#Fresh Take – You are in control of your body

It was at Samantha’s three-year-old son’s birthday party that an aunt asked “haven’t you outgrown this green hair colour?” No, your freedom has no expiry date, Samantha!

Mariana is a 60-year-old, she has always loved going to the beach. However it’s been some time since people started badmouthing her body, and they have suggested she retired the bikini and wore something more discreet.

Mariana, your body is not an ornament made to please the public. You go to the beach however you like! Those who don’t approve your looks, can look the other way.

Jessica has always been skinny, and used to get upset when she heard people saying: “Real men love curves.” Jessica, your body is not there for “real men to love.” You don’t have to do anything to please anyone but yourself. Love should accept you just the way you are without making any adjustments.

Larissa heard a thousand times she’s not a “real woman.” But that’s exactly what you are, ok Larissa? You are the only authority of your body and your identity!

Babi is a seven-year-old. Her parents found it a bit odd that she chose to do karate instead of ballet. Babi, gender conventions should never limit your identity. You can do whatever you want to do.

Helena avoided wearing high heels because everybody told her she would be even taller. Then Helena tried on a pair of Louboutins and has never ever wanted to take them off.

Bia can’t walk and is in a wheel chair. For as long as Bia can remember she heard men saying it was hard finding a woman who preferred books to shoes. Bia LOVES shoes and is also a professor in Fresh Literature. She never really understood the so-called incompatibility between her passions.

Maria loves her afro. But rumour has it that her hair is ugly, bad, untidy, looks dirty … Maria, do not straighten your hair just because of that. Your hair is memory, ancestry, strength, beauty in its uniqueness, identity and tons of love. Your hair, besides being gorgeous, is yours. You are in charge.

Marina loves her striped dress, but fashion magazines said horizontal stripes didn’t fit her body shape. Don’t you care about those magazines, Marina. The important thing is for you to wear what you like and to feel comfortable in your own body.

Jane was told that she would be really pretty if she lost weight. Jane, your beauty and self-esteem are not defined by your weight.

Silvia is in her early 30’s and has white hair. People have told her to dye it so she doesn’t look old. Silvia, dyeing your hair is an option, not an obligation. If you like your white hair, no one has anything to do with it. Age is no reason for shame. Your hair is beautiful and the choice is yours.

Amanda has decided that shaving is not her thing. Amanda it’s your body and you do whatever you want with it. No social convention should have a say in your identity.

Ana was raped. Ana you are not alone. It is not your fault. The experience is not what defines you as a human being. You are so much more than someone who got raped. Don’t label yourself, you are not an outcast.

Whitney has spent 10 years of her life trying to lose weight so she could be happy then. Then, she realised that her body didn’t stop her from doing what she loves and trying to find happiness. That’s the way Whitney! You don’t have to allow that an excluding and discriminating model be put between you and your happiness.Everybody is entitled to self-respect.

It took Lorena a long time to find her sensuality because she has never seen herself represented as beauty only as tragedy. But you are much more than the way media portrays you, Lorena. Your wheelchair is freedom and it can knock over anyone who reduces you to stereotypes.