Oh How I Love the Plus Size Community

An Instagram user, Jessica, randomly DMed me, introducing herself and explaining her intentions. She's a Sociology student working on a project that involves asking random people questions about the plus size community.

If you know me, you know how I identify with the plus size community and love being a plus size, curvy chick. Thus, I'm always down to talk about things related to the plus size community.

Jessica sent 5 questions in total. While I was explicit with her when responding, there were a few things I held back, simply for the sake of not texting paragraph upon paragraph, so here I am, getting the rest of my thoughts off my chest.

1st question: do you feel clothing has become more accommodating towards plus size people? Is there any clothing you struggle with? I can only wear jeans if they stretch like crazy!

I do feel that clothes are becoming more accommodating since the plus size community has gotten more attention in the media. Some companies that have not branded themselves as catering to the plus size community have started to incorporate larger size clothing.

Growing up I had my go-to plus size clothing stores but over time I can say that I have more resources/outlets for finding plus size clothes.

That being said, I do still have struggles when shopping, for my lower half specifically. I’m pear-shaped, bottom-heavy and find myself needing something with stretch to fit over my hips, thighs, and butt.

I’m still trying to find the perfect pair of jeans with the perfect fit. So far I’ve come across a few pairs that are pretty snug around the hips, thighs, and butt, but is ill-fitting around the waist.

2nd question: a study in America shows that the average size there has gone up to size 20, and is rapidly increasing. What do you think is the reason? My guess: food portions are huge and getting bigger

I agree and bad food is more accessible and cheaper.

3rd question: I believe that celebs like Kim Kardashian and Nicki Minaj have started a trend of big butts. How do you feel about this trend? And would you say butts have been getting bigger around you in daily life?

I'm not a fan of modified bodies but I'm also not judging. It is a little disappointing, however, for them to be the face of big booty women or curvy women. Curvy bodies have always existed so it’s great that big butts are having a movement because they are nice. However, the concept of the idea butt or the ideal body is where my concern comes in. That ideal of the perfect butt and body leads some women to wish they had different body types. Real women with real bodies exist.

There are plenty of women with natural curves and big butts. I grew up around them. My mom, grandma, and aunts were naturally curvy with larger hips, thighs, and butts. Thinking of celebrities to represent real women, initially my mind goes to Queen Latifah, Lizzo, Danielle Brooks, and Melissa McCarthy.

I grew up around women who had larger butts and curvier bodies, so I’m not shocked when I see them. I’m glad that clothing brands have started to accommodate bodies that look like mine more and more.

I do think big butts are getting more attention and are more desirable and again that’s okay, as long as society accepts what really comes with it - bigger bodies i.e. bigger belly, rolls, folds, etc.

I would not say butts are getting bigger around me in daily life but I do have a few friends who fantasize about big butts and have semi-serious discussions about BBLs. I think if some had the resources to get bigger butts they would.

4th question: America is thinking of introducing a weight limit to go horse riding... of 200lbs! How would you feel if this got approved? I think it's way too low!

Wow. Agreed. That's way too low. I sure as hell wouldn't make the cut. But overall, 200 lbs isn’t a lot of weight. Humans can lift and carry more than 200 lbs so I know a damn horse can.

5th question: as I'm pear shaped and bottom heavy I often struggle with certain public spaces or objects because of my thighs and hips. Are there places that you struggle? For example: chairs, seating on public transport, armrests, ...

Yes, yes and yes. All that. I'm pear shaped too, bottom heavy and the thing that broke my heart the most was getting off rides at Cedar Point because I didn't fit in the seats. Don’t get me wrong, there are some roller coasters I can ride. The ones with the over the shoulder restraints are good by me. Again, I’m bottom heavy so my top half is never the problem. But the roller coasters with the lap bars that press down against your thighs are never my friend. For my sister or mom either, so at least I don’t walk away from the rides alone.

Chairs with armrests are the enemy. I'm always skeptical of lawn chairs and seating at sporting events. It sucks to have these fears but it comes with the territory I suppose.

It's 2022, people shouldn't be not able to ride a rollercoaster because of their hips, it's crazy!!! The chairs I fear the most are those folding chairs because of the feeling when you go and sit down on them!!! Like there is a split second when the legs spread out on the chair and you drop down a few inches lower than you expected!!! All while the chair lets out this quite loud *CREAK*

How do you feel about turnstiles? There's one big reason I absolutely HATE them!

Omg. I feel all of that. Sometimes I see those chairs and just choose to stand.

I hate those things (turnstiles). They're way too narrow. I can never walk straight through. I always have to turn to the side and sometimes I still get caught in it.

(Note: before chatting with Jessica I did not know what turnstiles were, but she included a picture for aid so I am too.)

I saw this super funny idea online to help people stuck in turnstiles in the future.

A cute, tiny robot at each turnstile to help by pushing. Only problem: they are so tiny that they would push against our butts!

I probably wouldn't allow the robot to help but I would still think the idea of it was funny. He'd think how lucky he is to be grabbing ass all day. Not a bad gig. Lol.