This week, we are highlighting our interns on the 2023-2024 Body Positive Team who have shared with us what body positivity means to them!

Lauren Wisniewski

To me, body positivity means cultivating acceptance, respect, and peace for all bodies. 

Ava Canfield

For me, body positivity is built on Sonya Renee Taylor’s assertion: "The body is not an apology." My body does not exist to please others or to conform to anyone’s standards but my own. Body positivity is about centering myself in my body again and it empowers me to live life by my own values. At the societal level, I believe that body positive work is about dismantling hegemonic systems of discrimination, oppression, and bias in order to create more just, fair, and caring communities that foster diversity and inclusion.

Bibby Kittrell

For me, body positivity means giving myself grace as I navigate a world of unrealistic and unhealthy beauty standards, accepting and embracing the way my body changes, and appreciating my body and all the amazing things it does for me every day!

Jackie Bond

Body positivity means accepting your body at every stage of your life. Bodies are constantly changing and it is important to find ways to love yourself as both your mind and your body grow into the person you’re meant to become.

Subhi Saibaba

Body Positivity, to me, means being content with your body and what it does for you. It doesn’t necessarily mean you are ecstatic about your body at all times, but rather that you appreciate your body and have a healthy mindset towards yourself, eating, and exercising.

Haley Johnston

I think body positivity is about the acceptance of all bodies, regardless of size, shape, skin tone, gender, or physical abilities. I don’t view it as toxic positivity or trying to force an unrealistically high self-esteem. I think it’s about appreciating what your body can do and knowing that your appearance is not intrinsically tied to your value.