Ruby Rose Strips Gender Identity In "Break Free" Short Film

Australian DJ, model, former MTV VJ and inmate on Orange Is The New Black, Ruby Rose is a champion for freedom and identity. She’s an ambassador for the Australian "Back Me Up" campaign, which advocates activism against cyber bullying, and she appears at Pride Festivals (Brighton Pride 2015) for around the world. In addition to all of her wonderful accomplishments, Rose is talented filmmaker.

ICYMI, last year, Rose released her debut short film, Break Free, to rave reviews within the LGBT community. Earning more than 4-million views, it's safe to say her five-minute festival of sex appeal, gender fluidity and social commentary was a huge success.

Rose, who wrote, produced and stars in the film, created a hypnotically connection between herself and the viewer. With a perfect choice of music ("It Pulls Me Under" by Butterfly Boucher) and choppy camera shots, the film creates a haunting perspective on individuality and self-identification within the LGBT experience.

In Break Free, Rose begins as a girly, traditionally beautiful model, but quickly ditches her socially prescribed attributes. Throughout the film, Rose unveils her identity; she dies her hair dark, removes her false eyelashes and loses her lipstick. Before you know it, she's in a bathtub scrubbing concealer from her body and uncovering her prominent arm and neck tattoos.

The video takes its most controversial turn as she bandages her breasts, sports a strap on and dresses in casual clothing that many consider masculine.
Watch the film below and leave your thoughts in the comments.