Originally published in The UWM Post by Madison Goldbeck
A naked revolution.
One may ask, “Are there really naked pictures of women on there?” The answer is totally.
Taylor Giavasis started The Naked Diaries (@thenakediaries) on Instagram after photographing an insecure friend and seeing the happiness it gave her. Giavasis saw an opportunity to uplift other females and took it. The page features submitted pictures from women globally, women of all different shapes and sizes. The best part of these pictures? There is no perfect angle, lighting, Photoshop, or even filter used. These pictures are completely untouched and raw to the touch.
Due to Instagram’s policies, parts of the body have to be covered or else they will be deleted. The women either cover themselves with their hands, an emoji, or a different symbol or effect. In addition to Giavasis’ page, she has Tumblr where you can see more pictures taken from Giavasis herself. She occasionally posts searching for models to photograph for her account(s).
The point however is not pornography. The point is to create a positive place for women. It is to show women your insecurities and “flaws” are really not flaws at all. You are beautiful and you are notalone. The page features stretch marks, hairy tummies, moles, different shaped breasts, scars, skinny waists, curves, thicker thighs, acne, and all the uniqueness that comes with being human. Giavasis strives for women to revel in their faults and especially to love yourself.
Along with each submitted picture is a caption which may be the most emotional part of it all. The captions come from the individual themselves, daring to share about their female form. Whether it be about how they overcame a personal battle or the battle they are still fighting, every caption feels relatable, especially to other women. Some users share the story of their weight gain or weight loss, health problems, or accidents, while others don’t share a thing. Caption or no caption, a women sharing a photo of her insecurities is very brave.
Those who shared, visited, and followed the page have told Giavasis that it has been “life-changing” and truly helped them gain self-confidence.
One user writes, “‘I will continue to love my body no matter what, thanks to all you beautiful brave girls/women, thank you.”
Another writes, “since my body matured way before the other girls in my grade I was so self conscious. your page has really made begin to love my curves”
Another thing which is beautiful about The Naked Diaries are the comments the others leave on all the pictures. The uplifting comments range from “You go girl!” to “Beautiful!” to “I have the same thing!”
Taylor Giavasis (right) – Photo courtesy of Taylor Giavasis
However, there are always the ugly and hateful comments. Seeing the negativity, it didn’t take long for Giavasis to take action. She posted a picture of herself and another posed in their bra and underwear with the following caption, “I made this account to help empower each other, I’ve seen a lot of comments bashing girls trying to help others love themselves. If your best friend had a “flaw” and submitted it would you make a rude comment about it? I’m pretty sure you would say something positive because you knew how much strength it would take to post it. we all have something about ourselves that we don’t love the most but instead of putting others down who find the beauty in what is most likely not accepted in our society you should take the time to love yourself while you do that help others do the same hate is ugly.”
In addition to the success of The Naked Diaries, Giavasis plans to write a book featuring the pictures and comments.
The Naked Diaries currently has 58.6 thousand followers on Instagram. If you are interested in submitting a picture, Giavasis can be reached at: thenakediaries1@gmail.com.
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