art / read literature / photography / write something, sports / swim / exert your emotions into physical well-being (mind, body, and soul), share empathy
Spend Time with Your Family
Most importantly, spend beautiful time with your family (after all, you are the man of the house)
Reinvent Yourself
On this International Men’s Day, take some time out to rethink your career choice.Give importance to your happiness, Pass a resolution to lead by example, be impactful for young boys, Motivate yourself to make a change
Raise Awareness about Domestic Abuse
DV (Domestic Violence) is prevalent in male victims, as well, whether it was getting bashed around, being exposed to parents’ quarrel, or getting sexually assaulted.
5. International Men’s Day Quotes
“Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.” - Albert Einstein
“A good man would prefer to be defeated than to defeat injustice by evil means”. - Sallust
“But know this. Men are not from Mars. Women are not from Venus. Do not fall for categories. Everyone is everything. Every ingredient inside a star is inside you, and every personality that ever existed competes in the theater of your mind for the main role.” - Matt Haig
“A man must at times be hard as nails: willing to face up to the truth about himself…But he must also be tender. No weapon will breach the armor of a woman’s resentment like tenderness”. - Elisabeth Elliot
“A man does what he must – in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures – and that is the basis of all human morality.” - John F Kennedy
“Being male is a matter of birth. Being a man is a matter of age. But being a gentleman is a matter of choice.” - Vin Diesel
