BODY POLITIC X MAN REPELLER
In December, we partnered with Man Repeller for a panel discussion on what it really means to love yourself and your body. We started off with drinks and nibbles, and then settled in for a conversation on maximal self expression while living in a marginalized body, and learning to live without boundaries - from the workplace to the bedroom, and beyond.
video by Heaven Jones
Our moderator, Body Politic founder Fiona Lowenstein, kicked off the conversation by asking our panelists how they create space for themselves and others in their community within their professional spheres. Sesali Bowen, cultural influencer and former senior entertainment editor at Nylon, spoke about finding community and support with other Black women in media through secret Slack chats where they could discuss salaries, microaggressions, and the unbearable whiteness of the magazine world. Laura Delarato, writer, creative producer, and body image activist, spoke about how an early job at a sex store allowed her to face an eating disorder and develop a greater understanding of her sexuality. Beauty writer Arabelle Sicardi discussed the delicate balance of getting their writing online while not allowing themself to be tokenized or exploited.
“MY NO IS MORE POWERFUL THAN ANY OF MY YES’S”
— ARABELLE SICARDI
Next, we talked about sex, baby! Our panelists shared the ways they’ve challenged unhelpful myths about sexuality, and emphasized the importance of self expression and self love. Entrepreneur and mogul, Brittany Brathwaite discussed how starting Kimbritive, with her friend and co-founder Kimberly Huggins, helped Brittany have more authentic and empowering conversations around what Black women and girls deserve out of sexual wellness and education.
“MY MOM TOLD ME, YOU START KISSING - YOU’RE HAVING SEX AND IF YOU HAVE SEX, YOU WILL GET PREGNANT”
— BRITTANY BRATHWAITE
All our panelists were enthusiastically supportive of therapy as a pillar of self-care, as well as the importance of building a supportive and loving community around yourself. Most importantly, they emphasized the importance of being okay with having a shifting perspective on a topic, or not having all the answers.
We closed out the conversation by discussing one of the most obvious forms of self expression: fashion and personal style. Arabelle brought up their admiration for avant-garde designers, and spoke about how saving up for pieces by specific designers helped them battle depression. Brittany described her style as “fly and distracting,” and emphasized the power that comes from challenging others’ expectations of respectability and notions of how Black women should dress. Laura reflected on the years she spent drowning in plus size clothing until she realized her love of form-fitting “90’s gothy teen looks.” Sesali shared her love of a good manicure, or as she put it, “if my nail is broken, I don’t want to go.”
“MAJOR LIFE EVENTS, MAJOR CHANGES, MAJOR DECISIONS THAT YOU MAKE IN LIFE CHANGE THE RELATIONSHIP YOU HAVE WITH SEX. I DON’T THINK MY RELATIONSHIP WITH SEX OR MY RELATIONSHIP WITH MY BODY HAS STAYED STATIC.”
— SESALI BOWEN
Afterward, we opened the floor for audience questions, which sparked a much-needed conversation on financial accessibility. Our speakers shared openly about their own financial struggles, tips for negotiating higher pay, and the difficulties of being entrepreneurial without family support or wealth. As we packed up to leave Man Repeller’s gorgeous HQ, we noticed folks breaking off in small groups to mingle and chat, and our hearts were warmed to see the discussion continuing and community being created. We can’t think of a better way to close out the decade.