Body Politic x The Phluid Project: Body Talk

In November, we gathered together for the second installment of our “Body Talk” storytelling series. We partnered with the Phluid Project to host a night of queer feminist perspectives on the beauty aspect of the wellness industry. We heard from writers, activists, poets, and beauty experts on beauty, skincare, and the beauty industry.

We started off the night with a rosé themed cocktail hour, thanks to Babe and Health-Ade Kombucha, who helped make our event bubbly and sober-inclusive! We sipped, shopped, and then settled down to listen to some amazing stories from our speakers.

Thank you to Health-Ade for donating this festive rosé flavored Kombucha! Are you a brand interested in donating to Body Politic events? More info here!

“I RECOGNIZE THESE THINGS. I UNDERSTAND THE CONSTRUCTS. I AM ABLE TO CALL THEM OUT BY NAME. BUT IT DOESN’T MAKE IT ANY LESS PAINFUL. IT ONLY MAKES IT MORE BEARABLE.”

— SARAH BORST

Our MC, comic Kendra Dawsey, started off the storytelling with a hilarious set on feminism, queerness, and beauty standards. Follow Kendra on Instagram @unamusedblackgirl for more hilarious content!

We heard from Dana Suchow on disordered eating and learning to love oneself. Taylor Behnke talked about chick flick movie makeovers and how she grew to embrace her curly hair. Laura Delarato served us some knowledge on the myth of effortless beauty for plus-size and fat women. Njambi Morgan slayed us with her powerful spoken-word poetry, and Alexandra Bolles shared her teen years with us - from adolescent acne to coming out as bisexual. Sarah Borst moved the crowd with a beautiful story on body image and sexual trauma. Stylist Jenny Greenstein closed out the night with the story of her style journey - from high school cheerleader to college lesbian, and how she’s learned to love her femininity…and how it flies in the face of others’ expectations.