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About Me
I am a PhD researcher currently based in the North West of England.
I started going to pole dance/fitness classes in January 2020 and noticed a significant improvement in my mental health and relationship with my body. I had previously been diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (c-PTSD) in October 2017. I decided to start talking about my experiences as when I was first diagnosed, it was difficult to find information and stories about other people who lived with this condition, which increases feelings of shame, isolation and stigma. I also have lived experience of gender-based violence, which has previously led me to undertake activism work in this area.
My PhD research focuses on pole dancers’ digital media practices through an intersectional feminist framework that centres lived experience. As someone who frequently practices pole dance for recreational purposes and also has some experience of online sex work, I am committed to respecting the origins of pole dancing as a practice that was created by strippers and supporting all sex workers, who currently face significant inequalities within the UK (and beyond).
Follow my researcher Instagram account (@ccurleresearch) to find out more about my research and how to get involved.
Pole, PTSD and me 