Trae Brooks | I am not ashamed of my body | This is probably one of the most vulnerable pieces I have made so far. For the longest time, I always felt uncomfortable with the way I looked. I always felt as though I didn’t look masculine enough, or that my skin tone is too patchy in some areas, or that I was too overweight. And I think for black men, there’s an added pressure that our bodies must look a certain way; we are always portrayed to have an athletic, masculine physique. There always seems to be a standard for something; which is why I wanted this piece to directly confront both those standards and my own insecurities. To look at my body in its natural state, flaws and all, and to be genuinely okay with how I look. As well as to provide myself a bit of tenderness that I tend to neglect. To tell myself: You are fine the way you are, and that my black body is truly beautiful. You don’t have to hide in your shell anymore, it’s okay. Body acceptance is liberation and specifically celebrating black bodies, in all shapes and sizes, is true liberation.