In Support of Men (ISM) was founded to address a pressing issue: the neglect of men’s mental health that no one seems to be talking about. While much has been done to highlight and address the mental health challenges of women and LGBTQ+ communities (which is great!), men have been left out of the conversation. With increasing rates of suicide among men and a huge rise in school and public shootings that almost always being carried out by a male, where is the response?

We believe that the narrative surrounding men in society has become increasingly polarized. Words like “privileged” and “toxic” are often used to describe men. making it almost taboo to ask for more service for mens since they are the so called “privileged” group. Because of this men are frequently left with no space to express vulnerability, seek help, or even feel safe to acknowledge their pain. A truly equitable society recognizes the emotional and psychological needs of men without demonizing or diminishing their suffering.

The question “If women win at the expense of men, what happens to our sons?” encapsulates the long-term consequences of neglecting the mental health of men. Young boys are raised with conflicting messages about masculinity, often pressured to conform to outdated ideals that discourage emotional expression and vulnerability. If we do not address these issues, we risk perpetuating cycles of mental health crises, violence, and emotional pain across generations.

In Support of Men offers a space for men to heal—both individually and collectively—offering them a platform to break free from societal expectations and engage with their emotional selves in a healthy and supportive environment. This initiative is not meant to compete with or diminish the progress of other gender equity movements, but to complement them. A truly healthy society cannot thrive if any segment of its population is left to suffer in silence.