Strella Sapphire — Model, Musician, Artist, Stylist, Photographer and Writer

I am a model, musician, artist, stylist, photographer and writer.  I figure model for fine art programs in addition to my other work.  I have posted pictures of myself on social media of drawings of me from classes and have had no issues. Similarly, I have posted pictures of myself that can be considered sexy (NOT sexual), as they fall into the category of accepted beauty standards.  The photos are enclosed for your reference.  While much of my art is in the form of a song, a look, a portrait, a painting, or some kind of craft, as an abstract performance artist, I express my art in my day to day life.  There is the art content as displayed in the social media platform and the art that is the actual substance as expressed by me in my own active form.  Not only that, I am a muse for various artists of different mediums, so my fluid active art as well as my posted art serves to inspire them and our fans as well.

When I posted a photo of myself in a hot tub, without a bathing top, the photo was flagged and removed, stating that IG was keeping the platform "safe."  I was not given any explanation for why my photo was considered unsafe and was neither asked to remove the photo myself or given the opportunity to speak with anyone regarding my posted photo.  Again, drawings depicting my unclothed torso or photos suggesting nudity have not been removed or flagged, just the photo of me in the hot tub.  I have been targeted by hateful members of IG, harassing me regarding the content of my posts.  The nature of this harassment has been specifically misogynistic or "religious."  Thankfully, much of my experience has been positive on Instagram, and bullying has been minimal.  In the cases mentioned, I reported all individuals and blocked them from my feed.  Still, it is my understanding that the individuals are permitted to target whomever they choose and harass them however they please without consequence.   

I would like to know why it is acceptable for individuals to harass and troll anyone on IG, but according to so-called "community guidelines" it is deemed unsafe for artists to express themselves, especially when the content is nothing that is harmful or otherwise offensive.  These double standards speak to an environment that limits the expression of individuals, while undeniably allowing harassment and sexist imagery to persist.