I understand this page can feel dour at times, like some kind of bottomless abyss of endlessly troubling data, through a total void of empathy for men and boys. But I want to say, I am hopeful. 💫 I am hopeful, as I’ve already seen progress in just the few years I’ve been here. I’ve seen more awareness, more care, more push back against the status quo, and more compassion for our men and boys than ever. My inbox is full, not of hate, but of messages of thanks, understanding and support. Whilst so many of those who I talk to, feel hopeful too; that the coming of age for so many of these issues could be right around the corner. And in America, in one state in particular, this is more true than it has ever been. Change is coming. And real change at that. Structural change, not catch phrases. Funded change, not lip service or plees for male tears. But genuine investigation into what is happening to our men and boys; from an unapologetic and politically non-partisan point of view, free of bunkum gender conspiracies, bigotry and gatekeeping. That’s right. Washington State has become the first in America to officially pre-file a bill to create a governmental Commission for Boys and Men. A commission to investigate everything from fatherlessness, to men’s physical, financial and mental health, to boys education, to careers, and even the criminal and family court system. It’s an amazing bill (not to mention personally validating), and this is just one of many states to come, I’m sure of it. So try not to see this as a time of hopelessness; but of difficult change, of goodness and optimism for what comes next. And we’ll be there with you all the way. So well done Washington State, but the big question is – who’s going to be next? ~ Read more here The Bill in full The Bills progress  Images by Clay Banks, Chris Henry, Dave Hoefler and Gradienta from Unsplash. #menshealth #mensissues #washintonstate #mentalhealth #mensmentalhealth

2023-01-25