Model and self-proclaimed 'gender capitalist' Rain Dove has taken Instagram to task for their regarding nipples - specifically those of the female variety, which are not allowed on the photo-sharing app (unless while breastfeeding or following a mastectomy).
Rain, who uses the pronouns 'they' and 'them', was compelled to take action after one of the few topless photos on their was deleted, despite having collected more than 50,000 likes over 10 days.
"I am NOT 'Female'." Rain wrote in the caption of the same photo, which they re-uploaded.
They continued: "Therefore this nipple DOESN'T violate IG [Instagram] guidelines and should not be removed. BUT it was after 10 days up, 51k likes and 2k comments."
"Oddly enough in that time period no one turned into a puddle of goo or had their eyes burned out by viewing this nipple. No one even complained that they were destroyed by seeing it."
Dove said they would take Instagram to court if the image was removed a second time. Source: Image: Instagram
"In some places eye contact direct to camera is considered sexual. Showing your shoulders is considered lewd. Hugs are considered worse than kisses. Etc. Aren’t you a globally reaching company? Who’s opinion is controlling what is considered sexual? Can we chat?"
Rain went on to express their gratitude for the social media giant.
"I wouldn't have had much of a chance at my career without my IG [Instagram] platform," they wrote.
"I'm grateful for this app and what it has done to elevate my opportunities in life. I'm coming TO you. Not AT you."
They continued: "Please consider reviewing the language you use in your guidelines. Either make it so NO one can show their nipples or everyone can. You're creating a division that's reinforcing the vulnerable feelings people with breasts already feel."
"Fear, shame, objectification," Rain added - "stop targeting and criminalising 'female bodies' specifically."
The 'Genderless Nipples' Instagram account. Source: Photo: Instagram
Instagram's refusal to allow female-presenting nipples has resulted in ongoing criticism, helping to fuel the and inspiring accounts including , which regularly shares close-up photographs of non-gendered nipples.
Back in 2015, Instagram blamed the controversial no-girl-nip policy , referring to the that nudity, including female nipples, only be allowed in apps rated for ages 17+ (Instagram currently has and presumably wants to maintain its 12+ rating).
Hours after re-sharing their topless photo, Rain took to social media again - this time with a promising development.
After a social media user reported the image for nudity, rather than remove it for a second time, Instagram said that the photo "does not violate" their community guidelines.
Rain Dove shared developments via her Instagram story. Source: Image: Instagram
The change of tune came after over 195 of Dove's followers re-posted the image to their respective accounts.
