A new initiative from Instagram will highlight women who are using the platform to tell their inspiring stories -- and challenging gender roles along the way.
Instagram's #MyStory initiative will launch with a photo exhibit featuring 28 women shattering stereotypes and using their voices on the platform in a positive way. The women being highlighted include model Tess Holliday, who promotes body positivity on Instagram, female firefighter Alli Meade, and artist Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, the woman behind the anti-street harassment campaign Stop Telling Women To Smile. The exhibit, which was curated by journalist Jessica Bennett, will be presented in Los Angeles on Oct. 26 at an event hosted by actress Rowan Blanchard and Instagram COO Marne Levine.
Blanchard, who has used Instagram to encourage intersectionality in feminism and raise awareness about campus sexual assault, stressed the importance of women sharing their stories.
"My Instagram is my platform to share and spread creativity and individuality," she told The Huffington Post. "I use it to tell my story and also to be inspired by others. I am especially excited that Instagram is highlighting women's voices and letting people know they have stories that need to be heard."
No woman's story is the same, but they are all worth hearing. Below are the 28 game-changing women featured in the #MyStory exhibit:
Get your #shine on. #happyplace #breathless #blue #wildocean by: clay wiseman
A photo posted by Mehgan Heaney-Grier (@freediver_mhg) on
Get out of your box and explore other surfaces! #areyouyou
A photo posted by Shantell Martin (@shantell_martin) on
Flashback Friday... #smaw or #stickwelding was the first method I learned.
A photo posted by Alli Meade (@oldsoulstudio) on
A photo posted by Denisio Truitt (@denisiotruitt) on
A photo posted by Tatyana Fazlalizadeh (@tlynnfaz) on
Happy International Women's Day. Treat yourself 💆💅💐🛀 #comics #drawing #feminism #women
A photo posted by Sask (@saskiakeultjes) on
A photo posted by ➕Size Model | Mom | Feminist🦄 (@tessholliday) on
Oh? Happy #nationalspidermanday ☺️ Suit by @therpcstudio 📷: @nixja #spidergwen #spiderman
A photo posted by strawburry17 (@strawburry17) on
A photo posted by Alana Smith (@alanasmithskate) on
Another school. Seriously the community, the kids, and staff said their #1 need was a place to sit.
A photo posted by katiemeyler (@katiemeyler) on
#mom #youhavenothingtoworryabout #moving #nesting #home #family #mentalhealth #mentalillness #shhh
A photo posted by Melissa Spitz (@nothing_to_worry_about) on
Also on HuffPost:
Magazine Covers Of Powerful Women
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.