Proud To Be Me: A body positivity tool for LGBTQ+ youth

Take action with Proud To Be Me

Since 2004, we’ve been working to build self-esteem and body confidence in young people all over the world through the Dove Self-Esteem Project. Now, we've joined forces with CANVAS Arts Action Programs, body image experts, and LGBTQ+ youth to co-design Proud To Be Me. Our new evidence-based tool addresses:

• Societal appearance ideals, body diversity and exploring beauty beyond the binary
• Accurate, inclusive language, pronouns and how to avoid misgendering
• The spectrums of gender identity, sexual identity and how to make sure no one is left out, or forced into a category that doesn’t fit who they are 
• Challenging negative body talk, body activism and more 

Created for Gay-Straight Alliance programs, LGBTQ+ clubs or youth centers, Proud To Be Me is a two-hour body image program, specifically created for LGBTQ+ youth and allies aged between 11 and 14. The aim of the program is to promote an open and honest dialogue around body positivity in the LGBTQ+ community – as well as boosting self-esteem, encouraging unique self-expression and exploring the cultural messages and appearance pressures that can discourage being authentic.  

Download the tool today 

During the program, young people will explore different sources of appearance pressure and practice different skills to push back against the desire to conform to appearance norms. 

Download the session now. Let’s build self-esteem and help young LGBTQ+ people feel confident and proud of who they are.

_{*Sources: Austin, Nelson, Birket, Calzo, & Everett, 2013; Blashill & Safren, 2014; Calzo, Sonneville, Scherer, Jackson, & Austin, 2016; McClain & Peebles, 2016; Watson, Adjei, Saewyc, Homma, & Goodenow, 2017.}