VIDEO: Amazing plus-size dancer sets up the No Body Shame Campaign, saying ” I am me at any size”

This self-proclaimed "fat girl" has set up the No Body Shame Campaign, stating that her "intelligence, personality and talents" are just as amazing, whatever her size

body

by Kayleigh Dray |
Published on

Dancer Whitney Trope grew up weighing 8.9 stone and dancing her socks off whenever she got the chance.

"No excuses. No shame."

But while Whitney was in college, she was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and gained 14 stone in two years.

Speaking with Right This Minute, she explained that she was shocked to find society treated her so differently when she was a bigger woman - especially as, like most women, she had always felt insecure about her looks, right from when she was a 10-year-old girl.

"I grew up being a perfectly healthy 125 pound girl, but even since I was 10 years old I internalised a lot of shame about my body.

"Inside I always felt kind of bad and fat anyway."

While Whitney would like to lose a few pounds, just so she can dance the way she wants to, she has no intention of dieting herself down to a size zero:

"I don't have any interest in being the societal definition of 'thin' ever again - and that's really freeing."

But, while she loves herself and has embraced the term "fat girl", there's a reason the campaign is called the No Body Shame as opposed to the No Fat Shame - skinny or curvy, big or small, she wants women to love their bodies and respect each other:

"We don't build ourselves up as fat women to put thin women down; all women are women. Everybody's valid and we all have to support each other."

Whitney has been busy posting some of her absolutely AMAZING dance videos up on YouTube, but she's also working hard to make sure her No Body Shame Campaign kicks off - and, on the official website, she has a pretty empowering message for anyone who has ever felt less than confident about themselves:

"I am learning to practice aggressive self-love. I have lived my life as a 130-pound woman and as a 350-pound woman in North America, in Europe, and in Asia.

"Cultural norms, societal pressures, and the whims of the fashion industry do not define my worth as woman or a human being. My intelligence, personality, talents, and contributions do not fluctuate with the numbers on a scale.

"I am unwaveringly ME; and the same goes for YOU. No matter WHAT you're struggling with, embrace what you have to offer, love yourself right this minute and start affecting positive change for yourself and others.

"No excuses. No shame."

We're loving Whitney's bold and beautiful attitude; will you be signing up to her No Body Shame Campaign?

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us