Everybody is born beautiful. Unfortunately, Tess Holliday, a gorgeous, size-22 and self-proclaimed “plus-size” model, has recently been facing backlash about her pregnant body from the cruelest corners of the internet.
As a model, Holliday is no stranger to publicity, as she was named this year on Time’s list of "The 30 Most Influential People on the Internet."
However, recent blasts are hitting her harder than usual, as her critics are now not only targeting her figure, but also weighing in on how she mothers her children.
Plus-size or not, pregnancy itself is stressful enough without strangers weighing in with their vicious two cents.
In spite of her detractors, Holliday continues rocking her body, style, and sass, never failing to stand in her truth about body positivity.
Holliday is an amazing role model, inspiring the masses by continuing to speak out against her bullies. She lives her life on her terms.
Scroll through below to see more about how Holliday has taken a stand against her cruelest digital critics.
[H/T: Cosmopolitan]
Tess Holliday is a self-proclaimed “plus-size” model, mother, and body positivity ambassador.
Born in Mississippi and then raised in Los Angeles, Holliday has appeared in campaigns for H&M and Benefit Cosmetics, as well as graced the covers of both People and LA Weekly.
Unfortunately, Holliday’s name has more recently been dragged through the mud, with backlash on social media, shaming her pregnant body.
This plus-size model is eight months pregnant with her second child.
On her Instagram, she describes her experience of this pregnancy as being equal parts beautiful and frustrating.
She explains: “As I enter my 8th month, my body overall looks the same other than my belly & I'm okay with that.
“What I've had to be learn to be okay with (WHICH IS NOT COOL) is the fact that people still think it's okay to comment on my body: 'you don't look pregnant,' 'you must be having quadruplets,' 'you are putting your baby at risk' and a slew of other uneducated statements that are very far from my reality.”
Holliday continues: “I'm not the first plus-size woman in the public eye to have a baby and share it with the world, and I certainly won't be the last.
“However, I'm part of a small minority that's telling you it's okay to not have a perfect baby bump, or not show at all, to be plus-size and have a healthy child, and most importantly to find a care provider that doesn't shame you about your size.”
Essentially, Holliday is tired of all the unsolicited “advice” her haters keep spewing her way.
This model is, unfortunately, no stranger to navigating the emotional weight of internet trolls.
Holliday has been modeling since 2010.
In 2015, Holliday signed with the U.K.’s MiLK Modeling, further cementing her reach and influence.
Her rock-star-level self confidence has absolutely blossomed over time.
During her first pregnancy, Holliday admits to not necessarily feeling strong enough to handle the negative feedback she received from digital critics.
Holliday compared her first and second pregnancies, explaining on her Instagram: “Every time I look at my tummy, I'm reminded at how amazing my body is.
"Even though I've had a baby before, I didn't love myself entirely. So now every kick, every pain, is incredible to me.”
She continues: “I get constantly shamed and criticized for existing in this body, but the problem isn't my size, it's others inability to comprehend that beauty doesn't come pre-packaged in one size.
“I'm embracing my stomach getting bigger, stretch marks, and loving this little life I'm growing.”
Last year, she posted a caption to one of her Instagram photos that still rings true.
She explained that: “Making fun of my body will never make you a better person.
"It will never fix the void you feel within yourself, and the issues you have when you look in the mirror.”
“The real issue isn't that I'm fat, or my size, it's that you are scared of seeing someone that is happy AND fat. I don't need to be 'fixed' because I'm not the broken one.”
Holliday is a staunch proponent of the term plus-sized. She believes the term unites people like her, and need not be clouded by negative implications.
She feels that the term was never meant to be negative.
Multitalented woman that she is, Holliday is also the founder of a second Instagram, EffYourBeautyStandards.
This account shares empowering photos, encourages acceptance, and promotes body positivity.
Holliday's unrelenting courage against her cyberbullies is a beautiful lesson in self-confidence.
She trusts herself and her position enough to speak out again these digital trolls with grace and power.
Holliday's pregnancy is a precious gift, in more ways than one.
Not only is she growing a little bundle of joy, but she is also transforming an episode of abusive cyberbullying into an opportunity to publicly reinforce her point of view.
Holliday's posts encourage all to reconsider how we treat women's bodies and the wonderful miracles they naturally produce.
Holliday is standing up to body-shaming, one bully at a time.
What do you think of her story? Have you ever had to deal with body-shaming? Let us know in the comments.
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