Plus sized model Simone Mariposa, has hit back at body shamers by starting a social media campaign that encouragers plus-sized women to wear whatever they like.
The #WeWearWhatWeWant campaign is an antidote to the abuse plus-size women were getting on social media for wearing outfits deemed “unacceptable” for larger women.
The 23-year-old, who Instagrams as ‘wise young fattie’ encouraged her 36.7k social media followers to post selfies, using the hashtag.
She tweeted: “Showing skin isn’t exclusive to smaller girls. It’s okay for a plus-size women to let her body breath in her clothing. Stop making it ‘unacceptable’ for plus women to wear clothes that show skin.”
So far thousands of women have shared their favourite outfits using the hashtag.
Speaking to the Huffington Post, Mariposa said that she wanted to give plus-sized women a voice.
“The story of the plus-size woman isn’t commonly addressed because we are often made to feel subhuman,” she said.
“But with powerful hashtags like this, we are given a voice that no one can ignore.I find it important to highlight plus women being free and fabulous with their wardrobes because we live in a society that constantly polices our bodies.
“Plus-size women are constantly told to cover up, not because we look bad in revealing clothing, but because of people’s personal lack of comfort.”
Since the start of the campaign plus-sized women have started to share stories of times they were shamed for wearing certain items of clothing.
“Plus size doesn’t mean ugly. Plus size doesn’t mean unhealthy. Plus size doesn’t mean I’m lazy. Plus size doesn’t mean I only eat junk food. Plus size doesn’t mean my life means less than anyone else.” Wrote one Instagram user.
“Last night I gained the ladyballs to wear a top like this in public. Empowering,” said another.
Mariposa says that she has been overwhelmed to see the hashtag go viral globally.
“I can’t believe so many lives are being touched by this hashtag. That’s all I’ve wanted,” she tweeted.
“My wish is coming true.”
You may also like: Karl Stefanovic apologises for transphobic comments on TODAY
