If you Google body positive, most of the images show white folks — even the cartoons. When spreading the message of body positivity, we have to be sure that we are including the voices of people of color. As a fat Black woman, this piece for me is very important. When fighting against body terrorism and oppression, we have to address racism and its impact on people’s self-esteem and body image.
News Posted in Body Positivity
Learning to Love It, Yes Even That: Boob Sweat and More
Photo Credit: Charles Krupa/Associated Press At some point last year, I made a conscious…
Pretty Hurts: The Impact of Beauty Standards
here are so many stereotypes and societal expectations surrounding beauty and intelligence – expectations that make people believe that a beautiful person cannot be intelligent and that intelligent people aren’t attractive. Growing up, because I was a straight-A student, no one expected me to wear stylish clothes or be attractive in general.
I was a fat, dark-skinned black girl with a kinky hair texture, and if I weren’t smart, I wouldn’t have had much going for me in the eyes of most folks. I felt like the whole world was telling me that, because my body was neither desired nor wanted, my only contribution to society could be through my academic successes.
Bad Picture Monday: Loving Yourself Right Now
A picture is worth a thousand words: An old saying that many of us…
My Lavender Weave and Why Do You Care?
“This femme wants pastel colored hair, preferably lavender.” It was such a simple Facebook…
Unapologetically Owning the Stereotypes and Nuances of Me
As a Black, queer, fat woman, I’m constantly aware of how I navigate most spaces. I’m constantly determining whether I can talk about my girlfriend. I’m constantly wondering whether I can eat what and how I want. And I’m constantly aware of how I’m speaking, from my tone to the words that I’m saying.
You are Enough: A Love Letter to Young Me
In honor of International Women’s Day, YouTube launched the global initiative #DearMe, a compilation of women on YouTube sharing words of wisdom with their younger selves. So, in honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, I have been inspired to write a love letter to my younger self.
How I Survived the Big Chop
I remember sitting in my grandma’s kitchen waiting for the hot comb to heat…