“Five years ago I found myself submerged in an online fetish and kink community. This expo
“Five years ago I found myself submerged in an online fetish and kink community. This exposure really affected my relationship with the human form, and my relationship with my own body. Over time, I have found outlets for positive exhibitionism both online via instagram and in real time. There’s a real community for this type of image sharing. It is empowering. Documenting and displaying my body and my sexual freedom has become complicated as it confuses the male audience. They see my body as an invitation for approach and imposition, and my interest in the body’s self expression, has become a platform for unsolicited, and uncomfortable remarks. I receive messages like, “U ARE SO HOT,” “Ur body is perfect,” “Are you looking for a boyfrennn?” or “Are you a lesbian?” On the off-chance, I’ll receive messages from strangers with nothing but an image of their erect penis enclosed. I want to be clear: though this is content that I share publicly, it is not material for onlookers to take ownership of. My posts, no matter how revealing, do not imply or give consent. I don’t think it’s shocking to hear that the community is quite divisive when it comes to the participation of men and women. I was recently at a kink event where a male stranger confided in me that, “consent is half the battle.” I’m constantly wondering where we draw the line on what is and isn’t sexual assault. Where along the line did the female body become an open invitation for unsolicited remarks and behaviour from men who have been socialized to believe they have ownership over our bodies? For instance, in other public arenas such as strip clubs and casinos, there are very clear rules about touching and exposure. Other anecdotes that come to mind are the countless times clothing is blamed for sexual assault. “She was asking for it,” and “What were you wearing?” have become go-to scapegoats in assault cases, leaving us completely arrested in our own bodies, regardless of how we identify ourselves sexually.” #HERstories #makeportraits Project/Photography by Erika Altosaar @ealtosaar -- source link