Serious and Sexy

When did we decide that being serious and sexy were mutually exclusive for women? If I want to hang out in a black lace teddy and stare at my University degree while writing a technical article for a new client, would I be sexy, or serious? Why not both? 

As is demonstrated in this Huffington Post article, even some of our strongest advocates for feminism are criticized for showing their sexy side. To me, this is still sending the message that we have to be one thing or another, that we do not have the freedom of expression that we are fighting for. I know it might seem revolutionary, but women can actually be two things at once, maybe even more! People are always telling us that we are expert multi-taskers, right? So how is it that they are doubting our ability to stand up for our rights and have the choice to be free with our bodies at the same time? One thing does not negate the other. It's not like every night when I get undressed for bed I suddenly lose all my dignity and values because I am naked. Are people really so terrified of the female form?  Does it really wield such great power that we need to hide and shame it? 

We see almost daily evidence that misogyny runs deep, but what really breaks my heart is when other women perpetuate it. What possible reason would there be to tear each other down? It is so backwards! We should be lifting each other up, encouraging one another to be bold and strong, and celebrating the wins we and generations before us have achieved so that we have the choice to be who we are. Not slut-shaming and discouraging freedom of expression. Stand by your sisters!

As so eloquently put by the Huff Post, whether you are male or female, being a feminist is about equality and choice. That means standing up for ourselves not only in the boardroom, but in our personal lives and our expressive endeavours. By staying shy or conservative when we would rather be bold and colourful is to do a disservice to our true selves. I wish I could strut gracefully in 4 inch heels, but it's not my strong suit. I am truthfully more comfortable in runners at the gym. Sometimes I have to remind myself that other pants exist besides a good pair of lululemon tights. And watching me draw a liquid line on my top lid is truly painful. I like that I have the choice not to be super feminine all the time, but when I want to wear red lipstick and shimmery eyeshadow, that's ok too. And I can do it while I am having a business meeting or sitting in my living room and it doesn't change who I am or what I believe in. Regardless of your age or your gender, you should celebrate the many beautiful parts of your personality through your art, your conversation, and whatever other forms of self-expression inspire you. And like Emma Watson, if that means attending a UN meeting one day and doing a semi-nude photoshoot the next, I can't actually imagine anything more badass. 

We can be smart, sexy, goofy, serious, adventurous, vulnerable, determined, powerful, demure, and while we are running through these different facets of our beings, at no point does the work we have done before become invalid because we are expressing ourselves differently. Soldier on ladies, soldier on.

#InternationalWomensDay