Contributor:
Thisanut Keawnukul (Bright)
To celebrate the beauty, APCOM is inviting you – yes YOU – to join our “Body Positive” campaign.
Your submission may be chosen for exhibitions planned in November 2022!
Photo from APCOM’s Body Positivity Photo Exhibition, June 2022, Bangkok
The photoshoot was unexpected as I was the first Thai person for the photographer to shoot. I was hesitant at first about showing my body, but I thought if I don’t do this now and use this opportunity, especially when I know the photographer, when will I get another chance?
The theme of the photoshoot was about sexual positivity, an aspect of sex desire that can be shown in a positive light rather than something to be ashamed of and we think we should hide from ourselves and others.
Apparently, the photographer received a lot of good feedback from people who have seen my photos in his book and his exhibition. I also picture myself at the age of 60, looking at the pictures and being proud of what I did.
When I was younger, TV and commercials played a big part in building my self-image which was not always the most positive as they tend to portray certain kinds of images. Those days there wasn’t much LGBTQI content in the media either. Now, with social media everywhere, I learned that there’s so much diversity. You can be yourself and give your own narrative which I find empowering.
As a child, I loved to do sports and dance which allowed me to keep my body fit. I also have supportive parents that allow me to pursue activities that I like, so I am confident with my body and who I am. I don’t have a specific part of my body that I absolutely love or dislike for that matter. However, I do get negative comments about my darker skin tone as in Thailand it was seen as not beautiful when I was a child. I get judged first about the colour of my skin rather than being gay.
I remember for a school event I tried to sign up as a dancer but I was rejected as my skin was the darkest compared to the others . Back then I did not get mad or upset with the decision. I just accepted it because I understood the environment that they based their wrong decision on. It did not stop me from pursuing my passion for dance and it actually encouraged me to be more understanding and accepting of the diversity of human beings. It made me realize that there’s beauty in everyone.
See also:
“Because I was nowhere near that body type, I have always considered myself as not worthy of other’s attention…”
Inad Rendon
“I always wanted to grow long hair because it makes me feel more authentic”
URNUUNBILEG OYUNBILEG (Bryce)
“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 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
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 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
