The mustache has traversed centuries, evolving from a symbol of prestige in ancient civilizations to a statement of rebellion in modern counterculture movements. In the 1960s and 1970s, it became an iconic symbol within the gay community, representing a form of self-expression, solidarity, and defiance against societal norms surrounding masculinity and sexuality.
In this episode, we’re taking a look at the multifaceted history of the mustache, exploring its evolution as a symbol of masculinity, its significant sociosexual ties to the gay community in the 1960s and 1970s, and how it has created important conversations about men's health today.
Additional Resources:
• Mustache vs. Moustache: Which is Correct? (https://www.grammarly.com/blog/mustache-moustache/#:~:text=Mustache%20and%20moustache%20are%20both,written%20as%20a%20plural%3A%20mustachios)
• Mustache Definition (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mustache)
• Mustachio Definition (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mustachio)
• The Statues of Rahotep and Nofret (https://arce.org/statues-rahotep-and-nofret/)
• The Moustache: A Hairy History (https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20140703-the-moustache-a-hairy-history)
• Why Peter the Great Established a Beard Tax (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/why-tsar-peter-great-established-beard-tax-180964693/)
• About Movember (https://us.movember.com/about/cause)
• The Mustache is Thriving. But What Does It Mean? (https://www.esquire.com/style/grooming/a32947149/mustache-trend-history/)
• A Sexual, Social and Political History of the Mustache (https://english.elpais.com/culture/2022-09-26/a-sexual-social-and-political-history-of-the-mustache-joaquin-phoenix-couldnt-have-had-a-beard-in-her-it-had-to-be-a-mustache.html)
• Cruisin’ With the Mustache Crew: Meet the Facial-Hair Style Taking Over Every Gay Bar in the City (https://www.thecut.com/2019/04/cruisin-with-the-mustache-crew.html)
• One Hairy Lip, a Mix of Messages (https://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/02/fashion/02skin.html)
• Castro Clone (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castro_clone)
• Gay/Bi Men and Mustaches, a History in Photos (https://www.advocate.com/comedy/2019/11/07/gay-men-and-mustaches-history-photos)
• The Rules of Movember (https://us.movember.com/uploads/images/Fundraise/FundraisingResources/Movember%20Rules/2019-Movember-Rules_ENG.pdf)
• Movember Donations (https://us.movember.com/donate)
• Get Involved with Movember (https://us.movember.com/get-involved/donate)
Get Your Merch (https://a-jaded-gay.creator-spring.com/)
Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/ajadedgaypod)
Get Your Merch (https://a-jaded-gay.creator-spring.com/)
