WE ARE FIGHTING TO CHANGE THE SYSTEM - NAKED.
The solidarity and photo project NAKED SOLIDARITY was founded in early 2021 by the Berliner Mascha Leskien to show solidarity with people who are affected by discrimination. With the nude calendar project and related exhibitions NAKED SOLIDARITY wants to offer a platform to people who often don't get one in our society. The artistic approach was chosen to spread radical feminist views in society and make them accessible to all - including people who have little or no prior knowledge of feminist issues. The work of NAKED SOLIDARITY includes people who are subject to discrimination. The project financially supports organizations that advocate for these very people and provide them with a safer space. At the same time, a space is created within the work itself to give the people involved a sense of empowerment, security and entitlement.
NAKED SOLIDARITY wants to show active (naked) solidarity, offer a platform to marginalized individuals and contribute to the abolition of patriarchal, racist structures.
NAKED SOLIDARITY wants to establish itself as a solidarity project, which brings people together and optimally support other projects that do active aid work.
Photo by Lucy Jost
I am a white, queer cis woman from Berlin. Over the past few years, my political thinking has become more and more refined and has given rise to an activist aspiration for myself.
As a person who experiences discrimination and was born and raised with privilege, I carry anger and frustration within me, as well as a responsibility to stand up for my values and beliefs and actively show solidarity.
As a prospective psychologist, I did a lot of scientific research on sexuality as part of my final thesis. It became very clear to me how much work needs to be done in the area of sexual education and sexual empowerment.
As a radical feminist, I couldn't deal with the issue without feeling a lot of outrage, sadness, and the urge to act. That, in combination with a practical and promising worldview, pushed me to start a project that raises awareness and funds for feminist organizations.
The basis of my work is to implement everything I want to support and promote through the project, within the project. I want to provide a safe space for the individuals I work with, empower them, make them feel good about themselves and validate who they are. Feminism has to be intersectional, inclusive and sex-positive - this is exactly what I demand of my work.