People keep calling me brave for speaking out about fat hatred.
I’m not any braver than any other fat person.
Bravery is what’s required to exist while fat.
Brave is trying methods designed to fail to shrink your body because everyone says you have to shrink, and failing, and trying again.
Brave is your doctor telling you your body size is to blame for a health condition, and getting a second opinion.
Brave is showing up to Thanksgiving and Christmas and Fourth of July celebrations knowing that your body will be criticized to your face.
Brave is applying for a promotion knowing that clothing appropriate for the position isn’t made in your size.
Brave is arriving in the waiting room, finding no chairs will fit you and standing to wait.
Brave is being sneered at every time you leave the house, and leaving the house anyway.
Brave is being told you won’t live to watch your kids grow up unless you become less fat, and agreeing to have a healthy organ amputated.
Brave is being sold a bill of goods about the worthlessness of your fat existence, and existing anyway.
Dealing with a few online trolls is no braver than the fat people I see around me valiantly surviving, year after year. None of us should have to be this brave just to lead our lives.
Hi there! I'm Lindley. I create artwork that celebrates the unique beauty of bodies that fall outside conventional "beauty" standards at Body Liberation Photography. I'm also the creator of Body Liberation Stock and the Body Love Shop, a curated central resource for body-friendly artwork and products. Find all my work here at bodyliberationphotos.com.