Acceptance and representation.
This is what defines the body positivity movement of today. As a broad subject, body positivity is seen as a champion for many people who struggle with their bodies. The underrepresented people of society are often seen struggling more with body positivity due to the lack of acceptance and representation in society. Queer body positivity is complex. Not one queer person feels the same as the next. Queer body positivity is unique and deserves to be celebrated.
The queer experience of body positivity starts with acceptance of your sexuality and gender, and develops into loving your body.
The definition of beauty in queer spaces is wider than that of cisgender, heterosexual spaces. This wide definition of beauty still seems to have boundaries. Many queer people feel the need to dress a certain way in order to appear “visually queer”. The standard that often presents itself in the queer community is the need to ‘look gay’, be it brightly coloured hair, a septum piercing (guilty), non-standard fashion or just being a walking rainbow.
The need to visually prove your queerness can be a problem when trying to love yourself. Even in a community of acceptance, queer beauty standards are harmful. Gender dysphoria and even eating disorders can become a problem when people feel the pressure to dress a certain way.
Not all lesbians need to be masculine. Not all gay men need to be feminine. Not all non-binary people need to be androgynous. You are valid in your expression.
Queer influencers are challenging society’s definition of what it means to be beautiful. Through their platforms, they are able to reach a wide audience to spread the word of queer body positivity.
A notable influencer is Matt Bernstein (@mattxiv). Politics meets art when it comes to Bernstein. His make-up and long painted nails are sure to grab your attention and make you focus on the important information he is sharing. A memorable moment was their response to the hateful comments singer Sam Smith received on his body image. Bernstein responded on his Instagram page saying, “Sexuality is not only for thin, straight people”.
Image Credit: @mattxiv
His response cements the fact that queer body positivity is valid.
Non-binary influencer Addison Rose Vincent (@breakthebinary), is another strong believer in queer body positivity. Their strong response of “my body isn’t for you, it’s for me” rejects societal beauty standards.
The media often stereotypes how the queer body should look in accordance with their sexuality. Queer people often see in mainstream media that their sexuality should correspond to certain body types.
Not true.
Your body is for you, and no one should tell you how you should look or act.
Image Credit: @breakthebinary
It is easy to promote queer body positivity. Something as small as changing the way you compliment someone can have a positive effect. Focus on yourself and celebrate your beauty, you are valid, and no one can tell you otherwise.
Ending with the words of RuPaul, “If you don’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?”.
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