The projects in our section explore issues related to agency, power, control, perception, identity, and embodiment. They are rooted in feminist theory and focus on the relationship between self-invention, self-discovery, and self-representation. Each author explores different media through which identity is formed and shared with the world.Julia Gruberg focuses on the performance body as a powerful instrument of identity formation and self-expression. Zoe Simpson is concerned with self-identity as realized through freedom to express one’s sexuality as one chooses. Miriyam Aronova explores the right to protect information about the self, such as medical information about the body.

Zoe Simpson‘s essay, “Sexual Health & the Sexual Confession: The Value of Oversharing,” explores the use of online video sex confessions in sexual health advocacy. Pushing the boundaries of appropriate public discourse in the name of safety and fulfillment, these confessors demonstrate that personal sexual information can and should be shared.  In “HIPAA, a Solution…Is it legally a crime?” In “HIPAA, a Solution…Is it legally a crime?” [abstract], Miriyam Aronova investigates misconduct regarding the use of personal health information before the enactment of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in 1996: HIPAA Presentation.  She argues that HIPPA effectively protects patients’ privacy and confidentiality, and provides numerous valuable benefits to society. Julia Gruberg asks:”Is the self located in the mind or in the body?” In “Ten Things Fat Girls Don’t Want You To Know!”, she uncovers her selfhood in a nine-minute video list (password: tenthingsaboutme) and a short essay on performativity, challenging the dualistic approach to understanding the self.