Somadiversity is a term that helps us to describe, respect and celebrate the natural variance and diversity of human bodies and functioning.
SOMA + DIVERSITY
(OF THE BODY) (VARIATION, DIFFERENCE)
It is a parallel term to neurodiversity and neurodivergence, representing differences in cognition, mental functioning and how our nervous system works and seeking to normalise them
Somadiversity also helps us challenge the following
Society often assumes there’s a “normal” way for bodies to look, move, and function. These assumptions erase the rich diversity of human bodies and lead to stigma against those who don’t fit narrow expectations. Many people are judged as “faulty” or “less than” simply because their bodies don’t align with these standards.
Products and services—like healthcare, fitness, clothing, and public spaces—are often designed with narrow assumptions about how bodies “should” be. This approach excludes many people, leaving their needs unmet or ignored. In healthcare especially, treatments are based on limited research that fails to reflect the full range of human diversity, hiding serious gaps in care and access.
There is also a widespread belief that much of what we experience is in the mind, rather than a product of our body and mind working together. This distorts and overshadows the real picture, preventing people form accessing the right understanding and care.
Somadiversity draws on the body positivity movement, somatic awareness and practices, and efforts to dismantle ableism. It highlights the importance of respecting all bodies, recognises the connection between body, mind, and emotion, and challenges the belief that some bodies are superior to others.
Somadiversity promotes inclusivity and acceptance, celebrating the diverse ways bodies look, feel, and function.
What can I do towards Somadiversity?
Support individual people and organisations working to address bias and embrace the diversity of the human body and experiences
Use #somadiversity to tag and highlight content and research that supports this goal, and to keep this conversation going.
Speak up where you see body bias, or where you yourself are being left out.
Together we are strong. Together we are Somadiverse.
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