There are a lot of 'rules' out there telling men how to be. Rules like – you have to be tough, you have to be the breadwinner, you can’t show fear or sadness, you always have to be in control. Sound familiar?
But you get to choose what masculinity means for you, and most men know it can be so much more than the 'rules', or what we see on a screen... even if they don't always talk about it.
So let's talk about it. We asked ordinary Victorian men what kind of men they want to be.
This is what they told us...
Want to know more?
Looking for tools to start conversations with your club or group, or even just with your mates? We've collected some helpful links and resources to help you ask and answer the question: What kind of man do you want to be?
Need support?
The Men's Referral Service is the national counselling, information and referral service for men seeking to change their behaviour, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1300 766 491.
MensLine Australia is a telephone and online counselling service for men with family and relationship concerns, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1300 789 978.
Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14.
Beyond Blue provides free telephone and online counselling services for everyone in Australia, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1 300 22 4636.
If you are experiencing violence, concerned for your safety, or in an emergency situation please call 000 for urgent police assistance. If you need support or advice, reach out to a specialist family violence support service.