Gender capitalist Rain Dove unveils video campaign to combat ‘gross’ body hair ideals
TO GO WITH AFP STORY BY KATHERINE HADDON:
Model and activist Rain Dove has unveiled a video campaign that aims to tackle the way society views personal grooming.
Their ultimate goal is to squash the idea that visible body hair can’t be ‘feminine’ and that people must look a certain way in order to be desirable.
Dove – who describes themselves as a non-conforming gender capitalist – shared the short film on their Instagram, alongside the hashtag ‘WhatsAllTheFuzzAbout’.
In the video, they can be seen removing the hair from their legs, armpits and crotch area, before gluing it on their face to create the appearance of a beard.
Dove’s voiceover can be heard throughout, saying: “When people tell you that your body hair is not feminine, and that you need to get rid of it to be beautiful, here’s what to remember…We may feel that if we don’t follow social constructs that we will end up alone.
“But there are 7.5 billion people on the planet, and odds are in your favour that someone will love you, for you.
“Also, the word feminine is not universal,” Dove’s narration continues. “What’s considered feminine varies regionally, culturally and historically. Whether you’re fuzzy or hairless, you shouldn’t feel ugly for it.
“Because this isn’t about beauty, it’s about freedom. And if you’re thinking that this beard is a statement about masculinity, it’s not. Beards can be feminine too.”
Discussing the video on social media, Dove noted that some people might find it “gross.”
They detailed how, the first time they showed it to a close friend, they responded “Why would you do that?”
Dove replied: “To me what is actually ‘gross’ is how much shame people feel for their body being in its natural state.
“Not everyone naturally has body hair, but those that do (especially those that society identifies as “female”) are taught from a young age that their hair is disgusting.
“Not of their identity. Not pleasant for others. Something to be ashamed of and removed.
“The fact that we exist at all is a pure miracle. It’s complex and incredible. What it takes for the hair to exist on your body, should you have it, is a wonderful maze of science that requires a perfect combination of occurrences.
“Your hair is there to protect You from the suns rays [sic], the environment, and even bacteria that clings to the body by bringing it farther from your skin. It’s functional. A part of your mechanics.
“So get rid of it if You like [sic], but do it because that’s how You want to maintain your machine. Because hair or not – ugly is a feeling not an aesthetic. No amount of shaving or waxing will ever create true beauty.”
