“Dear KJ” is a monthly advice column by Dr. Kjerstin “KJ” Gruys, sociologist, author, and body image activist. She holds a Ph.D. in sociology with a focus on the politics...

In the grocery store checkout line in suburban Orange County, Calif., my mom looked at me and said, “watermelon.” It was our code word for “stand up straight.” I was...

When I started @iamdaniadriana five years ago, I never thought that I would amass nearly 100,000 followers on Instagram. My dream when I started @iamdaniadriana was to give a voice...

During my teenage years, I was very confrontational. I was also very angry and embarrassed to be in my body. This anger and shame, encouraged me to yell at and...

Valentine’s Day can be difficult as it emphasizes the “special someone” in your life. There are set expectations of roses, chocolates, and candle-lit dinners but here are some ways to...

Ask people what they see in an abstract piece of art, and chances are they won’t say the same thing. Every individual shape is a unique interpretation, and this different...

I am six years old, staring at the mirror, knowing there’s a difference between pretty and ugly. I know who’s “pretty” and who’s “ugly;” even my six year old self,...

In honor of Black History Month, we are applauding some of the incredible members of the Black community who spread positivity one Instagram post at a time. Their messages of...

I study languages. I grew up speaking English and Korean at home, and now I’m fluent in Modern Standard Arabic with the ultimate goal of teaching Arabic to native English...

We’re over a week into the new year and you’ve likely encountered a plethora of diet ads telling you that happiness can only be achieved through weight loss. I’m calling...