Today, in front of the New York Public Library between the lions, Patience and Fortitude, 3 fat ladies stripped down to their birthday suits and had their bodies painted by artist Andy Golub. It was to celebrate the 8th anniversary of the Adipositivity Project, created by Substantia Jones. If you’ve never seen The Adipositivity Project, do yourself a favor and check out the gorgeous photos that “hope… to broaden definitions of physical beauty. Literally.”

I’ve had the honor of posing for Substantia a few times. Can you spot me in my first photo below?

When I found out about today’s shoot, I decided to support my fellow Adiposers during my lunch hour and saw something wonderful.

Why was it wonderful? Because those beautiful ladies… Mollena, Nicole and Lakisha… set out to show the public that naked, fat bodies are good bodies and nothing to be ashamed of. And they succeeded.

True, there were a dissenting few like the elderly woman, with a little girl in tow, who said “that’s the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen”. (I hope that she never utters those words in reference to the little girl.) Or the young man who shouted “Nasty” several times as he rushed past. But for the most part, people smiled and appreciated the beauty of 3 amazing fat bodies. If you don’t believe me, here’s one of the news stories on today’s event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re sorry you missed all this body positive artistry, there’s Body Painting Day  which will happen on July 18th (rain date July 19th). Maybe I’ll see you there!