They’re big, bold, and beautiful, and we are so here for it! In a day and age, when societal norms tell women that you should be the size of a toothpick, plus-size social media influencers show women how they love the skin they’re in, and you should too.
Body positivity is a social movement intended to empower people to love their bodies in their current state regardless of their age, size, gender, or race. It also asks that people respect others’ bodies, no matter how far they deviate from societal norms. Unfortunately, the movement, created by Black women, has become whitewashed.
In an interview for Vogue’s October issue of Vogue, cover star Lizzo addressed how the body positivity movement has strayed from its original intent. “It’s commercialized,” she said. “Now, you look at the hashtag’ body-positive,’ and you see smaller-framed girls, curvier girls. Lotta white girls.” She went on to say, “I’m glad that this conversation is being included in the mainstream narrative. What I don’t like is how the people that this term was created for are not benefiting from it. Girls with back fat, girls with bellies that hang, girls with thighs that aren’t separated, that overlap. Girls with stretch marks. You know, girls who are in the 18-plus club.”
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Like Lizzo, we are glad the conversation has gone mainstream, but it is beyond problematic that so many women are excluded and underrepresented. The reality is there are several Black women over the size of 18 who built the very table from which others now so freely eat and that they, in many ways, now find themselves fighting to keep a seat.
In light of that reality, we are highlighting a few of those badass, body-positive Black influencers because, as Lizzo said, it is time to “normalize fat bodies.” If you don’t know these women, you should.
Naomie Chaput is a Montreal based plus-size model that was shaking the room long before it was a Tik Tok challenge. Known across the world as Nao, this beauty rocks her platinum blonde hair, gold teeth, and curves without apologies. She even went to war with rapper Future when he allegedly requested “No Fatties” be allowed in a Miami club where he was partying.
If “big bih” energy was a person, it would definitely be Tokyo Vanity. This New Orleans rapper, known for her viral hit That’s My Best Friend, made it mainstream as a star on Love & Hip-Hop Atlanta. With beauty, confidence, and millions of followers, we have yet to her land a major fashion campaign with a plus-size brand. My question is, “How Sway?”
This photo shows the unfortunate reality for many Black women in the plus-size community: lack of representation. However, plus-size activist and model Saucyé is up for the challenge. She regularly speaks out on the changes needed to normalize being plus-size and Black, and shows up in spaces where she is often the only woman who looks like her.
While promoting the hashtag, #wewearwhatwewant, Simone does just that, refusing to allow society to determine her attire. Simone began modeling in 2015 and gained the respect of plus-size women and brands by using her voice to address the needs of the women she represents. Simone is currently showing curvy girls how to pop style as a brand ambassador for Fashion Nova.
5. Kellie Brown
OG influencer Kellie Brown has been at the forefront of plus-size body positivity since the start and is an authority in the plus-size community. She created the hashtags #andigetdressed and #fatatfashionweek to celebrate plus-size style and fashion while building awareness in spaces like New York Fashion Week where inclusion is still an issue for plus-size and Black women.
Lorna is a DMV-based influencer from Atlanta who is vocal about health issues that many Black women face like Polycystic Ovary syndrome and Uterine Fibroids. She also advocates for inclusion and serves her curves (FUPA included) unapologetically and in style for brands like FILA, Eloquii, and Lane Bryant.
7. Ashley Wall
If fat, Black girl joy was a person, it would be Ashley Wall. This plus-size influencer spreads positive vibes everywhere she goes and refuses to buy into society’s standards for plus-size women. Ashley is a Virginia girl who enjoys traveling the world, sharing her experiences to encourage curvy girls to catch flights, not feelings.
8. Shainna Tucker
Being tall and plus-size isn’t easy. Many times, the longest of garments fail to accommodate tall girls with curves. However, influencer Shainna Tucker makes it look easy and she uses her experiences to help other tall girls shop. Shainna continuously spreads her messages of self-love and self-awareness all over Beyoncé’s internet.
9. Danielle Young
While Danielle is an amazing journalist, she also has a strong influence among plus-size women. Many admire her free-spirit and willingness to be present in spaces that don’t intentionally make room for curvy girls. Affectionately known as Dani, her larger-than-life personality and style are goals for women and girls who desire to work in media.
