All bodies are good bodies: The Phenomenal Me Charity Photobook Project

I have launched a fundraiser for my 'Phenomenal Me' Charity Photobook Project (www.gofundme.com/phenomenalme). 

The idea is to produce a photo book that celebrates body diversity and the myriad definitions of beauty that mainstream media tends to ignore. The book would feature everyday people celebrating their bodies and embracing the unique parts of themselves that society often tells them they should embarrassed about. It will showcase people celebrating the skin they're in and participating in activities (like pole dancing, hoop, aerial, etc) that so many people just like them are reluctant to try because they are too ashamed of their bodies. The book is about reclaiming our bodies and the right to love and be proud of them, JUST AS THEY ARE.

The money raised from the sale of the book will be donated to a charity that helps people with eating disorders.

The following break down explains how the funds raised will be used:

1) Studio rental - 2 days x $149 = $298 (there is a third day of shooting booked but I covered those costs)

2) Lunch and refreshments on set - $120

3) Hairstylist services for models - $30 x 29 = $870 (models have kindly offered to pay for their own makeup ($36-40 per person) so that more money goes to the project itself)

4) Printing - $2400 (for 100 copies) 

5) Book Launch - $1200 (not final):  
- $400-$500: location rental
- $400: band/DJ booking
- $300: alcohol and snacks

6) Cover artwork- $395

7) Incidentals- $1150

TOTAL: $6433

 This project is LGBTQ-friendly and will be inclusive of people of different races, abilities, beliefs, cultures, etc. Feel free to contact me for more information through GoFundMe.

The important thing to note about this project is that it is not only trying to raise funds for people living with eating disorders, many of the individuals modelling for the photobook have dealt with/still delaing with body image issues as well. Their bravery in revealing parts of themselves they don't always love to a society that has taught them not to love those parts is amazing to see. Hopefully, this will encourage other people to embrace their bodies, head to toe, as well.

(NB- This books may contain some tasteful nudity. It you find nudity in a non-sexual context offensive, then this campaign's not for you. And more's the pity, if that is the case.)

If you'd like to donate or help spread the word, here's the link to the GoFundMe page:

www.GoFundMe.com/phenomenalme

"Don't forget to fall in love with yourself first." - Kathleen's Final Inspirational Post

When I started writing these posts, I expected it to be a challenge. I was right on that front, but it ended up being for a different reason than I’d anticipated; while I’d expected it to be hard by virtue of it being a personal topic—it’s hard to expose your insecurities, pointing them out for others to see and potentially to judge—I struggled the most to articulate what I dislike about my body, in part because I’ve come to realize that I really don’t hate my body the way I once did. My body image certainly isn’t perfect, but even the parts that I do sometimes fixate on or that I am insecure about—like my thighs and my belly—do not cause me nearly the same level of distress that they used to. 

Overall, it’s been an interesting experience trying to put my relationship with my body into words. Despite the challenges of it, it’s a topic that I could continue to explore and discuss probably nearly indefinitely because it continues to shift and evolve and because it’s so strongly entwined with so many other aspects of my life, impacting how I associate with the world and the people around me.

But I think we’d all become exhausted if I did talk about it indefinitely.  So, for now, this will be my last post on the subject, and it’s going to be just a little different than the previous ones. I mentioned above that I don’t hate my body the way I once did, and while I could still tell you about my dislike for the fat that hangs out over my ribs and always creates a roll there, or how I feel self-conscious when people find out how big my feet are (size 11, and yes I do sometimes wear men’s shoes), I’d much rather tell you about all of the little things I love about myself, so I’m going to do just that.

Success # 4 (and beyond) – Loving the little things (… a partial list)

I love my eyes, with their navy ringed irises and how they shift from bright blue to nearly grey depending on the light.

I like my dorkiness and the fact that by and large I’ve learned to embrace it rather than shy away from it. I love that it has resulted in a strange depth of random knowledge.

I’ve come to realize that many of my favourite pictures of myself are ones where the dorkiness shines through.

I love my hair and its curly waviness—it’s temperamental, but it’s beautiful.  Not unlike the rest of me.

I love how far I can point my toes.

I like my bum. It might be big, but it’s round and high and it looks fantastic in a pair of jeans. In fact, I rather like it because it’s big.

I love that I’m learning to live by my mom’s motto of “say yes more often” when it comes to trying new things. And I love that I keep people on their toes because this has left me with a strange variety of hobbies and interest.

There was a time when I would never have even considered trying something like the CN Tower EdgeWalk.

I love the muscle definition that is beginning to appear in my back, shoulders, and arms.

I like the fact that I have the Zorzella nose: the same nose that my dad had and that my brother and many of my cousins also have. (I may not always love how wide it is, but I adore the fact that it’s a family trait).

Not a perfect picture comparison, but it’s still clear that I take after my dad.

I love my dimples. They make me feel adorable.

I love the shape of my lips, and that I’ve recently discovered how awesome wearing lipstick makes me feel.

I love how strong I’m getting, and how many more things I am capable of now than it was even six months ago, and I cannot wait to find out what I will become capable of in the next six.

This picture looks celebratory to me, and that’s pretty much how I feel about being able to do things like this!