This post will be exclusively from the perspective of a cis-gendered non-binary but fem presenting person.
One thing that our society likes to push on us fem-presenting people is an uncomfortableness with our bodies. Now I was born in the mid-eighties. That means all the women who were in Hollywood, that were featured in famous movies, holiday shows, or tv sitcoms were skinny. Like heroin chic skinny.
And even to this day I long to be as skinny as them. Think Jennifer Aniston in friends, where your hips stick out and you could hang a Christmas ornament from your collarbone. But alas, I’ve only been skinny like that once in my life, mainly because of tummy problems, and I just had no energy and was severely anemic. So, I could not do anything else other than exist and look pretty.
I think that an obsessive focus on how our bodies are shaped is a perfect distraction to the corruption of money and power. If I hate my body, then I cannot focus on what’s happening behind the scenes or organize a protest. Why? Because instead of being on the streets, I’ll be in the bathroom compulsively picking out my eyebrow hairs for that perfect arch, or doom scrolling on IG.
So instead of becoming skinny, now I want to become strong. Have you seen that trending reel of Ilona Maher? Here it is. That bitch (said fondly) is strong AF. And is an Olympian. And has used her access to the masses for good.
And you know what else I can do strong? Sleep well. Organize. Protest. Break generational barriers. Fuck Ice.
I’ve found a gym in Victoria that offers in home personal training in Greater Victoria. How fucking cool is that? I’m not sure the cost, but this could be a great way to remove barriers to becoming strong. Especially for those who would have trouble getting themselves to a gym, or those who may feel shame, or those who would feel too self-conscious. The gym can be such a scary place, big muscle-bound dudes walking around with their nipples hanging out. Or muscle-mommies who have seemingly never experienced a set-back in their bodies literally ever. Some people are too perfect, and I have a hard time taking up space when they are around. But that’s not a them-problem, it’s a me problem.
So, lets get strong. Let’s get strong in a gym or in our own houses. Let’s get strong so that we can stand up and fight against those who want us small and weak (of both mind and body). Let’s build those biceps baby!