This woman’s body-positivity message is well worth your time

What is wrong with people who feel the need to make these nasty comments?

That’s the first thought that came to me after seeing this Instagram post from Melissa Gibson and the second was fair play to her for sharing this story.

Melissa posted a photo of her and boyfriend Johnathan on New Year’s Eve, a snap where both of them look head over heels in love, and they weren’t prepared for the onslaught of horrible comments that soon appeared.

People said horrible things, so horrible I don’t want to even repeat, to Melissa, who is a well-known body-positive activist and blogger.

The comments ranged from people saying they didn’t look right together to the downright obnoxious ones that suggested Melissa did not deserve Johnathan.

Imagine someone telling you that you weren’t worthy of your partner, husband, boyfriend, it’s just horrible and completely uncalled for.

Only we can fuck it up. Only we can make it amazing. Ours is the kind of love that feels right because we are both present, honest, and excited. The kind of love that flows from two people in love with life. Two people who appreciate the moment and the journey. 2017 brought you into my life, and we face 2018 together. Wouldn’t want to do it with anyone else. Love you Johnathan ❤️. #2018 #nye #louisville #love #bf #ootdeb #debshops

A post shared by Melissa Gibson (@yourstruelymelly) on Dec 31, 2017 at 9:54pm PST

You can see the post that Melissa shared above and the adorable love-themed caption that accompanied it too.

The response to Melissa’s original Instagram picture prompted her to upload another photo, see below, with a message to all the people who were hating on her photo.

It’s worth a read as Melissa describes how she and Jonathan feel about each other and how right it feels to them.

“We are exactly what each other wants, and guess what, our bodies are a part of that. It’s not an abnormal or a fetish. It’s simply natural”.

The Kentucky native goes on to describe her vision for 2018 and it’s pretty special.

“2018 is the year for Love that is not defined by weight, age, ability, genitals, gender, sexuality. Not defined by race or ethnicity or religion. We’re having more fun this way anyway”.

When taking a picture in a sparkly dress next to the man you love makes people comment about your body, question your relationship, make judgements about him for loving you. Our relationship is political. Even though we both know how natural and right it feels. And if the world won’t just let us be, we will keep fighting for our love, for our space, for our right to be seen, accepted without question, and celebrated. In all honesty it’s silly to think it bothers people so much, but when privileged people base their value on attraction and relationships, it results in the plethora of relationships that look like mine being erased and delegitimized. Like somehow I don’t deserve him or our love isn’t real. We are exactly what each other wants, and guess what, our bodies are a part of that. It’s not a abnormal or a fetish. It’s simply natural. So while you insist on yelling your insecurities and bigotry at me, realize I’m not playing the game you play any longer. I’m not playing by your rules. And it’s honestly sad you still are. 2018 is the year for Love that is not defined by weight, age, ability, genitals, gender, sexuality. Not defined by race or ethnicity or religion. We’re having more fun this way anyway ;). #love #bf #relationshipgoals #fatbabe #visiblewomen #louisville #newyearseve #2018 #nye #debshops ………. ALSO THIS DRESS IS FROM @debshops FOR ALL THOSE THAT ASKED. Remember I always tag where I got my clothing in the picture.

A post shared by Melissa Gibson (@yourstruelymelly) on Jan 2, 2018 at 10:25am PST

Speaking to CafeMom about the reaction to her social media posts, Melissa summarises it beautifully.

“The reality is that attraction does not simply belong to thin people, and to deny that is denying the real, beautiful love that exists between so many so-called mismatched couples. Beauty is not so narrowly defined and really if you believe it is, you are the ones missing out”.