{end weight stigma} Confidence isn’t a cure-all.

It’s important to understand that confidence isn’t a cure-all.

One of the big issues with “just be confident and advocate for yourself! Don’t let anything stop you from fulfilling your dreams!” is that for fat folks, it simply doesn’t work that way.

Sure, what a good friend calls “Confidence Magick” is helpful as each of us navigates the world. Confidence goes a long way in getting us good treatment, but it will never make a waiting room chair larger. 

Confidence in myself will never make a fatphobic doctor treat me well.

Confidence in myself won’t give me more clothing options.

Confidence in myself won’t get me paid more, past a certain point.

Confidence in myself won’t make that bathroom stall any bigger.

◇─◇──« »──◇─◇

Privilege is unearned, but it’s not something you need to feel bad or guilty about. Let’s work to extend those privileges to the most marginalized bodies, too.

Learn more about body image, ending weight stigma and changing the world with the Body Liberation Guide.

Every Monday, I send out my Body Liberation Guide, a thoughtful email jam-packed with resources on body liberation, weight stigma, body image and more. And it’s free. Let’s change the world together.

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Lindley Ashline

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.

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