MEET POPPY (SHE/THEY) @POPPYWALKERBORTHWICK [Quote from 2021] “Being a part of The Real Catwalk was, as always, a powerful and moving body positivity event. I took part for the first time in 2018 and again in 2019. I have overcome a lot of challenging things since my last runway. “ !!️ TW: S/A !!️ [Quote continued] “After I was raped last year I lost a lot of confidence especially in my body after it had been violated. For a while it was really hard to look at myself in mirrors and I fell out of love with my body. I wouldn't have been able to even fathom being able to be a part of this again. This past year I've had to rebuild my confidence again, it started with little things like cutting my hair and finding different ways to reclaim my sexuality. I now run a sexual assult awareness group with a small team of amazing people at my University. We have organised protests and are pushing for the University to make student safety a priority. I am very proud of this and it's so wonderful to be a part of something that is helping other survivors. I am also proud of myself for how far I have come — I was able to be in my underwear in public and felt safe and supported by all of the wonderful people taking part. The bad things that happened to me do not define me, but they are a part of my journey to becoming who I am. I would like to think that is someone who is courageous and strong. I am so thankful to have been surrounded by such wonderful people.”