Friday, June 26, 2015

Equal Rights For All: Standing Up For What You Believe In

Tyra Banks was in the news yesterday for an Instagram Post she shared about the modeling industry. She offers support to the models of today who have such high and sometimes impossible standards they are required to meet.


@Ken Towner/ANL/REX Shutterstock via Daily Mail

Models have so much pressure today…They have to be slimmer than slim. Skinnier than skinny…And they have to do selfies that make them look relatable, but not TOO relatable, because then people may comment that they don't understand, "Why the heck is THAT girl a friggin' model??!!!!" 
When I was a young model, yeah, we had to think about our weight, but not like today. I think I was size 6, not a size 0…I'm sending love and hugs to all working, aspiring and super models worldwide. You all have lots to live up to. And I'm here cheering for you every single day. Stay strong girls.

Her post and the reactions to it got me thinking about how I look at the Stripping world and the strippers of today and how I write about my feelings toward the adult industry.

Some critics were quick to point out that if Tyra feels so strongly about the state of the modeling industry, why is she still a part of it? Why does she participate in judging young models on reality shows like America’s Next Top Model?

I was just talking to my husband the other day about how I tend to write about stripping and nude modeling from a very middle-of-the-road attitude. I don’t express anger about the industry. I tend to focus on the fact that every woman should have the choice of what she does with her body and that there isn’t anything inherently wrong with stripping or any other adult entertainment activities.

But when I talk to him about these things is when he notices the anger. That got me thinking: Do I express myself differently on the same topic whether I am writing about it or talking about it? And if so, why?

Perhaps I am more guarded and careful about my words when I am writing, but when I speak, I may get caught up in the emotions and really just let out my truest feelings.


Like Tyra, I need to give myself permission to “be a part” of an industry in certain ways, but also advocate for better conditions or point out the problems and flaws within that world.

I also need to allow myself for my opinions to shift and not be afraid of being branded a hypocrite because there will always be someone not happy with what I have to say or who I am.

While writing this, I just heard the amazing news: the Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution guarantees a right to same-sex marriage.

Wow—this is all thanks to those who have fought for equality for decades. This is all because of people willing to declare what they felt, even when it was a very unpopular belief to hold.

I hope this will serve as inspiration for me and everyone to always fight for what we know is right and what we believe in.

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Stripping Down the Video Blog

A former stripper, now a writer, teacher and mom of three, I've decided to create a Vlog to go along with my Blog, Stripping Down.


I want to really strip down and have fun in life and pursue all my dreams, even though I suffer from depression and sometimes have a hard time working. My Vlog is going to be about my attempt to live the life I dream of and to help other people live their lives to the fullest, too.

After struggling with depression my whole life, I realize I need something else to sustain me. I need meaning. I need to push myself into joy every day. I am willing and committed to trying anything once, which might help me live my life more fully and more authentically.

Please follow my journey here and please subscribe to my YouTube channel.