Gabriela Eva for 'Natural Beauty' by Ben Hopper (2015)
“I let my hair grow for the Natural Beauty project. It really intrigued me to see my whole body in its natural state. I wanted to know what it would feel like and how I would feel. I wanted to witness people's judgment on my body first-hand.
I wanted to see how that impact would affect myself.
It made me feel natural and vulnerable at first, and eventually empowered.
I've grown accustomed to my armpit hair, and it makes me feel beautiful. If I removed it now, I’d feel a little bare. I like the colour of my hair against my skin.
People’s reactions are mixed, as it's not mainstream.
I feel it’s extremely important to feel cushty in your own skin no matter what's on the outside.
The stronger I get from being in a vulnerable place, the less people's reactions hurt me. Some even humour me now.
As my hair grew, I grew stronger with it.”
– Gabriela Eva. Musician (2015)