So I saw on Twitter today is International Men’s Day. Personally I am not sure how to address this day set aside for men considering most days are “Men’s Days” it seems. But here is what I have to say hopefully without sounding like “poor men”.

• Men suffer from depression and mental illness which often goes undiagnosed.
• Men are often reluctant to share their feelings.
• Men in many areas are expected to perform historic gender roles freezing out women from opportunities.
• Men are expected to be masculine and never show their feminine side.
• Men are expected to be strong and never vulnerable.
• Men are less likely to take care of themselves but will work to be sure the people in their lives have access to care.
• People look to men to provide which is not always fair because women do it quite well.
• Men are relegated to doing things that are not relevant in today’s world.

It’s my belief if men could share their feelings openly and freely there would be fewer problems in the world. Men are important but no more important than women or children. Men like me are just trying their best to be their best while lifting others up. Today men need affirmation so that we can do our best for family and communities. Being a man in the 21st century is different than in previous times. We should celebrate that and embrace the fact that we need both genders to make this whole thing work.

Men can be teachers, nurses, homemakers, designers and so much more if they are given the freedom to make those decisions for themselves.