I Like Your Beard

9 Days worth of Growth.

It's November, which means you'll be seeing a lot more "hipster" looking guys, due to Mo-vember (where guys grow mustaches) or No-Shave November (where guys just stop shaving) in honor of bringing recognition to Male Health Problems, such as Testicular Cancer.

Every year, since I moved to Portland, I've said that I was going to participate in it, and then always found a reason why I couldn't.  The clients wouldn't recognize me, I've never grown a full out beard, so I don't know how it would look, I'm starting a new job.  Let's just say, I'm really good at finding reasons for not doing something, and not so good at finding reasons to ACTUALLY do them.

For the first time in years, I had Halloween off.  And, I'm with someone, who actually celebrates it.  So, I got into the mood to do something different this year, and decided that for one of the Halloween parties, that I would dress as Captain "Killian Jones" Hook, from Once Upon A Time.  Shaunna Rai, of course went as Maleficent.  Hooray for Disney Villains!  And, given that Killian/Hook has a face full of scruff, I started my No Shave November early.

Mathu Anderson, because, who knew a bearded lady could be so sexy?

So, how does this tie in to Drag, you're probably asking?  Well, for one, it's just as possible for a drag queen to get testicular cancer, as it is for anyone else.  For two, I wanted an excuse to post pictures of Mathu Anderson (RuPaul's bearded makeup artist, and drag queen). For three, I wanted to show off what I look like with full facial hair, before it gets too itchy and I shave it all off.  And, lastly, I wanted an excuse to talk about testicles, and use the word testicles as many times as possible, because the word is funny to say, and I still think like a 12 year old, when it comes to funny body part names.

As we all know, in October, you fondle your chest, to search for lumps, that shouldn't be there.  Susan G. Komen has beaten that into our heads.  But, nobody ever talks about their testicles.  I work in a group home, with young men, and I can't go more than five minutes, without seeing someone adjusting their junk, or just randomly shoving their hand down their pants, to make sure that their penis is still there.  It happens all the time in public.  I can't tell you how many times, I've been out shopping, and seen someone slip a hand down their pants.  My point being, as men, it is almost expected for you to touch yourself.  But, it's surprising how many people touch, but don't check, nor do they acknowledge that there are issues going on with their health.  Over the last two years, I've heard of at least three people I know, who have been affected personally by either Prostate or Testicular Cancers.  I would like to think that that number is far more than I should know.  And, that I'm just lucky that I know fighters, who have survived.

No Shave Gear available at No-shave.org

If you haven't already checked it out, go to No-shave.org, to find out how you can participate in No Shave November, and help by spreading the word, buying gear or donating toward finding a cure.

So, if you're feeling odd, or if, you feel a lump, have it checked out by a doctor.  And, if you're not already doing a monthly self-check, do it.  Not that I need to be the one to do so, but I'm giving you permission to fondle your testicles.  Touch yourself, for your health.