Kent
Graphic Designer/Massage Therapist

My earliest memories of self-objectification are as a teenager and mostly revolve around clothing. My body then could best be described as skinny, not something that I would have much success objectifying; especially when I compared myself to the athletes in my class who were more muscular and handsome. So dressing well and in the latest trends was my way of attracting other people to me. I’ve always struggled with self-esteem. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that the visual part of me is not who I really am.

I think I look fairly ordinary in clothing, but I’m in above average physical shape – especially for someone of my age. So from my perspective, my best visual attributes are better displayed when I am nude or minimally clothed. I think that every human body is a thing of beauty and wonder. Even though I’m not proposing we all walk around naked, I don’t see why nudity has a negative connotation for so many people. Going further than posing naked, I decided to pose with an erection for some of the shots. My perspective is that an erection is an integral part of a male’s natural being. A man’s penis is certainly something that is objectified by both men and women. I decided to pose with an erection because I feel my visual/physical appeal is frequently based more on my erect penis than any other part of my body.

Categorizing one’s sexuality is certainly known to be a source of prejudice. If I am pushed to share my sexuality, I always hesitate. For this project I felt it was appropriate. I am sexually attracted to both women and men – therefore I’d be labeled as bisexual. Part of the dilemma that this presented me with was how I pose for another man would be different than how I would pose for a woman.

My spiritual beliefs probably had the most affect on how I participated in this project. I believe we are all one with God. Our human bodies are only temporary vessels for our beings. I am not my body.