Relationships October 11, 2016
The body positivity movement has seen a surge of support recently, but if you’re new to the movement it can feel almost overwhelming to get involved. For those who aren’t aware, the body positivity movement is exactly what it sounds like: a movement to spread positivity about different types of women’s bodies, particularly those that aren’t well represented in mainstream media.
As Bustle aptly points out in their video from November 2015 (which breaks down the movement quite well) body positivity is meant to be an inclusive movement. One of the easiest places to get involved with the body positivity movement is through Instagram, which allows users to share body positive pictures with ease.
Below is an assortment of body positive Instagram accounts designed to help you guide your way through the movement.
For Women Struggling With Eating Disorders
According to statistics provided by the National Eating Disorders Association, around 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from an eating disorder at any given time in the United States. Knowing that you aren’t alone is an important part of recovery, and sometimes all you need is a small push to make it through the day.
For Instagram accounts dedicated to those struggling or recovering from eating disorders, we recommend @projectheal, @recovrywarriors, @nedastaff and @eatingrecovery. Each of these accounts is dedicated to spreading positivity and help for those with eating disorders.
These people will help you get the support you need on your good and bad days. According to Psych Central, dropping your support can send you back to the “negative cycles around [your] body and weight.” Following the accounts will also make it easier to remain consistently exposed to body positive messages.
For Women with Vitiligo
Vitiligo Support International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to spreading awareness of vitiligo, estimates that around 50 million people have vitiligo throughout the world. For those of you who don’t know, vitiligo is a “disorder in which white patches of skin appear on different parts of the body,” says the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. This happens because the cells that make pigment (which add color to your skin) are destroyed.
Model Winnie Harlow brought the skin disorder to the forefront of the public eye when she was featured on America’s Next Top Model. Follow her on Instagram, @winnieharlow, for pictures of Winnie being her fabulous self while living with the disorder.
For Dark Skin Black Women
Black women – especially dark skin black women – can tend to feel excluded from the body positivity movement. These accounts are dedicated to celebrating dark skin black women in all of their black girl magic.
As Huffington Post writes, “Black Girl Magic is a term used to illustrate the universal awesomeness of black women. It’s about celebrating anything we deem particularly dope, inspiring or mind-blowing about ourselves.”
Be sure to check out @darkskinwomen, @moremelaninlove and @darkskin.blackgirls.
For Black Women with Natural Hair
The natural hair movement has been gaining traction in recent years and has had some key moments, such as when model Maria Borges chose to wear her hair natural at last year’s Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. For black girls and women, wearing hair naturally is liberating and empowering.
For Instagram accounts that celebrate natural hair, follow @naturalhairdaily and @naturalrootsista.
For Unapologetically Plus Size Women
The stigma against plus size and fat bodies has been well documented and for many, simply seeing plus size women being completely and unapologetically themselves is uplifting. These women all occupy various walks of life, ranging from bakers to fashion designers, but they’re vocal about what it means to be plus size and aren’t afraid to document their beauty for what it is.
For proudly plus size women, you should follow @gabifresh, @brittpysar, @nadiaaboulhosn, @ashley_nell_tipton and @themilitantbaker. You should also consider following @effyourbeautystandards, which showcases both plus size men and women, created by plus size model Tess Holliday (@tessholliday on Instagram). If you’re looking to break down the stereotype that plus size people can’t also be healthy, active and athletic, look no further: @biggalyoga and @mynameisjessamyn have got you covered.
For Women with Scars and Stretch Marks
Stretch marks are a sign of growth and life – they are nothing to be ashamed of! As Collective Evolution shares, “The lines we accrue as we age are simply the manifestation of our souls on our bodies. It takes many years for our inner beings to fully imprint themselves on our outer selves.”
We certainly recommend @loveyourlines for women with scars or stretch marks; the photo series features a large variety of people all showcasing their marks with pride and positive messages, hoping to spread some positivity to others.
And if you’re looking for more inspiration, you can also track the hashtag #loveyourlines to see people proudly proclaiming why they love their stretch marks.
For Transgender People
Body positivity can be particularly hard to come by for transgender people, but we suggest you check out the hashtag #TransIsBeautiful on Instagram. Started by actress Laverne Cox of “Orange is the New Black,” the hashtag is meant for trans people across the spectrum to be able to showcase and celebrate their beauty.
You can also follow Janet Mock (@janetmock on Instagram), transgender advocate and bestselling author of “Redefining Realness,” to read how proud she is of her identity. In the season finale of Oprah’s “Super Soul Sunday,” Mock shares with her audience, “To own that label and to say that it is mind and I will stand here in that complicated-ness of existing as a trans woman, I think there is power in that.”
So for those of you who want to expand your community, these are just a few people to get you started. As Janet Mock once Tweeted, “No matter our age/path, we’re all searching for authenticity, identity, acceptance & (self-)love.”
