The internet can be a scary and intimidating place. We are bombarded with advertisements, information, and images of who we should be and what we should look like. Except so much of it is not real, and it can really affect the way we see ourselves and our lives.
Earlier this month a reality check was delivered to us by Australian actress Caitlin Stasey in the form of her website herself.com.
It's bold, it's controversial, but most importantly, it's real.
Earlier this month a reality check was delivered to us by Australian actress Caitlin Stasey in the form of her website herself.com.
It's bold, it's controversial, but most importantly, it's real.
Society has stipulated that women are a certain way and abide by rules about our gender, but men are allowed to be nuanced and difficult. If a guy is rude, people just think he’s confident and cool. But if a girl is rude, then she’s just a fucking bitch. And I think that’s so unfair
- Caitlin Stasey (The Glow)
The site features interviews with women about topics that aren't usually discussed openly like sexual identity, masturbation, and the female body. Caitlin talks about her struggle with UTI's, Candice kissed a girl and liked it, and Casey wants to overhaul the whole sex education system.
These interviews are accompanied by naked photo shoots of the interviewees which some say detract from the importance of the issues being discussed while others highlight how unique they are.
These interviews are accompanied by naked photo shoots of the interviewees which some say detract from the importance of the issues being discussed while others highlight how unique they are.
Personally I am more behind the latter. Doubtless there will be people who view these images and have no interest in reading what the subjects have to say, but when you view them with the deeply personal words it is raw and real. There is nothing sexualised in the images, they show women who are comfortable and confident owning their bodies and if they want to, they will put them online.
I've been sexualized since birth and no amount of skin coverage has lessened it. I'm not hiding myself for your benefit anymore
- Caitlin Stasey (Twitter)
It's initiatives like this that are going to change the world. They spark debate and, more importantly, gives women a place to share their experiences. A new generation of females won't be hiding because they are comfortable finding out who they are.