In a post entitled “Dear Instagram, This Isn’t Sexual”, Dove has set out to explain the big issue with Instagram’s ban on female nipples.

Shared alongside a video of a topless Dove playing basketball, it reads reads:

Sure, I may have my DD Breasts out. Nipples shining in the sun. But this is simply a game of basketball between two humans. One of those humans is actually a Pro Basketball player (@crissa_ace ) – whose skills on the court are far more worthy of a stare than my swinging sacks of potential food providing flesh.

But before you delete my IG POST let me DD-fend myself:

Your guidelines say “female nipples”. I do not identify as “female”. Or “male”. So I am not violating your guidelines.
Even if I did identify as “female”, “females” can have pecs. “Males” can have Breasts. And if you argue only people with pecs are considered “male” bodied… well, pecs can be bigger than breasts and vice versa. Both can also lactate. Both can also be fetishised. What’s so different?
What is considered “nudity” or “naked” changes culturally globally. In some places eye contact direct to camera is considered sexual. Showing your shoulders is considered lewd. Hugs are considered worse than kisses. Etc. Aren’t you a globally reaching company? Whose opinion is controlling what is considered sexual? Can we have a chat one on one?

I wouldn’t have had much of a chance at my career without my Instagram platform. I’m grateful for this app and what it has done to elevate my opportunities in life. I’m coming TO you. Not AT you. So please consider reviewing the language you use in your guidelines. Either make it so NO one can show their nipples or everyone can. You’re creating a division that’s reinforcing the vulnerable feelings people with breasts already feel. Fear, shame, objectification. Stop targeting “females” specifically. Instead might I recommend addressing INTENTIONS… equally. It’s kind of obvious when someone is creating work with specifically salacious intention. A shirt off is not enough for a conviction.

You reach around the world IG. Therefore you can change it- simply by hanging your language.

LOVE ALWAYS, Rain Dove

This topless video reveals the fatal flaw in Instagram’s nipple ban