13 Affirmations Inspired by Lizzo For Big Black Women

This week had its ups and down for Lizzo, an American singer, rapper, songwriter and flutist, as she explains on her Instagram live video. 

Through tears, she expressed how her haters are having an impact on her as they use racist tropes and fatphobic language to attack her online. Lizzo has been very open about her weight and the love she has for her body just the way it is. I am impressed by this, so it hurts to see her attacked like this after she just dropped her new song “Rumors” featuring Cardi B.

I too live in a larger body and have been ridiculed for my size. I am not famous like Lizzo, so while not as blatant as her feedback, it still hurts the same. I have struggled my whole life to fit into what is expected of me, which is to be thin and white. Well, I am big and Black and trying to accept and love myself. Society is very fatphobic and puts a lot of pressure on all of us to be thin and “healthy.” This is all rooted in racism and the hatred of the Black body and the need to control it. I will no longer tolerate this treatment and Lizzo is saying the same thing. 

I took away from Lizzo’s Instagram Live that:

1. I as a Black woman have the right to take up space in this world.

2. I as a Black woman owe you and especially the haters nothing.

3. I as a Black woman are not to be abused and neglected, I will not tolerate such treatment.

4. I as a Black woman can know that fatphobia is rooted in racism and that is unacceptable, and I deserve better at any size.

5. I as a Black woman have the right to be sensitive to ridicule and it is unfair that I am asked to hide it.

6. I as a Black woman can be grateful for those who care about my work and respect me.

7. I as a Black woman do not deserve to be torn down just because I am fat.

8. I as a Black woman can be brave in the face of fatphobia and rise above it.

9. I as a Black woman can reach for joy every day. Even though the pitstops get in the way they will not stop me.

10. I as a Black woman can focus on the positive I have done and not on the negativity spewed at me.

11. I as a Black woman can know that fatphobia and racism reflects on the other person’s insecurities, not mine.

12. I as a Black woman do not have to accept what is happening to big Black girls regardless of the hatred.

13. I as a Black woman do not have to accept being securitized and put into boxes.

Lizzo ends the video with “I love you as much as you love yourself. I hope you love yourself a lot.” 

I want all little Black girls to hear Lizzo’s message: all of us deserve to be loved just the way we are. I encourage all of you who want to comment on Lizzo’s or my size should not. Full stop. It is not your place or business. What happens with my body is my business. You have been sold a bill of goods about health and body size to control me and you. Just know I am fine just the way I am, and you should mind your own business.

To Black women I say, you do you. You owe no one an explanation about your larger body. It is perfect just the way it is, and you have every right to celebrate it or not. I have learned in the past couple of months that it is okay for me to love myself in the body God has given me and no one can tell me any different.

To Lizzo I say, thank you for speaking up for all of us big girls. We need more body role models like you. Please take care of yourself and only take this on when it is for your higher good.

Big girls, stay #MightyStrong!