Body Talk is an ode for all bodies and diverse bodily experiences. Nobody and no body is alike. Even though mainstream media sometimes tells us the opposite. That’s why we want to start inspiring conversations with a reminder to foster a gentle relationship to our own body.
Say hi to Frederikke Bonde. She's studying Social-, Development-, and Integration Psychology and is interested in the connection between body and psyche as well as how to make room for the non-normative. She's a board member in DareGender and working with information-, research- and policy-based topics at Center for Magtanalyse.
What is your relationship with your body?
It changes from day to day. There are days where I feel small and fragile and days where I feel strong and appreciative. My body has over time been subjected to a lot of self-criticism and I am still in the process of developing a caring relationship with it.
Has it always been this way? What has changed?
I am growing to accept all parts and facets of my body. There are so many norms and unwritten rules for how women should adapt and change their bodies, and it is only in recent years that I have become aware of how much both my body and sexuality have been associated with shame. Intersectional feminism has taught me that my thoughts and feelings are not only shared by others, but also that they are part of societal structures that we must act against. This has been very empowering for me.
How are you feeling in your body right now?
Lock-down has been associated with both physical and mental ups and downs. It is hard to have to pay constant attention to the signals of your body while having so much time with your own thoughts. Yoga in particular has been a tool to get from my head and back down into my body. And lots of rest! I know how much my bodily well-being means for my mental well-being.
Is there anything about the body in general that you would like to be more accepted in society?
There is so much! There is still a long way to go to achieve representativeness so that body images in the public sphere reflect real bodies. In general, I am still amazed at how many opinions we have about the bodies of others. It is common for us to feel entitled to comment on bodies that are not ours. We should just let bodies be bodies - with all that they entail.
Who are your feminist muses? And why?
I am quite fond of artist and activist Maja Malou Lyse and her focus on challenging bodily norms and the idea of "one size fits all"-sexuality. On a personal level my feminist muses are my many strong, curious and wise girlfriends. It is so inspiring to grow and learn from and with them.
In general, I am very fascinated by people who dare to share their vulnerabilities because it encourages conversation, which I believe is the most important tool for breaking with the prevailing narratives of normal and abnormal, desirable and undesirable
