FUCK IT, BE FREE (NSFW)

If I cannot physically do what society deems “MANLY” does that make me less of a man?

It was Fathers Day and Solstice; Meg and I were getting out of the shower and the sun was pouring in through the skylight. I saw that creative spark in her eyes when she asked if she could take some photos of me. With her help I have come to love myself for who I am, so I didn’t even hesitate to say yes. Getting to see my body through Meg’s creative eye is very special to me.

I have struggled with body image for a long time but I think it’s time to finally let it go. Just because I can’t drink beer and lift heavy things does not make me less than. Empowerment projects do a wonderful job of helping people from all walks of life learn to love themselves; but I feel like there needs to be a bigger emphasis on helping disabled people learn to love the parts that are so often seen as “broken”. I don’t want people to look at these photos and see me; I want them to look at these photos and see them. To see that this body image struggle is the same, no matter if you’re disabled, healthy, or anywhere in between. We are the same. And we have nothing to be ashamed of.

The entire set of photos includes nudity, so if you’re not into it please do not click through.