Sizeism is defined as discrimination against someone on the basis of their physical size, especially against people considered to be overweight.

Several months ago I read a post entitled, Sizism – One of the Last “Safe” Predjudices. When I read the post I considered those of us who are labeled as “plus-sized” to be discriminated against by some individuals of “normal” size. It hadn’t occurred to me that sizeism exists within the “plus-size” world as well. In some cases, as a human being, we don’t always see problems or inequities when we aren’t directly affected by them.

A few days ago I spent some valuable time talking to a new-found friend about the concerns of the plus-size woman. Honestly speaking, I learned a lot more than I expected. She expressed her candid thoughts about dating, clothing and self-esteem as it pertains to being a Super-Size Big Beautiful Woman or SSBBW. SSBBW is a sub-genre of Big Beautiful Women, or BBW, that includes women who typically weigh 400 lbs or more.

I will admit that since I’ve been blogging, I’ve paid more attention to the clothing options that are available for the full-figured woman. In conjunction with promoting self-love and a healthy level of self-esteem, I want to educate fuller-figured women about the existence of places to shop for good-looking, affordable, and age appropriate clothing.  But, the truth of the matter is – the above statement isn’t true for all plus-size women. The frustration I feel at times when I learn a dress or a pair of pants only goes up to a size 16 is a feeling some SSBBWs feel within the plus-size world because there are designers and companies that cater to plus-size women but, they have a size cut-off point as well. So where does that leave the members of the SSBW community?

As I listened to my friend, it occurred to me that SSBBWs are faced with segregation from two genres. Not only are they separated from “regular” sizes, but there is also a separation between “plus-size” and “extended sizes” in the plus-size world.

So, again – where does this leave the members of the SSBBW community? On the up-side, some companies have added extended sizes to their clothing lines, like Eloquii and Ashley Stewart. But, there needs to be more – plus-size doesn’t end at a size 28. Furthermore, I can’t help but wonder about how this affects self-esteem levels.

Yes, it is vital that we think well of ourselves and not allow the negative words or shunning of others affect how we feel about ourselves. But, if we are completely honest – this is a lot easier said than done. As I have mentioned before, the things we hear and see have an effect on our self-esteem. I don’t think most people want to be isolated. I realize I discussed fashion segregation before and my dream for fashionable clothing for all women regardless of size. But, how can we get there – at least in the plus-size world? Do we have the power to influence more plus-size designers to extend their sizes? And if they do, will we support them and pay their prices?

Unfortunately, there is no overnight solution to sizeism in general or in the plus-size world. But, I am willing to do what I can to eliminate it. It is truly my desire that all women see and embrace their beauty as they are, and I am bold enough to think we can get there.

Until the next time, be you and most importantly – love you.

Being uniquely you is being uniquely beautiful.

-B.B.