In today’s digital age, social media has reshaped the way we define fame, giving rise to a new kind of public figure: the influencer. These individuals have the power to shape trends, spark movements, and shift cultural perspectives—all from behind a screen. From beauty routines and fashion advice to morning habits and wellness tips, influencers have become a key part of how millions interact with the world. But for some, this influence goes far beyond products or aesthetics. They use their platforms to challenge long-standing social norms, particularly around body image and how society defines beauty. One of the most outspoken voices in this space is Tess Holliday.
Tess Holliday has never shied away from the spotlight, but she’s used her visibility for something bigger than personal fame. As a plus-size model and a fierce advocate for body acceptance, she has made it her mission to redefine what it means to live proudly in a body that doesn’t conform to traditional standards. At 34 years old, Holliday is well aware of the criticism that comes with standing in the public eye—especially when you look different from what society has deemed acceptable. But what continues to surprise her is the way people feel entitled to tell her what she can or can’t do simply because of her size.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Holliday shared her confusion about why being called “fat” is supposed to hurt her. “I don’t understand why I’m supposed to respond to being called ‘fat’ like it’s some kind of insult,” she said. For her, the word itself isn’t the problem. What truly matters is the intent behind it. Language, she explained, can either harm or empower depending on how it’s used. “I’m okay with being called fat and plus-size,” she continued. “But I’m not okay with being shamed for it, especially when it’s done in a derogatory way.” In her eyes, fat isn’t a dirty word—it’s a descriptive one. The harm comes when it’s used as a weapon to demean someone or reduce them to just their physical appearance.
Her advocacy goes beyond defending herself. Holliday’s broader goal is to encourage others to see people in larger bodies as more than stereotypes. She hopes that by sharing her story and refusing to hide her body, she can help shift public attitudes. In a world that still glorifies thinness and treats deviations from that standard as moral failings, her presence is both radical and necessary. She wants people to stop treating others as less worthy because they look different, and instead practice kindness, empathy, and respect.
Holliday is no stranger to the internet’s darker side. Her rising fame has come with a flood of criticism, particularly when she graced the covers of major fashion magazines or appeared on runways celebrating body diversity. Some critics have accused her of “glorifying obesity” or sending the wrong message about health. Others have questioned whether she’s setting a bad example by being visibly plus-size and confident. But Holliday pushes back against these narratives with unwavering resolve. She argues that health isn’t one-size-fits-all, and that it’s entirely possible to love yourself while also taking care of yourself. Moreover, shaming someone into changing has never been an effective strategy—it only causes harm and reinforces stigma.
Instead of focusing on approval or trying to win over her critics, Holliday is simply asking for one thing: basic human decency. She’s not trying to convince everyone to embrace her lifestyle or agree with her choices. What she wants is for people to treat others—regardless of size, shape, or appearance—with dignity and respect. “Words carry weight,” she said. “How we talk about each other, and ourselves, matters.” That message resonates far beyond her own experiences. In a culture where online harassment is rampant and bullying is often brushed aside, her call for more compassionate communication is timely and important.
Her presence in the fashion industry has sparked important conversations about inclusivity, representation, and the need for broader definitions of beauty. It’s not just about plus-size models being allowed on runways—it’s about dismantling the idea that only one type of body deserves to be celebrated. Holliday represents the possibility of seeing beauty in all its forms and refusing to let narrow-minded standards dictate who gets to be seen, heard, or respected.
Beyond fashion and media, Holliday’s advocacy touches on mental health, self-esteem, and the right to exist comfortably in one’s own skin. For many people, especially women, body image issues begin early and can last a lifetime. Messages from the media, peers, and even family members reinforce the idea that worth is tied to weight or appearance. Holliday’s work aims to break that cycle by offering a different narrative—one that values people for who they are, not what they weigh. Her courage to be unapologetically herself has inspired countless others to embrace their bodies and reject toxic beauty standards.
At the heart of Holliday’s message is the belief that every person deserves to feel safe, valued, and seen. It’s a simple idea, but one that’s often forgotten in a culture that profits from insecurity. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that confidence isn’t about meeting someone else’s expectations—it’s about finding peace with yourself. While she continues to face criticism and judgment, she remains committed to using her voice for change.
In the end, Tess Holliday isn’t asking for applause or universal agreement. What she wants is something we all deserve: the right to live without shame, to speak without fear, and to be treated with the same level of respect as anyone else. Her story is a call to action—for influencers, for media, and for everyday people—to rethink how we talk about bodies and how we treat the people who live in them. Through her unwavering presence, Holliday reminds us that real strength lies not in fitting in, but in standing up.
