To be a young, plus-sized woman of color is to be on a constant journey — a journey of self-admiration, self-sufficiency and self-assurance. Any chubby cherub will proudly tell that, oftentimes, standing in your story while standing in your shape can be a true test. Truth be told, I still find myself struggling. I’m not new to the big girl game; I’m truer than the brightest blue hue. So, I’ve experienced every emotion that comes with it: the good, the bad, the ugly.

During the darker moments, representation was really what got me through. Seeing women of color in every avenue in entertainment helped me tremendously, putting any myth or stereotype you’ve heard about us sisters in size and the lives we lead to rest. The following women are some of the keyholders to the self-love journey. They’re confidant. They’re vocal. They’re sexy. They’re them. Size doesn’t make or break their story; instead, it adds a bit of versatility and inspires the many girls and women who see themselves in this league of extraordinary individuals.

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Take a gander at the ten plus-size women who continue to revolutionize the game!

Missy Elliott

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I could write for days about my love for Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott and all she did for me growing up. This woman was a visual and audial orgasm, her videos pushing the boundaries on what creativity meant as a black woman and her lyrics so emphatically empowering. She made it okay to be a chubby girl with a vision, abstract thoughts, and desires.

Lizzo

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Discovering Lizzo at this point in my life was just so important. The energy that radiates from her can’t be put into words. Each performance, music video, and television appearance reek of self-assurance. She knows who she is, why she does what she does, and slays each time.

Kamaiyah

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When a beautiful woman just spits rhymes out viciously while paying homage to one of the greatest modern decades, I have to give her roses while she can smell ‘em. Oakland’s very own, Kamaiyah, has become a personal favorite in such a short amount of time. She’s ill in every aspect of the word, winning co-signs from some of California’s best and brightest.

Jill Scott

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Jilly from Philly was an early representation of soul and sex appeal to us sisters of size. I know it shook me to my core hearing someone who looked like me and was shaped like me speak so candidly about love, sex, beauty and the blues. She’s radiantly her with a voice that’s unmatched and that’s why I love her.

Gabourey Sidibe

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Gabourey’s a queen. Hands down. Talk about a woman owning every part of her body unapologetically. Not only that but the language she uses towards herself and the emotions placed behind her image are simply beautiful and aspirational. She’s one of the women who’s taught me how important loving yourself was, especially in terms of verbiage.

Loretta Devine

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I had no business watching Waiting to Exhale at seven years old. But, there I was, in front of my television screen sneaking views at one of the best chick flicks of all time. Once Bernie paraded across my screen in her earth tones, slicked hair, and bright red lips, it was a wrap. I was infatuated with the majestic nature that was Loretta Devine. Since then, she’s been a staple of self-confidence in my household.

Queen Latifah

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C’mon … who doesn’t love the Queen?! From “Ladies First” to “UNITY” to Flavor Magazine, Queen Latifah has been an inspiration since most of us were in diapers. I personally credit her role in Living Single as one of the reasons I took writing seriously. Having a woman legitimately run her own company, basking in all her boss ass tendencies, was everything. I can’t thank her enough for all she’s contributed to the culture and the community.

Natasha Rothwell

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She may have slipped under your radar for a minute but this writer/actress is making moves. Appearing as Kelli, the immature-yet-opinionated best friend of Issa in “Insecure”, Rothwell brought me to tears every moment she popped up on screen. Natasha’s been killing the game softly with her pen. It’s been a gift to see a woman with that much of a gift get the recognition she so desperately deserves.

Gabi Gregg

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I was first introduced to Gabi Gregg in 2010. She served as MTV’s VJ, reporting live from the VMAs red carpet. A dimpled smile and an impeccable sense of personal style won me over instantly. Fast forward seven years and Gregg’s become one of the world’s most recognizable faces in the plus-size blogging community. Seeing a powerful woman revamp fashion’s “rules”, embracing every ounce of her being, and supporting other PS bloggers was refreshing. Honestly, she’s my BFF in my head.

Nicole Byer

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Foul-mouthed, unadulterated and funny as hell. That’s Nicole Byer in a nutshell. This twenty-something “Girl Code” comedienne had me in stitches with her humorous and relatable commentary on the intricacies of adulting. Watching an episode seemed to be a deep glance into the mirror that was my life. Byer’s voice is crucial, speaking the thoughts I dare not say in mixed company and sharing the feelings I harbor on a daily.

Who are some other plus-sized girlspirations who inspire you? Share below!

Gabi Gregg

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