Body Liberation in Organizing: 

Respecting Your Body, Your Home, and Your Time

Body liberation is a term used broadly in activism and social justice communities to describe a movement and philosophy that challenges oppressive systems—like fatphobia, racism, and sexism—that dictate which bodies are considered more worthy or desirable. This general summary highlights the core ideas: recognizing inherent human worth regardless of appearance, rejecting societal pressures to “fix” or alter the body, and creating a world where all bodies are respected and can participate fully in life.

There are three core ways I focus on body liberation in the organizing process with clients:

1. Inclusive Language

Traditional organizing advice often comes with shame, pressure, or rigid standards. I use language that respects and affirms your body, your pace, and your lived reality. There is no expectation to conform to someone else’s idea of “tidy” or “productive.” Instead of comparing your space or routines to others, we focus on what feels supportive and sustainable for you right now. My role is to help build systems that adapt to you—not the other way around.

2. Clothing, Closets, and Self-Expression

Decluttering clothing is one of the most personal and vulnerable parts of organizing. For larger-bodied people, the process can be especially complicated—plus-size clothing is harder to find, often more expensive, and more limited than straight sizes. Letting go of items can feel risky when replacing them isn’t always easy. For gender-expansive folks, clothing, makeup, and accessories are deeply tied to identity, comfort, and presentation. I approach closets with an understanding that gender expression is a personal form of self-expression and a journey of self-discovery, not a fixed destination. Together, we keep what supports dignity, comfort, and ease in your current season of life, and release what no longer feels aligned. Your closet doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s—it needs to work for you, making it easier to feel comfortable, affirmed, and expressed in your body today.

3. Mind-Body Connection and Reframing the Inner Voice

So many of us carry critical messages about our homes, our time, and our bodies: that we should be neater, smaller, or more disciplined. These stories are rooted in cultural pressure—not truth. My mindfulness training and long-time practice help me guide clients toward a calmer, more grounded way of making decisions. Together we pause to take a deep breath, check in with sensations in the body—like noticing what your gut is telling you—and stay mindful of basic needs such as rest, hydration, or a moment of movement. This creates space to reduce stress and approach choices from a more authentic, present state. Organizing then becomes less about pressure or self-criticism, and more about reconnecting with your body, your needs, and your values.