‘Shape’ examines how social media, gay targeted advertising, gay networking/hook-up apps such as Grindr and the gay clubbing scene can foster an obsession with the “ideal body”.
Through interviews with a diverse range of subjects, interwoven with expert opinion, ‘Shape’ explores many of the defining factors that influence gay men to obsess over their looks and the negative repercussions of this harmful mindset.
The film’s subjects reflect on their personal experiences of body image-based discrimination and dissect their own beliefs, while exploring what needs to happen to create a more inclusive gay community. Two characters will provide fascinating insights on alternative body image ideals within the Bear and Drag communities.
The gay community purports to celebrate diversity, inclusivity and equality, but body image discrimination is rife, and is inextricably linked to racism, ageism and femmephobia.
‘Shape’ unpacks how being in a “tribe” can help gay males feel part of a community. This sense of inclusion can be so valuable, especially for young males whose family may have rejected them after they come out. But this social grouping can actually lead to unhealthy stereotypes and unrealistic body image ideals.
Self-objectification of the body in the gay community is by no means a new issue, however we are seeing an increase in feelings of unworthiness, shame, mental health issues and marginalisation among gay men. Conversations around these topics need to be amplified if we truly want to see social change.
By watching ‘Shape’, the audience will come to more deeply understand what it means to be a gay man in a world that places a sometimes dangerously high priority on the way you look. Ultimately, the film will uncover how we can have a more positive outlook towards ourselves and each other in relation to body image.
