If you’ve noticed your classmates rocking new facial hair this month, Movember might be why.
Founded in 2003 by Australian friends Travis Garone and Luke Slattery, Movember aims to spark conversation, and spread awareness about important issues that impact men’s health: mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
The cause has now spread to a worldwide movement, with many ways to get involved.
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Movember holds special meaning for my housemates and I, as it highlights men’s health issues that often go overlooked, including mental health, suicide prevention, and cancer.
These challenges impact so many people we care about—friends, family, and even ourselves—but they’re rarely talked about openly.
This year, my six housemates and I decided to take action and make a difference by raising funds through our Movember Instagram page, @movemberanch.
To engage our community, we set donation milestones with creative incentives, offering unique entertainment through Instagram Live.
From counting to 5,000 and drinking 18 glasses of milk, to walking five kilometers in our living room, and Christmas carolling around the student district, we’ve embraced these challenges with enthusiasm.
So far, we’ve raised over $2,700, gained a strong following, and sparked meaningful conversations about men’s health. It’s a small effort toward a big cause, and we’re incredibly proud to contribute.
— Peter Jazvac, Sci ’25
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For me, Movember’s a chance to the men in my life through a collective effort with my peers, friends, and loved ones. While I haven’t been directly impacted by testicular or prostate cancer, my own struggles with mental health have shown me how often men’s health issues are overlooked.
Movember reminds me I’m not alone, and that a global community comes together each year to ensure men like me have access to the resources they need.
As the Managing Director of Queen’s University’s student-run retailer, Oil Thigh Designs, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see our executive team rally their networks and contribute personally toward reaching our donation goal.
Their positivity and energy at every milestone event highlight the strength of community and the spirit of Movember.
This sense of togetherness, united to tackle such an important cause, is what makes November a month I always look forward to.
— Daniel Todorovic, Comm ’25
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Earlier this year, I lost someone close to me, which reminded me of the importance of ing men’s health initiatives.
When the Queen’s Triathlon Team’s co-president, Andreas Moran-MacDonald, MSc ’25, reached out to on the Cycling Team and asked us to their Movember fundraiser, as the team’s co-captain, I didn’t hesitate.
The event was a 24-hour relay-style challenge, with riders from both teams taking turns on respective stationary trainers. We set up in the ARC, where we spoke with Queen’s students ing by about their connections to Movember. The event sparked meaningful conversations and helped raise awareness about the relevant issues surrounding men’s health.
I’m proud to share we reached our $500 fundraising goal, but donations are still open on our Movember page, accessible through the Queen’s Triathlon and Queen’s Cycling Instagram s. I hope events like these continue to bring attention to men’s health and lead to real change in how it is understood and ed.
— Kai Fennell, ConEd ’25
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This year I wasn’t too sure as to whether I was going to participate in Movember, as I’m well aware of the quality of stache I’m capable of growing. But, despite this hesitancy, I decided to go for it anyways.
It may not be the most visible, as it consistently grows incredibly blond and thin, but it is certainly there—and actually noticed by some!
To me, Movember’s an important activity to participate in, as men’s health—both mental and physical—is incredibly important and sometimes overlooked.
At times it can be challenging to speak about any health-related issues one might have as man—in particular, mental health challenges.
As someone who has experienced the consequences of not feeling as though they can talk about their struggles, I deeply believe in the importance of raising awareness on this issue so others don’t feel like they’re suffering alone. You always have someone to talk to, even when you feel like you might not.
— Lucas Celia, MSc ’26
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Men’s health is a very important yet often overlooked topic that Movember proudly shines a light on.
However you choose to show your , whether it be fundraising, growing a moustache, or exercising, contributing to the Movember movement goes a long way in showing men they shouldn’t and don’t have to suffer in silence.
Being proactive in both their physical and mental health is an important practice that should no longer be frowned upon.
I know too many men who suffer in silence, so even if you are or aren’t fundraising, make sure to reach out to those closest to you, it goes a long way.
In 2022, I raised $456 through reaching out to friends and family. I was amazed to see the amount of that people were willing to give to men’s health initiatives, and I truly think Movember’s more than just a trend. It’s an essential movement.
— Aidan Michaelov, ArtSci ’25
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