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‘You’re So Brave.’
One thing we all seem to be pretty used to hearing is how brave we are. Being proud of having a fat body – in fact, no, just not hiding the fact that you have a fat body – is so unorthodox that it actually takes people by surprise. I resent the notion that I am brave. It feels like an acknowledgement that I should be apologising, but I’m not.
Telling me I’m brave is saying “I can see that you should cover up, but you made the decision not to. I want you to know that I noticed”. Last year I spoke about the reasons that I will never be unapologetically fat, and this definitely follows that same theme. I reject your assumption that I am brave, because I never had anything to be afraid of.
Murder of Goths did a fantastic series last year about how un-brave it is to wear a bikini when you are fat. Through a series of fantastic illustrations, one of which includes our wonderful writer Ms Daisy Hollands, MoG highlighted how ridiculous it is to imply that simply existing and wearing bathing suits in public was some applaudable act of bravery. I wholeheartedly agree.
She Might Be was created to battle the implication that there should be any shame attached to being the owner of a fat body who does not want to change. Next time somebody tells you that you are being ‘brave’ in your choice of attire, ask them why you should feel scared to exist exactly as you are. By breaking down those societal expectations and simply dressing the bodies we have in whatever ways we like, we are able to challenge mainstream thought and demand answers. Being bold in questioning people’s mindsets is the only way to change them. And THAT is pretty brave.
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