Body inclusivity and positivity is a movement that has been overlooked for far too long. But now more than ever it is making its way into the fashion and lifestyle industry with the help of social media and influencers who are unapologetically themselves. Here are five of them who advocate not only for plus-size inclusivity but also inclusivity for people with disabilities, the Trans community, and people with injuries/scars.

Clara Holmes
Clara Holmes, a 41-year-old who lives in London, has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), which is a form of Hypermobility Syndrome (HMS). For more than 14 years, she has been in a wheelchair due to the pain. She wants everyone to know that she is more than her pain and wheelchair. She is a model, public speaker, and influencer who promotes body positivity and diverse representation of all bodies in the fashion and beauty industry.

She has a blog, rollinfunkyblog, where she posts fashion and lifestyle content to express what she likes. She also posts her stylish outfits on Instagram to more than 34K+ followers. Clara was a part of the Body Victory campaign with lingerie retailer Curvy Kate. This campaign was to celebrate all types of bodies.

In an interview with HelloBeautful, she says, “I should show people that there’s more to someone. Just because they have a disability or they’re a wheelchair user ... there’s more to us than just our conditions or there’s more to me. I am not my chair.”

Instagram: @rollinfunky

Kenny Ethan Jones
Kenny is a former model, writer, advocate, and consultant. His advocacy focuses on menstruation, body politics, mental health, and intimacy. He is best known for his lead role in Pink Parcel’s IM ON campaign, which made history since he was the first trans man in a period campaign. In 2019, he was a part of The Manual campaign during Mental Health Awareness Week about how body image can affect mental health.

In an interview with MetroUK he expresses his excitement about when he underwent top half surgery. He became self-conscious about his scars. But soon realized, “By me wearing these scars were a visual representation of me being trans without even having to speak. I love my scars; they are a part of my story and journey to this point and represent the courage of my community.”

Kenny hopes to attain equality and inclusivity for the trans community and to see Trans people displayed positively in the media

Instagram: @kennyethanjones

Leah Vernon
Leah Vernon is a 33-year-old plus-size hijabi model, author, influencer, and body-positive activist. Leah is devoted to promoting body positivity and creating a new narrative for women who don’t fit the normalized beauty standards. In 2019, she released a memoir Unashamed: Musing of a Fat, Black, Muslim, which highlights her journey with self-acceptance.

In an interview with HourDetroit, she says that she has reclaimed the word “fat” by denouncing its negative connotation society has made it into and embracing it as a descriptive word. Leah looks at herself and says, “I’m going to find the beauty in my uniqueness.” So, she has decided not to let social constructs limit her.

On Instagram she has more than 60K+ followers and she posts about being her true self, how to be confident, and being comfortable expressing yourself through fashion. Despite the prejudice, Leah has faced her whole life because of her body, especially in the pursuing model, she keeps going. What motivates her is that she says, “I deserve to be here. I need to be here. People need to see my Black fat-ass face with my hijab. That keeps me going — knowing I’m the representation I needed when I was little.”

Instagram: @lvernon2000

Brooklinn Khoury
Brooklinn Khoury is a 22-year-old model and professional skateboarder. On November 3, 2022, her life changed forever when her upper lip and part of her nose were torn off during a pit bull attack. She has undergone many reconstructive surgeries and has shared her journey with healing, recovery, and loving her new face on social media.

Brooklinn admits that seeing herself after surgery was scary. But in an interview with People says, “Okay, time to love this new version of myself for now. I want people to know that they're not alone if they're going through something like this." Even though her personal and professional life has been impacted by this accident it’s not stopping her from moving forward and embracing who she is.

Brooklinn still has a long way to go with recovering and her healing journey. But she has learned, “This attack has taught me to truly love myself inside and out regardless of what people have to say,” she wrote on Instagram. “It taught me that society puts high standards on beauty, but the reality is that everyone is beautiful in their own way.”

Instagram: @brookhoury

Remi Bader
Remi Bader is a 26-year-old model and content creator with more than 2.1M+ followers on TikTok. She became popular on TikTok by posting “realist hauls” of clothing brands. She gives funny reviews on plus-size clothing to show the need for size inclusivity in the fashion industry. She also promotes confidence and mental health awareness.

This February Victoria's Secret’s Pink brand introduced Remi as its latest brand ambassador and size consultant for their inner, swim, and loungewear. Even though Victoria Secret in the past has not been inclusive of different body types, Remi is excited to be a part of the change. In an interview with Women Wears Daily she says, “ I’m really honored to work with the team to help young adults embrace their bodies and be an honest voice for the amazing community I’ve built.”

Remi continues to collab with other brands like Revolve and Aeries to embrace inclusivity, self-confidence, and individuality.

Instagram: @remibader

Lizzo
Lizzo does not need an introduction! She is a well-known Grammy award-winning singer with more than 12 million followers on Instagram. She uses her platform to advocate for women to accept and love their bodies. In a US Magazine interview, Lizzo emphasizes that “Bodies are not all designed to be slim with a six-pack. If you’re feeling down on yourself today ... just remember that your body is your body. Nobody got your body.”

Lizzo recently announced that she is launching a shapewear and undergarment company called Yitty. This brand was created to spread body positivity and size inclusivity and has been in the works for years. The idea came to Lizzo when she had a negative experience shopping for shapewear because they lacked options for her.

Yitty sizes will range from XS to 6X. In an interview with Fashionista, she says, “ I'm selling a mentality that 'I can do what I want with my body, wear what I want and feel good while doing it.'" The line will be sold on the Fabletics website and in-store starting April 12th.

Instagram: @Lizzobeating

Article by Sahar Kariem, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Alexa Dyer, Graphic Design Intern, PhotoBook Magazine

Six Authentic Influencers That Advocate For Body Inclusivity & Self-love