July is Disability Pride Month – a great excuse to share a couple more of these photos from the Melbourne Fashion Festival All Bodies are Beautiful flash mob event held in March. The flash mob was organised by Peta Hooke and Heidi Anderson to show that all bodies should be a part of the 2023 Melbourne Fashion Festival – and it was lots of fun to be a part of.
Stripping down to my underwear on a cool evening for half an hour was quite a feat for my comfort levels – and I’m not talking about for fear of being seen! Here I am, far more undressed than usual. I don’t cover up because I’m ashamed of my skin – I cover up to protect myself from the sun and as my body doesn’t regulate its temperature.
It’s possible to exist in a disabled body and be proud of how it looks and what it can do. I’m proof.
I’m proudly visible to show brands that I buy and wear their products. (Here I’m wearing @kipandco robe, @rollienation shoes and @bondsaus and @jockey_au underwear.)
I’m proudly visible for others with skin conditions, facial differences and disabilities – so they can feel less alone and more empowered to exist unapologetically in the world.
I’m proudly visible, in defiance of the people who have said I’m ugly, that I should hide away, or worse.
I’m proudly visible for Little Carly – because Little Carly was not proud and not full of self love, and desperately wanted to change in order to fit in.
I’m proudly visible because I don’t want anyone’s pity or to be prayed for/preyed upon or to be told I’m brave. I see and love this body every day – and it’s ok if you see it too.
💜
Here is a Reel I made, it has the same photos as above, with the voiceover of Kath Day-Knight from Kath and Kim –check it out on my Instagram.
If this post has helped you or made you think about disability pride differently or you’ll use it in your work, please consider buying me a drink. Thanks!
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