Body positivity is for guys, too

Unsurprisingly, it's been a challenge to find guys with the courage to bare it all for the Tulsa Bodies Project. Our culture puts a high value on certain types of women's bodies (often at the expense of valuing their personhood), and it's unusual for men who aren't as chiseled as Hugh Jackman — you know, 99% of men, including Hugh Jackman most of the time — to be used in modeling projects or to be seen as having bodies worth celebrating.

But body positivity is really important for guys, too. While we're less likely to receive unsolicited critiques of our bodies, we still face a lot of pressure to look strong, lean, athletic, hairless, symmetrical, and to conform to narrow, antiquated ideas of masculinity.

So a huge thank you to Ric for being just the fourth brave dude I've photographed for the project. He has an amazing story and I can't wait to share it when I launch the new & improved Tulsa Bodies Project website very soon.

If you'd like to participate in the Tulsa Bodies Project, it's free and open to people of all body types, skill levels, ability statuses, and genders. You only need a passion for fitness, a desire to spread body positivity, and the courage to bare it all!