Ben Becomes an Ambassador for MANUP?
As Founder/Director of this Club I am sure it is clear that I am passionate about mental health awareness as well as challenging traditional notions of masculinity. In the same year that Guy Cry Club was launched (2019), so did another organisation. Like me they started as a personal project, and over time grew into so much more than what it had been originally conceived to be. That organisation is MANUP?. Now a fully fledged charity - as of July, 2021 - the work they continue to do is creating an ever expanding impact of awareness and boundary breaking.
I have been fortunate to be aware of them since their inception, taking part in their very first event which you can read about here. As time went on, I was invited to speak about a number of different topics as part of their zoom chats they started facilitating over the many lockdowns we had in this country, as well as curating an exhibition about masculinity through time for an ROI on Mental Health they hosted.
I have watched them challenge themselves to become more inclusive and open to experiences they were previously unaware of, to include experiences from our local communities as well as from those across the globe to heighten awareness, share insights and allow knowledge to lead their growth.
When Dan Somers (CEO and Founder of MANUP?) reached out about myself becoming an ambassador it was a no brainer. As the leaders of two grassroots organisations we have supported each other’s missions and that connection has contributed to the strength of what we do and of our friendship.
Personally it means a lot to be considered as an ambassador, especially as a member of the queer community. Often members of the LGBTQ+ family have to create our own spaces to be acknowledged, to exist and to support one another. Everyone does need there own spaces to find themselves and be all that they can be but it doesn’t mean there isn’t room to connect to, collaborate with and grow alongside others. In fact, I think it is essential in getting to the heart of the things in our societies and cultures which are holding us all back.
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