Iconic Divinyl’s song “I Touch Myself” caused quite the stir upon its 1990 release. Gutsy, sexual and empowered, there was nothing quite like it on the radio at the time. With her trademark pout firmly in place, Aussie frontwoman Chrissy Amphlett purred provocatively “when I think about you I touch myself”.
Then, 20 years later, the lyrics assumed quite a different meaning for Amphlett who was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her final wish was for the song to become an anthem for women to “touch themselves” in the name of early detection of the disease that affects the lives of approximately 13,000 Australia women every year.
This week, almost exactly one year after her passing, that dream came true. “I Touch Myself” has underdone a profound revolution, being reworked into a moving, black and white, stripped back version of the classic song performed by ten of Australia’s top female vocalists: Deborah Conway, Olivia Newtown-John, Katie Noonan, Sarah Blasko, Suze Demarchi, Megan Washington, Sarah McLeod, Connie Mitchell, Kate Cebrano and, of course, Patricia Amphlett.
Speaking with my dear friend and Chrissy’s beloved cousin Patricia about the I Touch Myself Project today she says, “it’s gone bananas”.
“It seems to me that everybody knows someone, friend or family member who has or has survived breast cancer. It’s hard to mention those who have died from breast cancer. We know them too: our Chrissy.”
In addition to the Project’s fundamental message of self-examination, Patricia stresses the importance of regular mammograms and check-ups by doctors. “As important as self-examination is, it’s just one part of what we should be doing. It would be dreadful if we didn’t get the whole message out to women,” she says.
Patricia recalls a particular interview years ago with breast cancer survivor and fellow Project ambassador Olivia Newtown-John who was asked by a reporter: “Do you wonder why you have been struck by breast cancer? Why YOU?”
“Her answer was ‘why NOT me?’. Her reply says so much,” says Patricia.
The I Touch Myself Project is a slick and strong social media campaign with the video at its very core. The song can be purchased online with all proceeds going to the Cancer Council NSW. Supporters are also being encouraged to take and upload black and white photographs of themselves performing breast checks under the hashtag #ITOUCHMYSELFIE to Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
Seeing her cousin’s final wish come to fruition is deeply gratifying for Patricia.
“Chrissy would be so proud,” she says. “She was definitely there on the day we filmed, bossing us around, with a big smile on her face.”
Today, Chrissy’s star burns brighter than ever. “I Touch Myself” is still as relevant and revolutionary as it was when she first performed it. Its message may have changed but still roars as loudly as it ever did. Maybe even more so.
To find out more about the campaign, purchase the song and watch the video please visit: www.itouchmyself.org
For more information on the Cancer Council NSW please visit: www.cancercouncil.com.au
