look at andromache and quynh’s costumes in the old guard. because we should totally talk about it and how these characters aren’t sexualized one bit during the entire film. no breast plates. no thigh high slits. no bare midriffs. just warriors wearing clothes designed to protect them in a fight. clothes that represents their character, their origin, not designed to please the male gaze. this is why we need more women in the industry. the old guard is directed by a black woman, produced by women, and has strong lead female characters. support.
Oh, am I taking a lot of shirtless photos lately? I’m mostly just asserting the normality of the naked female body. It’s gotten real hip and trendy in our community right now to talk about “not being defined by gender.” I understand the sentiment; we’ve all been fed a lot of shit about what it means to be female, to be a woman, for so long that it just seems to be inherently true instead of fabricated by patriarchal society. I can understand wanting to stand strong, be seen, and say “these assumptions do not hold true for me.” The problem is, when that’s framed as the individual being “not defined by gender” or simply not being female, it throws other females under the bus. It says “I am not this way, but this is true about women, so therefore I am not woman and not defined by being a woman.” I’m gonna stand here instead and say that I manifest my own reality, but my reality and manifestation are not in any way limited by the fact that I am female. I refuse to conform to these bullshit expectations the same as I refuse to throw the female sex under the bus by claiming separation from my sisters. I see the strength in all of you, I see your determination and perseverance and willpower. I stand with you, in solidarity, always ✌🏻️
Body Neutrality for Females with Dysphoria:
Are you dysphoric? Are you sick of body positivity? Are you female? Here are some affirmations that you can try out to counteract your negative internal monologue.
Whenever you think a negative/dysphoric thought, tell yourself one of these affirmations. If it feels corny or dumb, that’s a good sign. It means you’re challenging your brain’s self-hatred. You are redirecting your brain and challenging your usual thought patterns.
General body:
My body allows me to perform the tasks I need to survive
My body is worthy of respect
This form is the product of years of human evolution
Uterus:
Thank you uterus, for providing structural integrity and support to my bladder, bowel, pelvic bones and organs
Period:
Cramps are temporary
Periods are a natural, normal biological function
Ovaries:
Thank you ovaries, for helping me regulate hormones and stay healthy
Feel free to add any that you come up with!