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Woman takes on cyberbullies: ‘Love is not weight’

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PHOTO: Instagram/@yourstruelymelly
PHOTO: Instagram/@yourstruelymelly

A plus-size blogger with a Master’s degree in women’s and gender studies was attacked by cyberbullies this past week, over an innocent photo she shared on social media.

Melissa Gibson posted a picture of herself and her boyfriend on Instagram, as she’s often done in the past, when cyberbullies started attacking her social media post.

The photo, which shows Melissa and her boyfriend, Johnathan, canoodling was shared on New Year’s Eve. But although the two lovebirds meant to spread their happiness, internet bullies took offense.

One shamelessly commented: “Being fat is not healthy. Do some research if you don’t believe me . . .”

Another encouraged Melissa to join the gym. “Go to gym and eat better, you fat person, you’re busy killing yourself. I’d rather smoke than be that size.”

When taking a picture in a sparkly dress next to the man you love makes people comment about your body, question your relationship, make judgements about him for loving you. Our relationship is political. Even though we both know how natural and right it feels. And if the world won’t just let us be, we will keep fighting for our love, for our space, for our right to be seen, accepted without question, and celebrated. In all honesty it’s silly to think it bothers people so much, but when privileged people base their value on attraction and relationships, it results in the plethora of relationships that look like mine being erased and delegitimized. Like somehow I don’t deserve him or our love isn’t real. We are exactly what each other wants, and guess what, our bodies are a part of that. It’s not a abnormal or a fetish. It’s simply natural. So while you insist on yelling your insecurities and bigotry at me, realize I’m not playing the game you play any longer. I’m not playing by your rules. And it’s honestly sad you still are. 2018 is the year for Love that is not defined by weight, age, ability, genitals, gender, sexuality. Not defined by race or ethnicity or religion. We’re having more fun this way anyway ;). #love #bf #relationshipgoals #fatbabe #visiblewomen #louisville #newyearseve #2018 #nye #debshops .......... ALSO THIS DRESS IS FROM @debshops FOR ALL THOSE THAT ASKED. Remember I always tag where I got my clothing in the picture.

A post shared by Melissa Gibson (@yourstruelymelly) on

But Melissa didn’t take the malicious comments lying down. She stopped the bullies in their tracks by posting the perfect reaction on social media.

“When you take a picture in a dazzling dress with a man who loves you, and people comment on your body or question your relationship and judge him for loving you.”

“If the world doesn’t accept us, we’ll have to keep fighting for our love, our space, our right to be seen, our right to be accepted without question and without being refused.”

She also added that she didn’t want to play the bullies’ game anymore.

“While you continue to take your insecurities and narrow-mindedness out on me, you need to realise that I’m no longer playing this game with you. I’m not concerned with your rules.”

That’s it, Melissa – goodbye, cyberbullies!

Sources: The Sun, Instagram, The Independent

 

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