QUEERPRIDE: Celebrating Diverse Bodies Understanding Body Image Body image refers to how we perceive and feel about our own bodies. It encompasses our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours related to our physical appearance. Queer-Specific Challenges In the queer community, body image challenges are often exacerbated due to societal expectations and stereotypes. LGBTQIA+ individuals may experience discrimination and pressure to conform to conventional beauty standards, which can lead to body dissatisfaction and mental health issues. Queer-Specific Challenges Gender dysphoria Stereotypical Beauty standards Internalized Phobia Fear of discrimination Pressure to conform The need for a campaign Studies show that queer individuals are at a higher risk of experiencing body dissatisfaction and mental health issues compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Importance It's crucial to address these challenges because a positive body image is closely tied to self-esteem, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Our campaign seeks to create a safe and empowering space for queer college students to embrace and love their bodies QueerPride: Celebrating Diverse Bodies Campaign ObjectivesOur campaign has three main objectives: to promote self-acceptance, challenge harmful beauty standards, and create a supportive community that celebrates diverse bodies. Strategies for the campaign To achieve these objectives, we have designed a multifaceted approach, including interactive workshops, inclusive events, and a powerful social media presence Campaign Activities Our workshop series will include sessions on self-love, mindfulness, and body positivity. These workshops will provide practical tools and strategies for participants to build a healthier relationship with their bodies. Photoshoots, Body art, Talk Campaign Activities Body art Art as a form of expression Quality with with self Can be in form of makeup, tattoos, painting and dressing up Campaign Activities Photoshoot Collaborative Being mindful about others A sense of community Confidence boost Campaign Activities Educational talk Body image issues and self acceptance Products and surgical procedures Helplines- Queerythm can be reached on 9745545559 in English, Malayalam, and Tamil. With the transgender policy in place and a slew of awareness campaigns to boot, one would expect the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community to feel more accepted and unfazed. Collaborations and Partnerships LGBTQ+ Organizations: We are proud to collaborate with local LGBTQ+ organizations to strengthen our campaign's reach and impact. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment. Mental Health Professionals: Mental health experts will be an integral part of our workshops and support sessions, providing guidance and resources to participants who may need additional help. Measuring Success Metrics: We'll measure our success through attendance numbers, social media engagement, and pre/postcampaign surveys to track changes in participants' attitudes toward their bodies. Feedback and Evaluation: Continuous feedback from participants and regular evaluation will guide us in refining and enhancing the campaign, ensuring its effectiveness. Limitations Overemphasis on physical appearance Pressure to be positive Limited impact on systemic issues Citations Here are some common body image issues faced by the queer community, along with research citations: Dove campaign: proud to be me https://www.dove.com/us/en/dove-self-esteem-project/self-esteem-resources-for-youthgroups/proud-to-be-me.html butterfly organisation campaign with insta : body pride https://butterfly.org.au/news/butterfly-and-instagram-combat-body-image-pressures-within-thelgbtqia-community-to-promote-body-pride/ Citations Pressure to Conform to Heteronormative Beauty Standards: Research has shown that queer individuals may face pressure to conform to societal beauty standards that are often based on heteronormative ideals, leading to body dissatisfaction. · Citation: VanKim, N. A., Erickson, D. J., Eisenberg, M. E., Lust, K., Rosser, B. R. S., & Laska, M. N. (2017). Differences in weight-related behaviors and attitudes in heterosexual and sexual minority US college students: A gendered analysis. Journal of American College Health, 65(7), 482-491. · Link : https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40894-018-0079-2 Experiences of Discrimination and Stigma: Discrimination and stigma faced by queer individuals can contribute to negative body image and mental health issues. · Citation: Hatzenbuehler, M. L., Phelan, J. C., & Link, B. G. (2013). Stigma as a fundamental cause of population health inequalities. American Journal of Public Health, 103(5), 813-821. · Link : https://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.2012.301069 Mental Health and Substance Use: Research has indicated a link between poor body image and mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, among LGBTQ+ individuals. • Citation: Puckett, J. A., Surace, F. I., Levitt, H. M., & Horne, S. G. (2020). Links between body dissatisfaction and psychological functioning among transgender and gender-nonconforming people: A longitudinal test of minority stress theory. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 67(6), 717-728. • Link : https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/145/4/e20193006/76951?utm_source=TrendMD Intersectionality and Multiple Marginalization: Queer individuals who belong to other marginalized groups (e.g., people of color, trans individuals) may experience compounding body image issues due to intersectional discrimination. · Citation: Calzo, J. P., Blashill, A. J., Brown, T. A., & Argenal, R. L. (2017). Eating disorders and disordered weight and shape control behaviors in sexual minority populations. Current Psychiatry Reports, 19(8), 49. · Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28660475/ Internalised Homophobia and Biphobia: Some queer individuals may internalize societal prejudices, leading to self-criticism and negative body image. Citation: Wang, K. T., & Raymond, H. F. (2019). Association of internalized sexual orientation and body dissatisfaction among transgender and cisgender adults. LGBT Health, 6(3), 107-114. · https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1740144520303752 Lack of Representation: A lack of positive and diverse representation of queer bodies in media and advertising can contribute to feelings of invisibility and inadequacy. Citation: Perrotti, J., & Westwood, S. (2019). Interrogating the Pink Pound: Representation and the Queer Body. Routledge. https://tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14036096.2014.991809\ "LOVE KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES, AND NEITHER DOES SELFACCEPTANCE." THANK YOU! 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️
