#gender and bodies

[brooke2valley]

Ya see the difference? 🤭 💕

It's less of a "I look wrong" now and more of a "oh I need to clean myself up" lol it gets better.

Promise ❤️

[sociology-self-reflection]

Navigating Gender and Bodies: A Personal Journey Beyond Societal Norms

Introduction

Navigating the tangled web of gender and body image in today's world often feels like tiptoeing through a minefield of societal standards and cultural pressures. My own journey through this maze has been a rollercoaster ride of self-discovery and acceptance, peppered with moments of self-doubt and insecurity. From childhood to adulthood, I've grappled with the clash between society's ideals and my own sense of self.

Reflecting on my experiences and drawing inspiration from scholarly works like Foucault's "Docile Bodies" and Czerniawski's "Beauty Beyond Size 16," I embarked on a personal quest to explore the intricate intersection of gender identity and body image. As a plus-size Asian woman, I've often felt like a fish out of water in a world that worships at the altar of thinness. From a young age, I've been keenly aware of the pit between societal standards and my lived reality.

Growing up, the media bombarded us with images of airbrushed perfection, leaving me feeling like I was always falling short. The pressure to conform to these unrealistic ideals was relentless, and I found myself constantly trying to fit into a mold that was never designed for me. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't shake the feeling of inadequacy that lurked beneath the surface.

Through the lens of Foucault's "Docile Bodies" and Czerniawski's "Beauty Beyond Size 16," I set out to unravel the complexities of gender identity and body image, shedding light on the oppressive forces that shape our perceptions of self. Join me as I challenge the status quo and redefine beauty on my own terms.

Body as a Site of Regulation

Foucault's concept of "docile bodies" resonates deeply with my own experiences of growing up in a society that imposes rigid standards of beauty and masculinity/femininity. From an early age, I internalized societal messages about the ideal body size, shape, and appearance, leading to a constant struggle to conform to these standards. Whether it was the pressure to maintain a certain weight or adhere to traditional gender roles, my body became a battleground where societal norms clashed with personal identity.

As a young girl, I absorbed the messages bombarding me from all sides—the media, peers, and even family members—about what it meant to be beautiful and feminine. I was keenly aware of my differences, forever feeling like an outsider in a world that demanded conformity. The pressure to adhere to these unattainable standards was suffocating, turning my body into a battlefield where societal expectations waged war against my sense of self.

I specifically recall a time in elementary school where all of us students had to be measured our weight and height and I could hear my peers commenting on what other people's height or weight was. It made me nervous for my turn because I did not wish to share that personal information in fear of being taunted by them. My peers alone made me feel self-conscious about my height and weight when almost all the other girls in class were somewhat short and skinny. I felt like a giant monster.

Despite my efforts to fit into the mold prescribed by society, I couldn't shake the feeling of inadequacy that gnawed at my confidence. Foucault's exploration of "docile bodies" underscores the profound impact of societal regulation on individual autonomy and self-perception. Like the subjects in Foucault's analysis, I found myself subjected to the mechanisms of discipline and control that seek to mold bodies into compliant, obedient forms. Yet, even in the face of these oppressive forces, I refuse to be reduced to a passive object of regulation.

My journey shows how strong we can be when we take control of our own bodies and identities. Through introspection, self-acceptance, and advocacy, I seek to challenge the oppressive structures that govern our perceptions of beauty and gender. I refuse to be confined by societal norms and instead embrace the beauty of diversity, celebrating every curve, every imperfection, and every facet of my authentic self.

Navigating Gender Expectations

Czerniawski's examination of "Beauty Beyond Size 16" serves as a powerful reminder of the widespread influence of mainstream media and consumer culture in shaping our perceptions of beauty. As I reflect on my own journey, navigating the treacherous waters of gender expectations and body image, I'm aware of the suffocating pressure to conform to narrow standards dictated by societal norms.

From a young age, I found myself confronted with set-in-stone definitions of beauty and masculinity/femininity that left little room for deviation. As a plus-size Asian woman, I existed at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities, each laden with its own set of expectations and stereotypes. The relentless bombardment of media imagery glorifying thinness and perpetuating binary notions of gender only served to enhance my feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.

I vividly recall the countless moments of internalized scrutiny as I attempted to reconcile my authentic self with the idealized images projected by society. The pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards and adhere to binary notions of gender often felt like a heavy burden, weighing down on me with each passing day. It seemed as though every aspect of my identity was subject to scrutiny and judgment, leaving me feeling like an outsider in my own skin.

Czerniawski's exploration serves as a beacon of hope in a sea of conformity, challenging the notion that beauty is confined to a single mold. As I navigate the complexities of gender expectations and body image, I'm reminded of the importance of embracing diversity and celebrating the beauty of every individual, regardless of size, shape, or gender identity. Through advocacy, empowerment, and self-expression, I seek to challenge the oppressive structures that seek to confine us within narrow confines of beauty and gender.

Challenging the Status Quo

We can redefine the narrative. Amidst the sea of societal expectations and cultural pressures, I've forged a path of self-discovery and redefinition. Rejecting the cookie-cutter molds of beauty and gender, I've embarked on a journey to rewrite the narrative on my own terms.

This journey hasn't been without its challenges. Confronted by brutal standards and suffocating norms, I've faced moments of doubt and uncertainty. But with each step forward, I've reclaimed my power and embraced the fullness of my identity.

No longer shackled by societal dictates, I've found freedom in embracing authenticity. From challenging the confines of traditional beauty standards to dismantling outdated gender norms, I've become an agent of change in my own right.

This isn't just a journey of self-acceptance; it's a revolution of the soul. By rejecting conformity and celebrating diversity, we pave the way for a more inclusive and compassionate world—one where every individual is free to shine in their own unique light.

Embracing Authenticity

In the labyrinth of societal expectations, I discovered a profound truth: true liberation resides in embracing authenticity. It's not just about loving ourselves; it's about unapologetically celebrating every facet of who we are, quirks and all.

As a plus-size Asian woman navigating the dangerous waters of body image, I found myself constantly drowning with unchangeable standards of beauty. From the glossy pages of fashion magazines to the relentless bombardment of social media, the message was clear: conform or be cast aside.

Yet, amidst the voices telling me who I should be, I found solace in the quiet rebellion of authenticity. Rather than striving for unattainable ideals, I've learned to love and accept myself for who I am, flaws and all. I've found empowerment in embracing authenticity and rejecting societal norms that seek to diminish my worth.

It wasn't an easy journey. There were moments of self-doubt, of questioning whether I was worthy of love and acceptance. But with each step towards embracing my true self, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders, a sense of freedom coursing through my veins.

Today, I stand tall in my authenticity, evidence to the power of self-love and acceptance. I refuse to be defined by societal norms or constrained by arbitrary standards of beauty. Instead, I revel in the beauty of my imperfections, knowing that true beauty lies in embracing who we are, unapologetically and without reservation.

Conclusion

As I look back on my journey through the twists and turns of gender and body image, I'm struck by how much self-acceptance and self-love have made a difference in the face of society's pressures. Mixing personal stories with insights from academic articles has given me a better understanding of how gender identity, body image, and societal expectations all dance together.

Moving forward, I'm committed to shaking up the set systems in place and making society more welcoming and inclusive. Everyone should have the chance to be themselves without fear or judgment. So, as I keep exploring who I am and speaking out for change, I'm inviting others to join me on this journey to redefine beauty and identity, one bold move at a time.

Resources

Czerniawski, Sophie. "Beauty Beyond Size 16: Gender, Aesthetics, and Social Media." Feminist Media Studies, vol. 18, no. 6, 2018, pp. 1081-1086.

Foucault, Michel. "Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison." Vintage Books, 1995.

[greelin]

it is literally called a “happy” trail for a reason.. If you feel any emotion other than joy upon seeing it you should be sent to live on a deserted island by yourself forever. or blow up. either way get out of my presence

[mag200]

(me on a first date) and what do you think of the inherent intimacy of surgery? have you considered the love someone must have to put their hands under your skin and hold the most grotesque parts of you and put them back together nicely? is anyone really closer to you than that? we all get uh a little enamored on the surgery table don't we haha. wait come back

[tomboyyyaoi]

i think often about how mizuki used to cover her mirror....

[sopping-beast]

Dykes that are built like industrial equipment. You agree.

[alienbycomics]

A comic collab I made with my non-binary transmasc friend LM about our experiences feeling at home in our bodies 🪷

Check out more from my amazingly talented friend LM on Instagram:

https://instagram.com/lmperttula_design?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

[goat-moth-thing]

i wish more people would understand that trying to label a nonbinary person as transmasc or transfem is still forcing them into a binary

[pretty-chloe]

Only want someone serious to suck my thing 🍆💦😩

[incognitopolls]

We ask your questions so you don’t have to! Submit your questions to have them posted anonymously as polls.

[punk-dad-sharkz]

i hate talking about dysphoria with cis ppl because they immediately clock it as body dysmorphia, and only as body dysmorphia. (i say only bc some trans ppl can and do experience both)

i can't talk about how i hate how my thighs make me feel/look feminine because they always say "but you look fine!" or "i think you look amazing!" or "but you should love them!"

and it's so hard to describe dysphoria, especially to ppl who don't experience it, or who don't want to understand it isn't dysmorphia

and no matter how hard you try to explain they always try to make you love this body you have because "you should love yourself as you are!"

but i do love myself. but not quite exactly how i am. i love what i know I can be. i love knowing that one day i'll have top surgery scars i can trace with my fingers and a scratchy beard from T. i love knowing that I can eventually do my silly little effeminate gestures without hating how it makes me look. i love knowing that eventually i can look in a mirror and grin at the man i've become.

but that's not right now. i may cry a little when a shirt doesn't fit the way it should, but i don't hate the body that makes it that way. I may feel a pit in my stomach when I realize the way that i'm standing makes me look girly, but i don't hate that i'm standing that way.

i don't hate that i used to be a girl but i hate when people still think i am.

i don't hate my body, i just hate how it isn't what it's supposed to be quite yet. could that make any sense to the cis folks reading this?

I am trans and I love my body, just sometimes it doesn't love me back. and one day it will.

[veniixo]

hello chat this is my glados design if she had a body. goodbye.......

OH and a stupid ahh atlas and p-body meme i made in a minute

teehee

[caitlinjohns77]

Liberal feminism is a disease

[malialadycolor]

I require some treats ✨

[3ris-d1st0rtionnn]

PSA to any nonhumans/otherkin/voidpunks who want a fang piercing to affirm themselves!!!

Do NOT do this:

This is a “smiley” piercing (a horseshoe bar through the frenulum); fang bars are NOT proper jewelry to wear in them! Their size and shape can increase the risk of gum recession and tooth chipping (and are at a higher risk of being torn out by mistake!), plus they’re difficult to live with when it comes to eating, drinking, and sleeping.

Do this instead:

These are vertical angel bites (AKA “angel fangs”), using a standard curved barbell with a spike on the bottom. They don’t extend into the oral cavity at all, which means your teeth won’t be damaged and there’s a lesser risk of injury. This piercing is also easier to live with so you can keep your fangs full-time (as long as the spikes you use aren’t TOO long, I’d recommend 3 to 4 mm).

Pls remember to affirm yourselves safely (especially with body modification), and only wear jewelry that’s meant to safely go in your piercing! 💕

(This is a safe space for MOGAI, otherkin, voidpunk, and nonhuman identities! Any offending or bigoted comments will be deleted and blocked. Please be respectful in the comments!!)

[robogart]

I made a comic about my Asymmetrical Breasts! It's a 5 page comic that talks a bit about my journey with them and it's now live on Oh Joy Sex Toy!

It was really lovely to work with OJST on this comic and I hope it speaks to some other babes out there with similar feelings! 💖

This a topic I have a lot of feelings about and it was so hard to narrow down! But I think I captured a nice shimmer of it here 💖