#ThankYouPatrons + International Men’s Day

(public post)

Today Patreon celebrates its platform by asking all creators to send a Thank You to all of their patrons (with Thanksgiving coming up in the USA on 22nd in mind).

It's also International Men’s Day.

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#ThankYouPatrons

I'd like to, again, thank you all of my past and present patrons (with real names & nicknames, alphabetically): 

Aaron Wishnick, Adam Shaw, Adam Skoglund, Alberto Salas, Alex, Alex Soto, Andreas Muri, Andy Bower, Becky O'Brien, Ben Lawrence, Callme, Caspar Addyman, Charlene Trawick, Chuck Barry, Cj, Claude Varieras, Craig Button, Ctb, Daito, Daniel Duque, David Mayotte, David Salas Baulenas, Dj Sky, Edward Scott, Emilia Zugg, Ersin Han Ersin, Fabio, George Ikamba, Half Asian Jesus, Ian, J Venosa, Jack Hobbs, Jack Ivy, Jack Wolf, James, James, JC, Jeff Larche, Jeremy Martin, John Tucker, Jon Bonaventura, Jon Hulatt, Jordan Robinson, Jordan Wilmot, Josef Willems, Justin Varney-Bennett, Keira Ramirez, Kelton Lilley, Kevin Stenhouse, Klaus Klappstuhl, Lee Chang, Mario De Angelis, Mario Kobayashi, Mateusz Cyrankiewicz, Mele Couvreur, Mic Marronnier, Michal Bigio, Michelle, Michelle Man, Mike, Ndreas Diebold, Nicolae Crumb, Nicolas Boivin, Paul Schoder, Paul Snellen, Ricardo Fernandes, Roberto Salgo, Ryan Lannom, Sam, Sam Curry, Scott, Shelby Denike, Softer Boy, Stefano Latino, Steven Hughes, Veeshan123, Wil S and Wojtek Schmidt.

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International Men’s Day

Secondly, I shared a self-portrait (see below) with some words about International Men’s Day on IG & FB:

Today is International Men’s Day. I don't normally jump on the social media wagon of int'l social holidays, but I am a man and I have been battling anxiety, panic attacks and depression over the past 2-3 years. Today is close to heart more than anything.

I’ve found it incredibly difficult working my way out of it, a big part was the shame and embarrassment I experienced - the chance of being perceived as weak is a numbing one.

I’ve been scared to talk about and share what caused it all publicly. I still am…and that is not ok.

I’m finding my way through it with a daily struggle. To be honest, I haven't been able to work properly in a long time. I also haven’t been able to love or be loved in a long time.

Each day is 50% challenge just to go through it.

Today I decided to share a self portrait I’ve done for a new project called  ‘Hex 000000’ which I’m hoping to publish soon. This portrait represents a general feeling I would love to shake off as soon as I can.

Below are the 6 Pillars of International Men’s Day:

1. To promote positive male role models; not just movie stars and sports men but everyday, working class men who are living decent, honest lives.

2. To celebrate men’s positive contributions to society, community, family, marriage, child care, and to the environment.

3. To focus on men’s health and wellbeing; social, emotional, physical and spiritual.

4. To highlight discrimination against males; in areas of social services, social attitudes and expectations, and law.

5. To improve gender relations and promote gender equality.

6. To create a safer, better world; where people can be safe and grow to reach their full potential.

The theme this year is ‘Positive Male Role Models’.

I’d like to thank few of my personal-life male role models: Ronny (my dad), Ayal (my brother), my friends Harry, Josh, Ersin, Barney, Moshe, Oshan, Beany, Tobias, Chaim, Jon, Luca and Oded (my therapist).

Today I’m sending love to all men. I also call out all women and ask you, please stand with us rather than opposite. Our fear of rejection drives us to do strange things, deep inside we simply want to be loved. Let’s talk, hug and cry it out, together.

You can find the original post on my Instagram and Facebook.

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Much love,

Ben <3