Well done, Gaga.
On Monday I mused over my conflicted feelings toward Mother Monster and her contradictory messages regarding self-acceptance and body image. I just couldn't come to terms with the way she endorsed embracing the "Born This Way" mantra while simultaneously discussing her strict diet and workout regimens. How could she celebrate self-love but engage in the same body dissatisfaction she railed against?
The reason, as many commenters pointed out, is that, well, she's human. In her latest move, Gaga proves that even as a poster child for unconditional confidence, she has ongoing issues that in many ways make her even more worthy of role model status.
On Tuesday, the pop star launched "A Body Revolution 2013" on her Little Monsters site, and in addition to encouraging fans to share their flaws and "inspire bravery," Gaga fessed up about her own continuous battles.
A series of four pictures show Gaga stripped down to her bra and underwear, eyes closed, tattoos blazing, posing in a variety of body-conscious postures. The first caption reads: "Bulimia and anorexia since I was 15" and the next: "But today I join the BODY REVOLUTION."
Pretty powerful.
According to Jezebel and MTV.com, thousands of fans have uploaded their own photos, chronicling their struggles and praising Gaga for her bravery, honesty, and compassion.
And I'd like to join them. People can say what they want about Gaga's shtick seeming manufactured or carefully orchestrated to draw media attention. You know what? It works.
She's an expert at attracting billions of eyeballs to watch her every move. But when everyone's watching her do something this courageous and massively motivating, it just means more men, women and children are finding comfort and solace in a place they once associated only with suffering.
Could Gaga just have a great publicity team behind her? Of course. Does it matter? Not a bit. By putting her own face and body at the forefront of a cause that affects countless others, she's created a safe haven for fans to admit their own struggles and heal their wounds.
So consider me sold, Gaga -- count me in as one more Little Monster dedicated to the Body Revolution.