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.”
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.”