The Pouting Room’s Pledge for Inclusivity: Completing The Boudoir University’s 7 Pillar Program
Oppression; prejudice; racism; bodily autonomy; these are all hot button topics we constantly see being debated in the news. But, to all of us, they are and should be so much more than that. These are real issues plaguing our society and pervading every industry. They affect every one of us, whether we realize it or not, in the opportunities we receive, resources we have access to, interpersonal relationships we form, and our sense of self.
No matter your age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or life circumstances, harmful and oppressive practices and perspectives are not something you can ignore.
As a business, The Pouting Room is dedicated to and passionate about mitigating the harm oppressed groups and individuals face, as well as advocating for a better, more inclusive world for everyone. How do we do that? Through photography. And where does that process begin? With education.
That’s why we’ve taken the initiative to get educated about how to create a safe and inclusive boudoir experience for every client by completing The 7 Pillar Program: The Course For Photographers Who Give A Damn.
The 7 Pillar Program is a training program in inclusivity designed and offered by The Boudoir University—a self-defined “collective of photographers and educators who are striving to create change within the photography industry”. Each course covers a different sector in which photography has the potential to harm, rather than empower, how to eradicate any obvious or inculcated prejudices, and how to then build a boudoir business that is progressive, inclusive, and offers a safe space for all.
The Pouting Room completed each of the 7 courses, which cover:
- Mitigating Harm
- Ableism
- Therapeutic Photography
- Anti-Racism
- Body Image 101
- 2SLGBTQIA
- Sexuality & Boudoir
We have also proudly taken and committed to carrying out the inclusivity pledge, which states:
“As a graduate of the Boudoir University I have pledged to continue to do the work necessary to educate myself on as many different intersections of oppression as possible, in addition to striving to provide a safe, inclusive, and empowering photographic experience for all humans, mitigating harm where possible. It is my belief that every human is worthy of respect in the form of, but not limited to: consent, safe practices, open communication, and understanding. Every human deserves photographic documentation and it is my promise as your professional to constantly aim for inclusivity, empowerment and empathy in all practices.”
To us, these are not just words on a page. They define the core values of our business and of what boudoir photography should be. And our education and activism efforts will not stop here. We will continue to listen, learn, and strive to create better, safer, and more empowering boudoir experiences for everyone. Why? Because we give a damn.
For more information about our inclusivity pledge and what we’re doing to put it into action, contact The Pouting Room today. We’ll be happy to discuss, listen, and provide you with the supportive and inspiring boudoir session you deserve!
