After @sheerahr’s post was removed by Instagram, I spent some time thinking about why people, especially cis hetero men, hate body hair on women. I’ve realized it comes down to two things: pedophilia and transphobia. Hear me out. Have you ever noticed the only acceptable places for women to have hair is where it grows on a six year old cis girl? Have you ever noticed the only acceptable places for women to have hair is where it grows on a six year old cis girl? Full brows, but bare armpits, Long lashes, but no mustache, A head of hair, but never down there. What is our society’s obsession with a cis girl’s pre-pubescence? Here, I’ll recount the comment I got from a cis guy when I raised my arms - “Wow, I never realized women could be as hairy as men.” In this comment, we can see that body hair is associated with manhood, Even though growing pubic hair is actually a mark of womanhood. Here, I’ll recount the comment I got from a cis guy when I raised my arms - Since when did the pre-pubescent cis girl’s body become what is expected of femininity? Why is this only for body hair, when y’all love the boobs and hips on women after puberty? Because cis men don’t grow boobs and hips post-puberty, there is no fear around these traits, as there is for body hair. In this society, femininity is not defined by women’s bodies, but as whatever body is furthest from a cis man’s post-puberty. Read that again. This was the lightbulb moment for me. In this society, femininity is not defined by women’s bodies, This is why cis het men are fascinated with hairless pre-pubescence and high voices - the opposite of cis post-pubescent masculinity. This is why curves, boobs, and hips are still revered - the opposite of cis post-pubescent masculinity. This isn’t just sexual preference; This runs deeper. This is tied to why trans women are feared, and child pornography runs rampant. This culture is violent, and trans women and children pay the highest price. This isn’t just sexual preference; this runs deeper. This is tied to why trans women are feared and child pornography runs rampant. Those who know it’s wrong to make child pornography, Will instead make a woman roleplay as a six year old cis girl. If you’re attracted to children, that’s not on me, I’m a woman with a hairy body. Those who know it’s wrong to make child pornography, My body is not for sale. I will not pain myself For your pleasure, I will not shame bodies that you read as a threat to your masculinity. I won’t let you define femininity, As the opposite of your masculinity. We are our own, we aren’t owned. We are hairy, and that’s femininity. We are trans, and that’s femininity. We are hairy, and that’s femininity. Cis pre-pubescence
doesn’t define us. We are so much more woman Than can be defined as your opposites, and on your scales. Hairy bodies, Light, black, or brown, Curvy, or straight up and down, Straight or queer, Cis or trans, All of this is femininity, Because we define our femininity. -Samirah Boomi
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About MeMy name is Samirah Shri. I write poetry especially for "bad" Asian daughters, but also for anyone who feels rejected within their communities. My poems guide you along my personal journey of rejection, healing, and ultimately re-connection. |