Stuff 129: Body Image

Getting Comfortable

By J. J. Atwell

Let’s consider body image. The women we emulate deal with body-image issues throughout their lives. From an early age, they are exposed to societal pressures: Are they too heavy? Too curvy? Not curvy enough? Would they look better if they were taller or are they already too tall? And what should they do about their hair?

Advertisements, magazines, and online articles practically shout at women to change something about their appearance. Over time, many learn to accept themselves as they are, but that acceptance is a process.

For me, body image involves more than what I see in the mirror, no matter how I am dressed. It is about both the body I live in every day and the feminine figure I try to create when dressed. Sometimes the experience is positive; at other times, it can be frustrating. When I get dressed to go out as Jennifer, the mirror can be a supportive friend or a harsh critic.

Of course, guys can have body-image issues, too. As a crossdresser, however, I often wrestle with many of the same questions that genetic women face. I hope to reach the same conclusion: work with my strengths, compensate for my perceived shortcomings, and, above all, become comfortable in my own skin and clothes.

Confidence

Over time, I have learned that body image is not just about appearance. It is also about accepting myself and expressing who I am authentically. Crossdressing allows me to explore another part of my identity, giving me confidence that extends beyond clothing and makeup. While I may never have the exact body I imagine, I can still appreciate the person I see in the mirror.

Accepting your body does not mean giving up on self-improvement. It means treating yourself with kindness and recognizing that your worth is not measured by how closely you resemble someone else’s ideal.

Media Influences

No discussion of body image would be complete without a word of caution about the media. The images we see in magazines, movies, and especially on social media can intensify our insecurities. Many of the people I admire seem to possess effortless beauty, flawless makeup, and naturally feminine features.

It is easy to forget that these images are often edited, carefully posed, professionally lit, or otherwise designed to present an unrealistic ideal. When I compare myself with them, I have two choices: I can regard myself as a failure or I can look for practical ideas that might help me improve.

We should view media images not as destinations we must reach, but as signposts that may offer inspiration along the way.

I’ll Be Back

As always, comments are welcome either here on the blog or by email at Jenn6nov at-sign gmail dot com. JJ is always looking for more stuff, so if there is something you would like to read about, please let me know!

Wearing Venus

Womanless beauty pageant contestant