Meet Mayor Moustache: NYC’s Zohran Mamdani unveils hairy upper lip for Movember
The beard is gone, the moustache is in, and New York can't stop talking about it. Here’s why the Mayor is sporting one this month and how an idea dreamed up over a beer in Australia ended up in Times Square.
Something was different about the Mayor.
When New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani arrived at a church visit on Sunday, November 1st, people did a double take. The famous beard had vanished, and in its place sat a bold, unmistakable moustache.
By the time he was handing out water to runners along the New York City Marathon route, the internet was buzzing, and some online sleuths were even convinced it was a disguise.
It wasn't a disguise. It was Movember. The Mayor's press secretary, Joe Calvello, confirmed the new look is all about men's health.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani sports his Movember moustache.
"Thousands of people, including Mayor Mamdani, are sporting moustaches this 'Movember' to raise awareness about men's health issues, including mental health disorders, testicular cancer and prostate cancer," Joe said.
"This month, we encourage all New Yorkers to learn their family medical history and talk to their doctor about regular screenings," he added.
The moustache got New York talking fast.
The New York Post was quick to spot the change, and The Cut crowned him "Mayor Moustache." On November 3rd, the Mayor set the record straight himself on X.
"I'm sporting a moustache this 'Movember' to raise awareness of men's health issues, including prostate cancer," he wrote.
"But this isn't just (upper) lip service."
True to his word, he backed it up with action, announcing a USD $4 million investment in a brand-new prostate cancer center at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn.
That's exactly what a Movember moustache is for.
Every moustache grown this month is a conversation starter, and every conversation is a chance to talk about prostate cancer, testicular cancer, men’s mental health and suicide prevention.
When the Mayor of New York City is the one starting the conversation, a lot of people listen.
Thank you for showing up for men's health, Mayor Mamdani. The moustache suits you.
The Movember team gathers in Times Square beneath the Nasdaq tower, lit up with the Movember logo, ahead of the New York City Marathon.
From a Melbourne bar to Times Square
Movember didn't start in a boardroom. It started over a beer in Australia.
Back in 2003, two friends, Travis Garone and Luke Slattery, were having a quiet drink in Melbourne when the conversation turned to fashion trends that come and go. The moustache, they decided, was long overdue for a comeback. So, they talked 30 friends into growing one for the month.
The following year, the idea got a purpose. The growers chose prostate cancer as their cause and started raising money.
In 2007, Movember officially launched in the US and since then, more than 6 million people around the world have joined the movement.
A Movember billboard in Times Square calls on New Yorkers to sign up and raise funds for men's health.
Movember has funded more than 1,300 men’s health projects, from prostate cancer and testicular cancer research to men’s mental health and suicide prevention programs.
More than two decades on, that idea from a Melbourne bar has made it all the way to New York, with Movember billboards lighting up Times Square ahead of the Marathon and our team ringing the Nasdaq closing bell.
The Movember team celebrates ringing the Nasdaq closing bell in New York.
Sunday's New York City Marathon was a big day for us, too.
Our crew cheered on 60 Movember Athletics runners from the Movember Cheer Zone, complete with a live Shave Down during the race. Michael from our content team also hit the streets to talk spectators into shaving down for Movember. Some were braver than others.
And our collaboration with content creator Sam Donner on his "Cook for Me" series has been a hit, with his first video racking up more than 2.5 million views.
Movember has an office in Manhattan, so we're not just visiting. This city is home for us too, and we couldn't be prouder to see it get behind men's health.
There's still plenty of November left, and there's a way for everyone to get involved. Sign up and grow a moustache, take on a Move challenge, Host an event with your friends or co-workers, or donate to someone who's already growing.
Every conversation counts.
If you or someone you know needs support, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 9-8-8. In an emergency, call 911.
You can find the full list of support services in your country here
Sign up for Movember here
