I really can’t explain how deeply upsetting the #MedBikini inciting article is. I’m probably shouting into an echo chamber, but in case anyone out there is a little , let me explain: 1/n https://twitter.com/srgfin/status/1286703994023247872

I am a woman scientist and I spend lots of time with other women scientists. I’ll speak for myself, but I have it on good authority that I’m not alone. I walk around with an ever-present, simmering awareness that I don’t look right. Not just to men scientists, but women, too. 2/n

WOC, ppl with bigger bodies, ppl w visible disabilities, etc, anything doesn’t conform to the “right way” of being a woman in western culture experience this all 10-fold) so in recent years, I’ve committed to being as authentic as possible. Doing with my body whatever I want: 5/n

For me, that means presenting pretty femme, having a (pre- #COVID19!) pixie cut, wearing makeup when I want, not when I don’t, and dreaming of rectifying my pre- #COVID19 plan to have my nose pierced. If I can’t win, I’m going to do whatever the fuck I want with my body 6/n

We’ve been told since birth that our bodies aren’t right, we’re not right. Too big, too small. Skirt’s too short. Hair too long. Top too tight. (Check your local middle/high school attire rules. Most are about controlling girls’ bodies.) 3/n

After years of subconsciously taking all that shit to heart, I’ve embraced that there’s nothing I can do to make my body something that will look like a ‘real scientist.’ (Btw, I’m a conservative case here: I’m white, thin, average height, etc... 4/n...