These Bearded Men Are Wearing Beautiful Mermaid Tails To Raise Money For Mental Health
They're called "Merb'ys" and they're fabulous.
Turns out Canada has a thing called Merb’ys, and they’re making a calendar in support of mental health. Who knew?
In a delightful initiative by the members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Beard & Moustache Club, a calendar of hirsute men in sparkly tails is being made to both challenge gender stereotypes and support mental health, gaining international attention in the process.
The name Merb’ys comes from the combining two words, “mermaid” and “b’y”, which is a Newfoundland term for boy or buddy.
Well this is a thing that exists now. #MerBys @NL_BeardClub #Mermaid pic.twitter.com/VC9pXg73EN
— Robert Shawn Andrews (@RobertShawn13) October 22, 2017
This MerB'y has kind eyes and a tail that just won't quit.
Pre-ordering coming soon!#MerBys2018 #nl #yyt @SpiritHorseNL @BrianBradleyMac pic.twitter.com/hvXKoi4jQ1
— NL BMC (@NL_BeardClub) October 3, 2017
In an interview with Buzzfeed, founder Hasan Hai said the club is open to anyone who grows or appreciates facial hair, and wants to give back to the community.
“People love that there’s a bunch of burly guys being very vulnerable in this whimsical calendar,” he said.
The idea for dressing up in tails apparently came from a friend posting a similar photo to his Facebook, and Hai realised it would be the perfect project for his club to undertake.
Behind the scenes shots of the #merbys2018 calendar! Pre-order NOW! #yyt #nl https://t.co/tc75sNtevX pic.twitter.com/w478cwnkCz
— NL BMC (@NL_BeardClub) October 9, 2017
The proceeds from the calendar all go towards Newfoundland charity Spirit Horse NL, which offers therapeutic programs with mental-health benefits through interaction with horses.
“They’re desperately in need of funds and awareness because it’s expensive to raise and upkeep horses,” Hai said. “I figured right away that this is a cause our club can get behind.”
That beard. Those eyes. That tail.
Get your own #MerBy2018 Calendar from https://t.co/1tZOUqlWXW today! #nl #yyt @SpiritHorseNL pic.twitter.com/dzOs7x3ah7
— NL BMC (@NL_BeardClub) October 6, 2017
Hai says that he had over 40 volunteers for the shoot, including photographers and costume designers. The calendar is available for preorder now.
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Feature image via Newfoundland and Labrador Beard & Moustache Club/Facebook