As we go through our lives, there is a lot of pressure to look a certain way and it can wear us down. This chapter I'm going to focus on body image, and I'll cover self expression further in another chapter.

For everyone, however you choose to use your body, it is your own and nobody else's. Nobody should make you feel like less of a person just because of how you look.

For many cisgender girls, the media and advertisements(where I live) seem to present girls as skinny, blonde, white, able-bodied, and conventionally attractive. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being those things, and if you are then you are gorgeous! Sometimes people who look that way are also presented as unintelligent because of their beauty, and that is unfair to them. But for other girls, seeing the lack of representation can affect self esteem. Girls of every body type, you are perfect the way you are. You shouldn't have to change yourself to fit in; instead, we need to show more girls of different bodies! You can own your bodies. You are your own person! Thin is beautiful. Fat is beautiful. Your scars from the life you've lived are beautiful. Your stretch marks are beautiful. Your skin is a treasure for you to love, and nobody should make you feel like less because of it. Your hair is your own to do what you want with. Your height is great. Your size is great. Being you is being beautiful. From the sound of your voice to your height to whatever your body is and isn't, you are wonderful. If you present yourself as feminine, you are not just a stereotype. You are gorgeous the way you are. If you are more androgenous you are fabulous! If you look more masculine, you are great, and your body is perfect. Androgynous girls are still beautiful girls. All of you are amazing.

Trans girls can be overlooked sometimes and there aren't very many role models known by the general popular, unfortunately. You need to remember that your body is the only one you get, so don't hurt it. If you choose to medically transition, it does take time, so be patient with yourself. Transitioning is a process. You girls who present as feminine are gorgeous. Your voice is beautiful and you are amazing. Your body is wonderful and whatever you look like, you are still a good woman. For more androgynous girls, your body is your own. You are the only one with your body, and that's okay. Masculine girls, you are beautiful. You do not have to look feminine to be a girl and that's totally normal. Whether you follow traditionally feminine expression or not, you are still a beautiful woman. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Intersex people, you are valid. Your body is not bad and you are important. The lack of media representation does not make you any less important. If you choose to change your body, that is your choice completely! That's okay! If you love your body the way it is, that's awesome! I'm proud of you! The lack of information for the general public is unfortunate and you are amazing. Your body is wonderful. Take care of it.

Cisgender boys, the media does not represent who you should be. My masculine, muscular, tall, conventionally attractive boys, damnnnnn you're looking fine. My feminine boys, you're attractive! It's okay to grow your hair out or to cut it short! Your body shape is handsome the way it is! If you like it, it's great. Body diversity isn't always seen by the world, but it is absolutely real. My plus size boys, you're amazing. Short boys, your height doesn't make you any less important. You've got a whole lot of awesome packed into your size! Muscles, curves, or anywhere in between, you are attractive! If you have stretch marks, that's normal and totally okay. Show your body some love!

Trans boys, your body does not make you any less of a man. Your voice does not define the words you speak. Curves are great! Muscles are great! Your body is a man's body no matter how it has been labeled. Your gender is not defined by your height or the length of your hair or your body shape: only the gender in your heart. You are valid. You do not have to look like a stereotypical attractive cisgender man to be a real man. You already are one. If you choose to medically transition, be patient with your body and take care of it. If you don't want to medically transition of cannot medically transition you are not less of a man. Your body does not define you and you are valid. You have nothing to prove.

Nonbinary people, you are wonderful. Your body is a nonbinary body. The media does not accurately show your diversity. Your body is a good one and you do not have to be androgynous to be a real nonbinary person. If you are androgynous, you aren't just confirming to stereotypes. Your body is wonderful. If you want to change it, that's okay! If you can't or won't for any reason, that's okay! You are valid and real.

People of color, you are beautiful. With the lack of media representation, your beauty can be forgotten by some, but always remember that your body is a good one. Your skin is part of you that won't change and it is beautiful.

People of faith, the way you present yourself and your body is wonderful! Anything you choose to wear or choose not to wear is right. Any body modifications or lack thereof is right. Feel no shame for proudly presenting your religion or for being more modest in it!

For those with body modifications, your choices will never make you any less of a person. Your body is your own to use in any way you see fit. Don't let the haters get you down, my fabulous friends. Tattoos don't make you stereotypical or hipster or fake. And they don't make you scary or a bad influence. Your body is your choice. For those with piercings anywhere, your body is your own! It doesn't make you a masochist or irresponsible! You're great. Take care of your bodies. They are good. Cosmetic surgeries are not wrong. If it makes you happier in your own skin, then it is okay. Feel no shame. You wouldn't tell someone that used to have braces that their teeth can't be truly beautiful because they were changed, so why would your attractiveness be worth less from a medical procedure? You are attractive the way you are and your choices do not lessen that beauty.

For those with scars, you are perfect. Scars show that you survived. Life can beat you down, but you've come back and you're still standing. Don't be ashamed of the hurting you've felt. Take care of yourself and ignore what people may say. Your body is beautiful.