monique-poses: This is what vulnerability looks like. This photographer earned my trust and in excha
monique-poses: This is what vulnerability looks like. This photographer earned my trust and in exchange I was able to express my innermost darkness. This collaboration was beautiful, except for the fact that alcohol was involved. I was clear that I shouldn’t drink, but he insisted on refilling my drink excessively. Because we had such good chemistry &I felt like I trusted this man, I allowed it. This was a poor decision that I regret. We made incredible images that truly embody the most broken pieces of my soul. I revealed during this session that I was sexually abused as a child. I seldom share this with anyone, but now I’m sharing it with you. Why? Because this man exploited and completely took advantage of me. I kept my silence for a long time. I felt ashamed &embarrassed that I allowed this to happen &did not stand up for myself. I kept my silence because I’m an established fine art model. I shouldn’t have had alcohol during this shoot. That mistake impaired my judgment &put me in a helpless position. I kept my silence for fear that other models/photographers would call me a liar or perhaps ridicule me for my error. This was my fault. Wrong. This mentality is why I never spoke up for 7 years as a child. My abuser manipulated my emotions, he exploited my naivety &utilized guilt tactics to keep me thinking I was the bad one. What this photographer did is no different. After being told by SEVERAL models that they were victims of this EXACT scenario with this same photographer, I realize that this was not just my stupid mistake. This is a formula that he uses as often as possible to take advantage of his models. He earns their trust, persists with substances until they’re impaired, exploits their vulnerabilities and takes advantage of every weakness revealed to him. This photographer who claims to be so concerned for women’s rights, who has a WIFE &DAUGHTER better go back to calling himself “nom de guerre,” as is much more fitting, because I found my voice. @r_parker_blackburn @artofthemodel I’m talking to you. Models: never doubt your gut. Im sorry for not speaking up sooner. I could’ve spared some. Be warned that this man changes his pseudonyms for a reason. -- source link