Friday, June 5, 2020

The Pause on Men's Health and Pride Month


With the current global pandemic as well as the global outrage from the unjust murder of George Floyd in the U.S., many people are trying to balance staying safe from COVID-19 while having their voices and actions ensure that what happened to George Floyd and to many other members of the black community can never happen again. We condemn the excessive force that has unfairly impacted black communities, as well as the imbalance of available resources (health, education, employment, etc.) for black people in the U.S. 

Although in previous years, this time of the year has been dedicated to raising awareness of men's health (for us, BPH/prostate enlargement awareness specifically) and celebrating pride month for the LGBT community, we understand that it can be difficult to think or care about men's health issues and LGBT issues while the pandemic and protests are happening.   

We ask that as citizens of the world, you take the time to support yourself in body and mind, as well as those around you who may choose to stay home for their immune health or choose to go outside and exercise their right to a peaceful protest. Please stay safe and avoid resorting to violent forms of protest such as looting and destruction, as those actions move the conversation away from what's really important. 

George Floyd was a father, and unfortunately Father's Day won't be the same this year for his family without him. Cherish and support your fathers this year for the sake of the families who can't. Support them emotionally and also hold them accountable to care for their men's health.

If you have a family member who is in the LGBT community, show them love and support and celebrate their truth and identity. Compassion and understanding are important for their emotional and physical health as well. 

Hopefully next year the world will be in a better situation, and we can continue progress in the men's health and LGBT communities. Until then, stay safe, stay healthy, and take action responsibly whenever possible.  

If you live in the U.S., you can contact your local authorities about the 8 Can't Wait proposal that ensures policing policies can be carried out fairly on 8cantwait.org 

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