Jake DuPree, a nonbinary burlesque dancer, faced criticism for posing in lingerie. How they're using kindness to 'outshine hate.'
Posing in lingerie is nothing new to Jake DuPree, a nonbinary burlesque dancer who performs on stages across the globe wearing nothing but intimates. But when photos of them wearing items from Honey Birdette, a luxury lingerie line that shares an owner with Playboy, were reposted by the brand, DuPree felt forced to defend their choices.
The photos, which were taken by Max Bronner, were originally shared on DuPree's Instagram on March 31 while announcing their upcoming performance at the Crazy Horse Paris, a legendary burlesque theater known for its nude-dancer spectacles. In their post, DuPree also acknowledged the importance of International Trans Day of Visibility, writing, "With so much hatred and vitriol toward trans and nonbinary people, it's important to not only be visible and proud but also fight for our safety and lives. Every trans and gender non-conforming person has the right to live to the fullest and be happy! We deserve to be recognized, respected, and valued."
When Honey Birdette shared the photos of DuPree's "red carpet moment" on the brand Instagram page on April 11, respect for inclusive representation isn't what they were met with.
The lingerie brand tells Yahoo Life that the post generated roughly 10,000 comments before it made the choice to turn off commenting entirely because of hate speech and bullying. The post's caption was later updated with a statement on inclusion.
"Honey Birdette fosters an inclusive and diverse environment, and we will continue to use our voice to empower and support the LGBTQ+ community, women, and anyone who wants to feel fabulous in our lingerie," it reads. "While thoughtful and constructive discussions are important to push culture forward, hate speech and bullying will not be tolerated on our channels. Comments of this negative nature will be deleted. @jakedupree, you are so talented and have our full support!"
DuPree took to their own Instagram one day later to share how they navigated the negative response.
"Days like this are tough, but I'm tougher," DuPree wrote. "Putting yourself out there is always open to criticism and differing opinions, but I think there's a kinder, more understanding bridge to be built between those differences. I'm going to keep pushing to make my dreams and goals come true, and I know that comes with challenges that are far beyond my control. I know kindness and respect go a long way, and those two things will always outshine hate!"
DuPree tells Yahoo Life that such challenges have followed them throughout their life, as they've struggled to find safe spaces to express themselves authentically.
"I struggled with my gender identity from a very young age, basically since I can cognitively remember. I was always very effeminate and drawn to what people usually assert that girls would show interest in," DuPree says, noting that they experienced "merciless bullying" because of it. "Burlesque really allowed me to come to terms with my own gender identity and sexuality."
While not everybody can be supportive of that journey, the performer says they feel "empowered" by the support of brands like Playboy and Honey Birdette. Most importantly, DuPree feels "effortlessly powerful" by being themselves onstage.
"By wearing lingerie and dancing the way I wanted to and confidently parading in front of an audience in my own expression and idea, I found myself and released who I have always been," explains DuPree. "I've healed myself and a lot of past trauma by performing the way I do."
And they encourage others to do the same, saying, "Life as a human is already tough enough. Do not waste your time waiting to live authentically. Give yourself the gift of that freedom."
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