Authentic People – Beyonce
By Susie AdamsIn the first part of this series celebrating authenticity, we explored NFL Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins’ deeply personal revelations about his depression and how he found support and help.
Music superstar Beyonce went authentic on the pages of the September issue of Vogue magazine. Beyonce had creative control of this issue, unheard of during the reign of Anna Wintour.
She selected the photographer, 23-year-old Tyler Mitchell, the first African American to ever photograph the Vogue cover.
Appreciate the Beauty
Despite being one of the most glamorous women in the world, she stripped down the glamour (eliminating the wigs and hair extensions and using minimal makeup) in the photo shoot (although the floral headpiece was something to behold).
She did it because “I think it’s important for women and men to see and appreciate the beauty in their natural bodies.”
A Mom with Resolve
She also spoke candidly about herself and some of the issues of our time. She talked about the pressure to bounce back from the birth of her first child, Blue Ivy, and the more reasonable approach she is taking after the birth of her twins (after a difficult pregnancy and C-Section.)
“To this day my arms, shoulders, breasts, and thighs are fuller. I have a little mommy pouch, and I’m in no rush to get rid of it. I think it’s real. Whenever I’m ready to get a six-pack, I will go into beast zone and work my ass off until I have it.”
Beyonce is talking about her mom pouch and loving it. Don’t we all feel better about ourselves now?
She also talked about opening doors and the power of social media.
“If people in powerful positions continue to hire and cast only people who look like them, sound like them, come from the same neighborhoods they grew up in, they will never have a greater understanding of experiences different from their own. They will hire the same models, curate the same art, cast the same actors over and over again, and we will all lose. The beauty of social media is it’s completely democratic. Everyone has a say. Everyone’s voice counts, and everyone has a chance to paint the world from their own perspective.”
She contrasted how she feels today with how she felt in her 20s when she felt like she had to conform and prove herself. “I am accepting of who I am. I will continue to explore every inch of my soul and every part of my artistry.”
Powerful words for all of us who from time to time may have a hard time accepting who we are.
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