whitney way thore, a 32-year-old woman from Greensboro, North Carolina, was thrust into the spotlight after posting a series of YouTube videos called "A Fat Girl Dancing" in 2014. In her videos she and her "eternal dance partner" as she calls him, Todd, shared some videos online of them dancing. She received a lot of feedback from viewers spanning from "way to go" to "lose weight first and then dance!" Shortly after Whitney set out to start a campaign for self-acceptance and no body shame against others.
What is she doing now?
Whitney stars in her own reality series called ""My Big Fat Fabulous Life"" which airs on TLC.
This series follows her throughout her daily life as a fat woman in America. Whitney uses this platform to shine a light on the fact that very often in the world women are shamed for being plus size. She often states that being plus size is almost always automatically tied to being lazy. On her show, Whitney tries to show the world how to love themselves regardless of size or body issue. She often discusses her prior battle with eating disorders and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. This is partially the reason she gained a lot of weight and has trouble losing it. Thore is also an author and recently published her book "I Do It With the Lights On." She also started the No Body Shame Campaign.
What is the No Body Shame Campaign?
The No Body Shame Campaign was designed to help men and women of the world learn self-acceptance. The mission according to her website is "to help every individual overcome the debilitating effects of societal-induced shame." The campaign believes that self-acceptance is the first and most important part of building confidence and living a truly happy life.
Regardless of the color of your skin, gender, weight, age, or physical disability, it is okay to love yourself. No Body Shame tries to show everyone that if someone is happy in their own skin, then who are we to be upset by their existence? Whitney states: "No Body Shame asserts that you do not need society's permission to seek your joy RIGHT NOW.
Love yourself. Live fully. No excuses. No shame."
Whitney Way Thore is trying to make a difference in the world one dance class at a time. Every Tuesday she is on her show expressing self-love no matter her size.
