Now that it’s officially June, it’s Pride month. Pride in this current climate has a theme of resistance. I’m fortunate enough to work for a company that not only supports resistance but actively resists.
Here is a quote from the Pleasure Chest about why Resistance is important:
“Our theme for Pride this year is Resistance and Celebration. We have always been a queer-owned and operated business, and now more than ever, we know the importance of standing up, speaking out, and fighting for what we believe in. Team Pleasure Chest wanted to take a bold stand this year, so each store got together and created an art installation on their doors and windows. We wanted to pay homage to the queer heroes that inspired us: the writers, artists, activists, and legends that paved the way. We also wanted to call out the ideas and activities that we are actively resisting, now more than ever.”
What am I resisting exactly? I wrote on the window about resisting beauty standards.
I’m a fat Femme of color. By all accords I should feel bad about myself because I see little to no representation of myself in the media. When I do see another fat person, I see them represented as the funny fat friend, or simply undesirable. I love dark makeup and glitter. I have been told by many people I am too much. I take it as a compliment now.
It’s taken me many years to be as comfortable in my skin as I am now, and I still have a ways to go. There are always days where my confidence gets shaken. It can just be a simple comment someone made to me at work about having something in a “normal” size when they’re holding up something that clearly fits me, or just a day where I’m feeling down in general. I am not perfect, but I am getting to a place where those bad days are fewer and further between.
Resist beauty norms, do whatever makes you feel beautiful. In general beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.
It’s not just a sappy sentiment, it’s true. At the end of the day the only responsibility is to make yourself happy. And if your happiness comes from wearing glitter glasses and bright red lipstick, do that! If it means not shaving and wearing leggings all the time, do that! You can’t spend your time trying to please everyone, and you should be your number one priority.
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