Dear Instagram: Please Stop the Same Day-Different Angle Photos

BY LISA MARIE BASILE

You know, people have tried to rule over women's bodies since the beginning of time. We are the most feared things on earth, of course, which is why we must be oppressed and destroyed. We must be plucked from our shells and turned into pearls; or, we must be simple and quiet, as mute girls in the Garden. 

Our bodies are used and abused while our contributions and voices often go unheard. Whether we are genetic or surgeried doesn't matter; it just matters that we attain perfection: we are territories that must be claimed, judged, shamed, changed, and belittled. We’ve died to fit standards. You know it, you feel it every day, either in your own life or as part of someone else's.

We’re told to adopt or straddle all sorts of impossible archetypal binaries (whore in the sheets, lady in the streets; pretty but not slutty; sweet but not overly-emotional, sexual but not whore-ish; smart but also hot; skinny but with big boobs, confident but not too assertive, girly but not prissy, active but not tomboyish, curvy but not fat).

We’ve been hung for our magic, for our nature, for our blood. We’ve been punished, burned, guillotined and excommunicated for being different, for being powerful, for not abiding by strict social constructs. We’ve been sold, raped, traded and silenced. And we’re tired. We are tired of being told how to be.

And this is awful because a person can’t magically snap her fingers to love themselves; centuries of shame and internalized judgement have bloomed in us; we carry ancestral trauma. We often take years to develop a sense of self-love that exists on its own, without being I.V.-fed by the compliments of others. This is no fault of ours; this is the world around us making us sick.

To walk around in a body that society still sees as a bad or unattractive is a sort of perpetual prison; you feel like you should love yourself and yet every magazine cover, every TV show, every depiction of women everywhere has little to no representation or inclusivity.

It is so hard to feel powerful and beautiful sometimes. Most of us (since the majority of women in this country are a size 14 or over) have never seen a female lead with our body type. Think on that. What if every movie you’ve ever loved replaced the leading lady with someone over, say, size 10? What would you think of yourself then?

RELATED: How To: A Spell For Body Acceptance & Appreciation (NSFW)

So it’s no wonder we revolt – using the Internet. 

We’ve forced a space for inclusivity online, and we don’t need money or power to do it. We just community and love. And we should be applauded for our continuous, tiring, Sisyphean work.

In today's world, we just need a free Instagram page where we can share our stories, show our bodies and say: enough is enough. There's something incredible about that open market of love.

Cellulite, big thighs, saggy breasts, soft tummies – it’s all there. Because if we normalize these things we understand they’re not bad or poisonous or ugly or different. In fact, ironically, they’re the norm.

But.

But there is a difference between touting body positivity and self-love and using flawed or reductive (not to mention, isolating) tactics to increase body awareness. 

Enter Instagram's trendy same day, different angle photos. At first glance, they seem assuring, bold, beautiful. They even feel downright necessary. Because when you see a girl with a toned stomach, standing with her legs apart just so, you feel better about her four or five tummy rolls when she sits down in the picture to the left. It means she’s posed! It means she’s real! It means she’s just like you. I admit I really liked them too, until I started realizing that they were fraught with many of the same issues that caused them. 

These photos may bring a sense of self-love to some people, and we shouldn’t discount that.

But these photos are actually more harmful than we might realize, and I'm not sure they're the right approach.

For one, they affirm the binary of “hot” versus “not” rather than subverting it or ignoring it. You can call (or, infer) one photo a “good” angle and the other a “bad angle” (or you can imply this without explicitly saying it) or you could just post a picture of your body – curves, rolls, big thighs, cellulite – and say nothing of it.

It's like there always has to be a novelty or game around our bodies; they still can't just be.

We don’t need to be told that the posed, butt-out, tummy-in, breasts-up photo is the ‘fake’ or ‘forced’ one. We know that already.

On one hand, there are plenty of young girls who might feel goodknowing that one photo is ‘fake’ and the other is ‘real,’ and I realize this might be helpful to them.

RELATED: How I Combat Shaming Comments With Sexy Self Portraits (NSFW)

But what feels good right now might actually be delaying what’s right in the long run. We don’t need to play this game; we can simply exist. Young women will start to see themselves represented, without having to know which shot is hot and which shot is not.

Perhaps equally as importantly is the fact that these posed and un-posed pictures (and let's call it as it is: the un-posed pictures are still often posed) tend to come from people who are traditionally considered 'attractive' or 'fit.'

Now, there are a lot of nasty assumptions around being thin (disordered eating, the claim that thin bodies aren’t womanly enough), but to larger women who have been systematically devalued by men and other women as well as the media their entire lives, it feels a bit flippant, a bit gauche, to show a size 2 or 4 body in its “bad” pose.

Because despite those aforementioned assumptions, there are still plenty of elements of skinny privilege in this sort of body activism.

If you’re, say, a size 2 and fit (but happen to have a roll when you sit down), you may be reducing the reality that larger-bodied women have had to face; they’ve seen flaws like yours on bodies like yours be called “cute” or “sweet," while they’ve been called words I refuse to type here.

In that sense, many of those Instagrammers are contributing to a larger issue: that a body is capable of looking ugly and bad, even if it is typically considered ‘perfect.’ And that’s a problem, because there are millions of women have been taught they should kill for that ‘bad pose’ body. 

In the end, it's nuanced, isn't it? Taking selfies is a powerful statement of self-love and an important act of self-portraiture, no matter the body size or type. If a woman feels beautiful, she ought to capture that. That is power.

But these same day-different angle photos are different. No one is intending on hurting anyone (and this isn't about shaming or blaming those good intentions). Women ought not feel badly for taking part in these acts of self-love and digital dissent.

But there's more here than meets the eye.

In our fight against body shame, these photos explicitly accept the fact that one body is better than the other. That in the same day a girl can be ‘hot’ and then ‘not’, simply by rearranging her stance. 

The better call? Just show off your body. Be you. Don’t use qualifiers. Take up space. Selfie the space you take. And show it, without reason. Without explanation.

---

Lisa Marie Basile is the founding editor-in-chief of Luna Luna Magazine and moderator of its digital community. Her work has appeared in The Establishment, Bustle, Bust, Hello Giggles, Marie Claire, Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan and The Huffington Post, among other sites. She is the author of Apocryphal (Noctuary Press), war/lock (Hyacinth Girl Press), Andalucia (The Poetry Society of New York) and Triste (Dancing Girl Press). Her work can be found in PANK, the Tin House blog, The Nervous Breakdown, The Huffington Post, Best American Poetry, PEN American Center, The Atlas Review, and the Ampersand Review, among others. She has taught or spoken at Brooklyn Brainery, Columbia University, New York University and Emerson College. Lisa Marie Basile holds an MFA from The New School. @lisamariebasile

Intersectional Feminism: 6 Things White Women Need to Remember

BY KYLI RODRIGUEZ-CAYRO

Dear White Women,

I’m writing to you because I know we can do better.

We, white women, have historically erased black women from the feminist narrative as long as feminism has existed. Many of our first-wave suffragettes such as Susan B. Anthony were blatant racists, and our second-wave heroes co-opted the civil rights movement to create the women’s liberation movement. That does not determine we must feel white guilt or dismiss the accomplishments of historical feminists - it just means our modern day movement has more opportunities to grow. 

No more excuses, no more convenient silence, no more exclusive feminism. We must definitively and directly stand with Women of Color.  

Here are 6 easy ways to practice intersectionality:

Quit It With The "Not All White Women" Nonsense

American white women failed this election; 53% of us voted for Donald Trump. I know, you didn’t vote for him personally, but drop the defense when Women of Color call us all out. It is our sole responsibility to educate our communities and initiate difficult conversations about race and privilege. As allies we must confront our loved ones, whether at holiday gatherings or on social media after your cousin shares her tenth "All Lives Matter" post of the week. I understand how disheartening these confrontations can become, but we cannot resort to inaction when we face the backlash black women experience on a daily basis. Feminism that excludes adversity faced by Women of Color is not feminism, period. Remember, our personal comfort is not and never will be paramount to another’s life.

Your Fight For Reproductive Justice Needs To Include Racial Justice

Reproductive justice encompasses more than merely birth control and abortion access. It also includes the right for Women of Color to raise their children without fear that they will fall victim to the school-to-prison pipeline, or be murdered by law enforcement for simply living while black. Fighting for body autonomy encompasses fighting against the systematic oppression People of Color endure.

I’m Sorry, But Love Alone Will Not Trump Hate

First, let me say, I am proud of you for participating in the Women’s March. 

We came together and empowered millions of women, which is no small feat. However, this is just the beginning of our budding resistance.

As white women, we need to go further, faster. Ask yourself: Do you stand in solidarity with People of Color? Are you willing to join the frontline when ICE separates more families? Are you using your resources or skills to aid marginalized communities? Historically, black activists such as Angela Davis, Medgar Evers, and Marsha P. Johnson were met with police brutality, and violence, DESPITE peacefulness or positivity. The only difference between The Women’s March and Black Lives Matter Movement is racial disparity. 

F*CK the normalization of white supremacy, bigotry, and high-fiving police officers. We need to be outraged, passionate, and 100% willing to support People of Color. 

Stop Trying To Make Cultural Appropriation Happen, It’s Not Going To Happen

Do I need to even explain what cultural appropriation is in 2017?  If you need examples, just search for images of "Ko-opted Kardashian Kornrows" or white Women’s March attendees with "Lemonade" lyric signs. You may wonder why appropriation is an important topic to address while our political system is in disarray, and here is the simple answer: Women of Color have repeatedly asked us to refrain from exploiting black culture, so let’s just refrain. You can love Beyoncé and sing along, but do not bottle up her Black Girl Magic to sell on Etsy.

Enough. Gynocentric. Feminism.

AKA, drop the trans-exclusive pussy hats and feminism that centers only women with vaginas. Juniperangelica Xiomara wrote a wonderful piece about this on Wear Your Voice. Go read it and share with your cis-identfying friends. 

Lastly, just LISTEN.

 How many of you hate being mansplained about sexism and your experiences? If you vigorously nodded yes, then why do you keep whitesplaining Women of Color? Race is not a tool to divide feminists, and the injustice of others does not invalidate our own experiences. 

We need to be honest with each other about the problematic aspects in the feminist movement. Activism is not a performance and injustice works around-the-clock; we have benefited from our white privilege, lucky enough to not feel the impact of oppression in our day-to-day lives. Accepting that as a simple truth rather an accusation is the only way our modern day feminist movement can progress and thrive.  

So, want to truly "get in formation?"

Let’s step up and support Women of Color.

---

Kyli Rodriguez-Cayro: Writer. Mixed Media Artist. Activist. Latina. Owner of PaperTrail Pendants. Manic Pixie Coffee Drinker. 

How I Combat Shaming Comments With Sexy Self Portraits (NSFW)

BY LAURA DELARATO

I’m not going to please every single person with my online presence, and I’m certainly not out to change minds by replying back to a person who dislikes my body type or hates my opinion so much they’ll type a three paragraph response for why I’m wrong. And that’s fine. I don’t need to be liked by everyone. Nonetheless, it is surprising the cruelty that can generate when safely behind a computer screen while remarking under an alias. Dating apps, comment sections, Instagram replies — there are zero restricted areas when it comes to being a dick on the Internet.

This is not just me. This is you. This is every person (i.e.: every woman) that has decided to express themselves on a public forum. And I get it…it’s the Internet where we are just supposed to deal with it. No. We use the Internet excuse too much especially when unsolicited sexual or health conversations. I’m done replying back to idiots or having to sit with an ignorant comment from a dude on Tinder.

Below are a few images from my untitled self-portrait project dedicated to not being silent while being virtually attacked.

RELATED: Online Dating Is a Double-Edged Sword of Empowerment & Sexual Predation

---

Laura Delarato is a video babe and writer at Refinery29. She is a staunch body positive activist, illustrator, sex educator and painter based in Brooklyn. Her work is deeply planted within body politics, fitness, and sex education. She also loves breakfast, banishing spells, her bike, and bikinis.

What You Mean When You Say Lady Gaga Has a Belly

BY LISA MARIE BASILE

When you say that "Lady Gaga has a tummy," you're saying so much more than that. And I think you know it. First, let's just get the obvious out of the way: she's not overweight and she doesn't have a tummy. (Also, it would be 100% OK if she did). Bear in mind we did this with Beyoncé as well, whose body seems very much to be something people continuously feel they have a right to comment on. If we're holding legitimately straight-sized women to such an impossible standard — what does it mean for women who are a size 6, 8, 12,  16, 22 or so forth? According to Refinery 29, the average woman or 67% of the population, is size 14 or larger.  And what's more is that we're doing it to ourselves. #MindBlown. 

So, when you say these things, you're actually saying:

1. I am disregarding the millions of people who are considered plus-size or "fat," and who are shamed day in and out because of it. You are disregarding the struggle that millions of people face by using language that encourages hate. Especially when you target someone who very literally benefits from the privilege of being considered thin and beautiful 99% of the time (except, apparently, during the Superbowl or when she happens to gain a few pounds, as humans do). Not to mention, you're disregarding the many people (including Gaga) who have developed disordered eating as a result of this social shaming. 

2. I am assuming that having fat or being a plus size person is bad. When you ridicule someone for having a tummy, you're assuming that tummies automatically bad. Guess what? Skin is skin. A tummy is a tummy. You can be big or small, fit or unhealthy, tall or short — and still have a belly. 

3. I am alienating the millions of women who are mothers or who have a post-baby body. News alert. Having a baby stretches your skin! What do you think women are dealing with post-partum body changes think and feel when this detritis gets published all over the Internet? Most of the people attacking Gaga's body are women, including mothers. What do you think your message sounds like to them? Regardless of whether or not Gaga has a belly (she doesn't, it's called skin and tight shorts), you're basically saying, "anyone who has THAT isn't good enough." 

4. I am commenting on her appearance rather than commenting on her work as an artist, which means that I am furthering the idea that women are just objects. Whether or not you thought Gaga's performance at the Superbowl was political enough or not doesn't matter. She's an award-winning artist who trains and works hard to put on her stage shows, she actually can sing, and she's taken a lot of risks in her career. Whatever you think about her, at least acknowledge the foundational facts before jumping right ahead with your vapid opinions. You may struggle with ridding yourself of the ideological garbage Patriarchal society has pumped straight into your veins, so it might be hard not to judge a woman by her looks. After all, you've been conditioned to do so. But if you think it and then correct yourself — and then take the time to figure out why you're thinking these things, that's very different from posting a status that says, "Just watched Lady Gaga's performance. She has a belly!" Keep that shit to yourself. 

5. I am disregarding the power of fitness. Your size doesn't always indicate your ability to dance, move, stretch or perform crazy stage shows that require insane amounts of strength or cardio ability. So when you judge someone on their non-existent tummy while they're dancing and running and jumping, you're choosing to disregard the amazing feat that is happening so you can comment on something so completely inconsequential. 

6. I am contributing to social illness. Look, you're part of the problem. I know it hurts to hear it, but women — especially minority women, like Beyoncé, who dealt with this before Gaga — are constantly at a disadvantage. They are consistently questioned about their bodies, confronted about weight gain and reduced to slabs of meat. Don't contribute to that. Women have it hard enough. Be an ally. 

7. I am judging myself. When we spread hate about other people, we are usually doing so from a center of internalized pain. That isn't the sort of pain that wins you sympathy. That's a sickness, and it needs to be eliminated. Whatever your fears, failings or self-esteem issues are, you don't need to project them onto others. You can deal with that on your own time. It's not always easy, and no one is perfect — but you have to start somewhere. 

---

Lisa Marie Basile is the author of Apocryphal (Noctuary Press) and a few chapbooks, including Andalucia (Poetry Society of New York) and war/lock (Hyacinth Girl Press). She’s the editor-in-chief of Luna Luna Magazine. Her work has been published in Best Small Fictions, Tarpaulin Sky, Spork Press, The Atlas Review, PANK, The Rumpus, Huffington Post, the Tin House blog and Ampersand Review. Some of her work can be seen in Greatist, Marie Claire, Hello Giggles, Bustle and more.

Body-Positive & Beginner Workouts for Witches Who Hate The Gym

BY LISA MARIE BASILE

I can think of nothing worse than the gym. Full disclosure: I do GO to the gym. And I hate every second of it. I'm also wickedly allergic to the self-righteous proselytizing of pseudo-yogis and workout buffs who believe their workout is the best workout or that I MUST go Paleo, like yesterday. No, thanks, I'm good. Here's the simple reality: everyone is different in their workout goals and abilities, and everyone likes different things. You may love barre, but I find that shit unbearable. And that's OK!

If you prefer to be reading a book (or writing a book) or casting a spell, you can still get your blood going (so, you know, you stay alive).  I rounded up some of the workouts I like because the instructors are down-to-earth and fun to listen to. I also tried to include instructors who are body-positive and forgiving, because if you can't do the high kick, don't do the damn high kick. 

Yoga With Adrienne

Adrienne is great because she's calm, chill and encouraging — and she even cracks a few jokes here and there. She's still pretty serious, so you'll learn a lot from her and you'll learn how important it is to do this for you. And her 30-day yoga program is the best. 

Join Adriene on Day 1 of The 30 Days of Yoga journey! Ease into your 30 day experience with an open mind, kindness and curiosity. Use this DAY 1 practice to take stock, check in with the body and mind. Begin the practice of slowing down, noticing, stretching and moving with ease.

Blogilates 30-day flexibility challenge

I love Blogilates. Cassey is the most lively, lovely, inspiring woman — and every single video she makes is SO thoughtful and quality.

I'm super excited to share with you the June 2015 Workout Calendar as well as THE STRETCH PROJECT. It's going to be 30 days full of prizes and poses! You ready? Here's how to participate: 1. Follow @blogilates and @poppilatesofficial on Instagram 2.

Seated Workout for People With Disabilities or Injuries

It's so important to remember that working out and ableism often go hand in hand. Here's a great, high-energy workout that people can do in their seats if they have some mobility. 

This is a Part 2 to my "Rehab Workout" video (link:http://youtu.be/IhGrk_FRhr4) to acknowledge my viewers who are working with the added challenge of a disability or injury. Many people have written in asking me what they can do while rehabbing a knee or ankle, and others have asked what can be done from their wheelchair.

Hip-Opening Yoga class

Jessamyn Stanley is amazing. She's super friendly and she busts misconceptions about yoga, making sure her viewers are comfortable and inspired. She has a bundle plan and an app — and you can get it all here. 

This is a preview of Jessamyn Stanley's Hip-Opening Yoga class. You can get her full course of EveryBody Yoga classes online here: https://www.codyapp.com/plans/everybody-yoga?utm_source=cody_youtube_preview_everybodyyoga&utm_medium=cody_social&utm_campaign=everybodyyoga In this beginner yoga class by Jessamyn Stanley, she shows you how to unlock your hips through instructional stretches that covers the correct positioning and technique so you can practice your hip opening stretches safely.

KymNonStop's Kickboxing At Home Class

I love this woman! She's really fun to work out with — she keeps your energy high, her workouts are easy to do in a small apartment and she will WORK YOU. 

Time to get your sweat on! All you need is this video- no equipment. Follow me on Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter: @kymnonstop

Curvy Fit Club With Ashley Graham

Ashley Graham is incredible — she's been working super hard to prove that size is NOT an indicator of fitness or health. She's strong, powerful and super down-to-earth. All you need here is a low-resistance workout band. 

Read The Edit now: http://bit.ly/1vG2h0A The first in a new series, model of the moment Ashley Graham reveals her fresh approach to fitness with an exclusive workout video for The Edit. The secrets to her personal regime include moves that are designed to strengthen and tone while protecting your curves.

Beginner's Belly Dance Workout

This workout is SO fun. Veena and Neena Bidasha, sisters, show you how to do some basic moves and then incorporate them into a workout. I also included another video I love. 

Visit the website http://www.freebellydanceclasses.com Like the Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/freebellydanceclasses Get the latest videos on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/tiazza Follow me on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/tiazza Love this channel and the website? Help keep it alive by making a small donation: http://www.freebellydanceclasses.com/p/buy-me-coffee.html For step by step combinations, go to to the website: http://www.freebellydanceclasses.com/2012/07/absolute-cardio-bellydance-workout.html

Ab Workout....In Bed

If you're in bed all day and NOT getting up....this is it. 

LIKE UP for more fitness videos ! Don't forget to click that subscribe button and join the Nicolette's FAM JAM Latest video: Weird Acne Life hacks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNEYFSOcVbs FITNESS PLAYLIST: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdyZ5CwGaxYkmlpI-XH4UlgLZ9Hsz9FBr ▶▶ LET'S BE FRIENDS ♥ INSTAGRAM: @nicolettaxoyt ♥ TWITTER: @nicolettaxo ♥ FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/TheNicoletta...

Workout for Arthritis

As someone with an autoimmune disorder that causes arthritis, I know the importance of keeping those knees healthy and strong. This video can help.

Our 10 best exercises for osteoarthritis of the knee, in the most effective combination to relieve knee pain. We prescribe these exercises to our patients and encourage frequent participation. Follow the exercises in Real-Time, simply repeat what you see as you watch our model go through the full routine.

Standing Ab Workout with 1 Dumbbell

If you hate to workout and are bored by crunches, this workout is relatively easy and fun.

No more floor abs. You can get a great ab workout standing! You will need a light dumbbell for this workout. Follow Us: Website: http://www.brickbuilt.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/brickbuiltapparel Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/brickbuiltapparel Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/brickbuiltapp

---

Lisa Marie Basile is the founding editor-in-chief of Luna Luna Magazine and moderator of its digital community. Her work has appeared in The Establishment, Bustle, Bust, Hello Giggles, Marie Claire, Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan and The Huffington Post, among other sites. She is the author of Apocryphal (Noctuary Press), war/lock (Hyacinth Girl Press), Andalucia (The Poetry Society of New York) and Triste (Dancing Girl Press). Her work can be found in PANK, the Tin House blog, The Nervous Breakdown, The Huffington Post, Best American Poetry, PEN American Center, The Atlas Review, and the Ampersand Review, among others. She has taught or spoken at Brooklyn Brainery, Columbia University, New York University and Emerson College. Lisa Marie Basile holds an MFA from The New School. @lisamariebasile

Luna Luna's Resistance Reading Event + Woman's March Huddle Group

BY LISA MARIE BASILE

Luna Luna Resists: Protest, Lit, Community
February 5, 5-8pm.

Luna Luna Magazine presents a night of poetry, prose and dialogue in the spirit of resistance & community support. Partnering with GAMBA Magazine at the Gamba Forest space in Brooklyn, Luna Luna will host short readings and a space for informal discussion and conversation around support, organizing and personal stories. Each reader will present 1-2 short pieces. Drinks will be available for purchase. There will be a few intermissions and time for talking. We encourage people to bring friends and family. We especially welcome women, people of color, immigrants and other marginalized groups that are at risk under the Trump administration. RSVP HERE.

READER LINEUP

Lisa Marie Basile
Monica Lewis
Rowana Abbensetts
Jessica Reidy
Shafina Ahmed
Dianca London
Trish Grisafi
Melissa Hunter Gurney
Tala Abu Rahmeh
Stephanie Valente
Mercy L. Tullis-Bukhari
Joanna Valente
Karina Vahitova
Chris Carr
Christine Stoddard
Ronna Lebo
Olivia Kate Cerrone
Deniz Ataman
Yi Wu
Nicola Maye Goldberg
Jasmine Dreame Wagner

Writer, Blogger & Journalist's Huddle — Empowerment & Action via Women's March "First We Marched Now We Huddle"
March 4, 2pm

Lisa Marie Basile is the founding editor of Luna Luna Magazine. She is the author of Apocryphal (Noctuary Press) and a few chapbooks, including Andalucia (Poetry Society of New York) and war/lock (Hyacinth Girl Press). Her work has been published in Best Small Fictions, Tarpaulin Sky, The Atlas Review, PANK, The Rumpus, Huffington Post, the Tin House blog and Ampersand Review. She's also a journalist and editor. Entropy recently named one of her essays a Best-Read for 2016.