On the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, 17 May 2022, Max Wahid from Fiji, and Michael Liu from China talks about this year’s theme “Our Bodies, Our Lives, Our Rights”
“This entire narrative around ‘beauty’ and ‘fat shaming’ needs to be destroyed and healthy conversations sparked. Normalizing conversations around positive body image need to start from homes!”
Max Wahid
“Before I did this campaign, I was super sensitive about my scars on the chest. However, after I reviewed these scars, they became less ugly and annoying. I started to accept them as one part of my body.”
Michael Liu
This year’s theme also compliments APCOM’s Body Positivity Campaign, creating inclusive communication and inspire individuals to talk about their relationship with their body. However, “Our Bodies, Our Lives, Our Rights” as a theme also reminds us that being LGBTQI and claiming our rights to live our sexualities and to express ourselves freely is not a given – physical violence, conversion “therapies”, and forced sterilization of trans and intersex people must stop! Our bodies are our lives. And we have a right to live free and with dignity!
How to take part in the campaign?
Through any of your online activities, please message about body positivity with the hashtag #apacAllBody. The best way is to speak up about body positivity on your private or public platforms. Give your opinions and motivate people.
You can share through our social media as well
- Photograph – Post your photo(s) that show how proud you are with your body and hashtag #apacAllbody together with other hashtags you would like to support. For example, #mybodymypride, #realsizebeauty , etc.
- Nude photo: Full naked, half naked or showing only some body part(s).
For the skin color & texture matter, we suggest you show your bare skin. - Wear body fit clothes: You can show your body shape through fabrics as well
- Body paint: Paint or write word(s) or short messages on body part(s) for example back or belly
- Signboard: Write word(s) or short messages on a paper or tablet, taking a photo with you (naked or with clothes on) holding it.
- Video – Instagram Reel or TikTok no longer than 20 seconds.
Duration
14 February – 25 November 2022
Exhibitions
Your submission may be chosen for two exhibitions planned in June and November 2022!
If you are interested in sponsoring this campaign to show solidarity for a more equal and just society for LGBTQI human rights, and people living with HIV, please contact APCOM on [email protected], facebook.com/apcom.org, twitter.com/apcom
Read here on how our staff is taking part in the Body Positivity campaign:
“This campaign is a very good start to change the negative perception about your own body, to make you realise that you are already beautiful and that you do not need to be perfect in the eyes of others.”
Vaness S. Kongsakul, Operations and Communications Officer
“My photograph expresses my vulnerability and, as we all struggle in this long journey of growth and self-acceptance, I hope people can feel they can express any emotions they have or relationship they have with their body.”
Chartlada Sangakij (JJ), Creative Communications and Media Assistant
