body positivity
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I, a Fat, Beautiful Black Woman, Get Lots of Sex. Why Does That Bother You?
Hi, guys. It’s me, the resident fat, beautiful black woman and writer from The Root coming to you with an important message about fat-shaming, sex and the supposed undesirability many of you impose on fat women because of your own insecurities. In a word: Stop that shit. I was browsing Twitter on Monday and caught…
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Watch: Let’s Talk About Stretch Marks
They’re on our butts, arms, thighs and breasts. You name it. Stretch marks are discolored, white, red or dark brown and are caused by hormonal changes, genetics or rapid weight gain or loss. Eighty percent of women of color have stretch marks—so let’s talk about them for a minute. Check out the video above to…
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Thirst Traps Are Body Positive, Too
Two months ago on a whim, I got my first tattoo. After an hour and a half, I emerged with a tiny Egyptian cross etched between my least favorite parts of my body—my breasts. It was a daily reminder not to ignore them and to finally start to embrace them. It’s safe to say I…
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Watch: Star of Broadway’s Aladdin Keeps Getting His Wishes Granted With New Roles in Hamilton
James Monroe Iglehart won the Tony in 2014 for his role as the Genie in Broadway’s Aladdin. Earlier this year, he moved on to join the cast of Hamilton, where he plays both the Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson, roles that earned original cast member Daveed Diggs both a Tony and a Grammy. Iglehart…
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Watch: Laila Ali Knows What She Wants and Will Break Down Any Barrier in Her Way
To be clear: There is no ambiguity about what Laila Ali wants and the path she is willing to take to get there. Nearly two decades ago, Ali wrapped up her knuckles, slipped on boxing gloves and stepped into the ring. She made a life-changing decision—going from being a nail-salon owner to a pro boxer—and…
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Why Does the Idea of a Confident, Fat Black Woman Make You So Uncomfortable?
I love me. I’m fat. I’m black. I’m beautiful, and I don’t look my age. My hair is nappy and as big as my smile. I’m usually the loudest person in the room, and my laugh ripples through the air like a hypnotic vibration. My breasts take over the entire top half of my frame,…