So… I’m an actress, activist and writer- brand new to blogging. Obviously. I make no claims to be good at it. :) I’m better at myspace. Way better.
I’m working on a bunch of things…
Fat Rant is the video you’ve probably already seen.
More Fat Rant is the sequel.
Fruit & Fly is the TV pilot I wrote with Michael Mullen.
and this is still the video I think is the funniest…
H!
I just saw your Fat Rant movie, loved it! Thanks for joining the cause! I am wondering what your motives are in terms of work etc. I have a non-profit and host events all year long. If there is a forum you can fit in to, I would love to work with you! Let me know..
Blessings,
Andrea
Find Your Voice Project
I must say, I totally respect you. I’m just 16 and I already way a little over 200 pounds. It’s been hard. I went on a medication for migraines and I gained 20 pounds. I’ve been on all types of diets and such, but I’m always happiest when I can go out with my skinny friends and eat double fudge icecream along with them! I’ve always felt “pretty”, and I’ve been told so many times; it’s just, I felt, I would never get anywhere because I’m fat. However, since I saw your video, I’ve had a different outlook. I hold my head high, walk in to Lane Bryant and look the sales person right in the eye, and I put out job applications with a smile knowing I’ll get the job.
Thank you,
Emma
Joy,
It is not just women who have felt the sting of negative criticism because they are fat. Men feel it also! I know, I am one of them. Yes, I am fat. Always have been since I was 3 or 4 and always will be.
I too find it way too frustrating to get fashionable clothing off the rack, or even proper size footwear in a regular store, that I must go to a Big and Tall store to find overpriced goods, and limited quantities. Now, even those businesses are closing.
Fat Rant away beautiful. I too totally respect you for making the YouTube video, as I loved it!
Joy you are not fat, you are sexy as hell. I love big women.
Joy you are not fat, PHAT, yes, but fat, no. You are sexy as hell,and if I’m old enough I would love to date you, and I think you are very pretty as well.
Joy is fat, but not in the pejorative sense. Weight and Beauty aren’t linked with one another. Even if they were, Joy would still be a fox! ^_^
Joy is a legend in the making. ^_^
Thanks Jon! and Robert too!
Like my sassy fat friends say: “I’m both!”
Fat and Foxy! HOORAY!!
Enjoy life now.. cause being fat you will leave many many years less. Live today as you won’t need to save for later in life.
Hm…. I guess you haven’t heard about this:
http://junkfoodscience.blogspot.com/2007/04/news-women-can-use.html
or this:
http://junkfoodscience.blogspot.com/2007/06/when-does-it-stop-becoming-paradox.html
or this:
http://junkfoodscience.blogspot.com/2007/06/when-fat-dare-i-say-it-is-good-thing.html
I just saw you on CNN and loved it! I have to admit I am not as confident as you, but I wish I was. Great job! Thanks for sharing your rant!
I agree with 90% of the Fat Rant. I would say one’s percentage of body fat should be kept in perspective as an issue. Sure, it can be symptomatic of other internal struggles, but assuming a person does not have some sort of mood or eating disorder, I would say it is simply a health and/or cosmetic problem.
I myself lost 70 pounds. Barring a thyroid disorder or other rare medical problem, people should be able to control their waistlines, and it’s only a matter of knowledge and willpower. When I see overweight people, all I see are excess calories on completely normal human beings — *not* people for whom fat has become part of their very identity.
If one is overweight enough for it to pose health risks, then the problem should be addressed and dealt with, on the merits, not avoided. My only fear is people hiding behind “fat acceptance” as an excuse to avoid correcting a health problem. But I see obesity as no reason to ridicule.
I’m not big on the Junk Food Science blog because although some of the material she provides is spot-on, some of it is questionable and she has a tendency to take ONE source and run with it no matter what the background is.
And the truth is that if one’s overweight is a symptom of an underlying health problem like metabolic syndrome, that underlying problem has got to be dealt with, even if it means weight loss. And this woman’s going around saying sugar isn’t harmful. By whose lights? My mom and dad could both tell you it’s harmful. They’re both diabetic now.
Anyway, I haven’t watched the rant yet because if my two-year-old hears YouTube playing on my laptop she always wants to watch cartoons on it, but you are gorgeous and thank you for your work. No matter why a person is one weight or another, it’s nobody else’s business. My God, you don’t see people obsessing this much over a MAN’S appearance. I saw a guy when we were out eating the other night, watching the TV in the restaurant and ranting about the woman in the game show needing to lose some weight. He stood up and turned around and the a$$hole had a beergut!
Thanks for the rant. I alway feel like the DUF (dumb ugly friend) when I go out because I feel like they are all skinnier than I am, because they weight less. I am 5-8, my best fiend is 5-10, and judging by your “rant” you appear to be of above average height. The biggest thing that I needed to understand, as well as my best friend, it is all relative. A six 6 at 5-10 would look awful, but a 16 or 18 at 5-10 is spot on sexy. I know that some would find this to be an excuse, but at the same time, and you nailed it, I take reasonable care of myself, eat decent most of the time, and exercise, but don’t drop dead of exaustion. Thanks for making the statement that ALL of us have tried to and wanted to make for a very long time…
You rock!
Seriously, I think I love you.
Actually I am quite speechless (which, since I was raised in a loud and chaotic Italian family, is a big deal!)… I wish every girl (and boy) could watch this video. Can’t wait to see what else you do!
viva joy!
♥ m.
Drop by my shop of handmade goodies… I have just begun to branch out into clothing (plus sizes of course!). Fat needs more fun, funky, modern options!
http://www.sewnfreshdaily.com
Joy your video touches on so many things i have experienced. Thank you for encouraging girls to embrace the person that they truely are and not to be forced to change. I hope your video reaches out to more people.
I easily relate to a lot of what you said. I feel that somebody out there actually understands me. I am thirty kilos heavier than what i was 3 years ago. I am constantly insulted by my own family members and friends about how much weight i’ve put on. I saw a neighbour that i hadn’t seen in a while today and instead of asking me how i was, his first comment was ‘Look how fat you’ve become!’ When i came home, i told my mum and my mum said the only reason i am angry is because of the fact that i’m fat and want to blame other people. Oh bullshit! If there is an upcoming engagement my mum will remind me to lose weight before it. The way she carries on it’s as if i’m the one getting married!
I have all my old skinny clothes packed away because i hope that someday i’ll fit back into them. like you said, having them around does piss me off. The thing about guys is also true. I always turn away the possibility of meeting someone because i think that i’m not good enough.
People’s negative comments have influenced me to think this way at times.If i’m feeling down about my weight it’s really because of my self-confidence. My problem is not my weight. My problem is other people. My problem is clothing stores who discriminate and exclude us from society by not offering bigger sized clothing. Clothing sizes for real women. What the hell is size 4 or 0? We are constantly made to feel ashamed of our weight.
It’s time i stopped allowing other people to control how my body should look and how i feel about myself. If i can’t find support in my family and friends then i need to look within myself. If you can’t love yourself them don’t expect others to.
When i was a thin size 10 and i did find the time to exercise and i watched what i ate, i found i was never happy. I was never thin enough for anyone. People would find other faults about me like my boobs weren’t big enough or my thighs needed slimming because i am pear shaped. Back then i would avoid going to the beach because i thought i was fat! I can’t change the way my body shape is. Last summer i began to think in the same negative way but then i said i’m not going to let being fat stand in the way of me enjoying life. Every weekend i went to the beach. Next summer though I’m going to make sure i take off the board shorts!
Your video reminds me of a quote i read somewhere, ‘Women are often measured by the things they can’t control. They are measured my 36-26-36 by how their body curves or doesn’t curve. By all the outside things that will never measure up to who she is on the inside. If a woman is to be measured let her be measured by the things she can control and who she is and trying to become because measurements are statistics and statistics lie.’
Joy, I just saw your video and was so inspired to write to you. Im 46 years old and spent the better part of my life not feeling like I was beautiful or sexy. I got that we just arent meant to be skinny or small. I eat healthier than most people I know and work long hours on my feet . I havnt been sick in about 20 years. This bigotry has got to stop. You really connected with what has been on my mind for so long. I am going to work on being proud of how I look right now. Thank you for speaking your truth . May we all be proud and love ourselves first. Amy near Atlanta p.s. Where did you get the great jacket?
You rock Joy! I have just posted your video to my blog for the second time because you have become a wonderful role model for size acceptance…I live near LA (redlands-about 1 hour east), and even out here, I hear 90 pound girls whine about their “fat”…Hopefully one day people will accept that everyone is NOT built the same, and being fat doesn’t automatically mean unhealthy, and beauty comes in ALL sizes..until then, we have beautiful smart funny women like you to make us think…
For radicalearthling: I am sorry to hear about your parents, but sugar does not cause diabetes and that is well grounded in the scientific literature. Please be careful before buying into anecdotes as medical facts. Just because part of medical management of diabetes is keeping elevated sugars (a side effect of the actual disease pathology) under control does not mean that elevated sugars cause the disease or that keeping sugars low can prevent the disease. That would be like trying to claim chemotherapy for all could prevent cancer. Similarly, don’t medicalize fatness as it is not a cause for diabetes, either, but can be a symptom that develops because of the disease (until late stage).
Inspirational is all that I have to say.
I am 26 years old and have been heavy all my life, and am around 450 pounds and yet I can still run, jump, play hockey and still get a date when the need arises.
My weight does nothing to slow my down, as I am often found of saying
Large and in charge
Your awesome Joy and If I may so, quite pretty as well.
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Hey!
I just saw your fat rant video, and I completely loved it. It made me feel good! I am a full figured girl myself, so I understand everything you had to say.
Good for you for speaking your mind. We need more people like you in this world to help spread the word that fat is just a descriptive physical characteristic.
Thank you for making this video! Stay beautiful!
-Brandi
I’ve just watched your fantastic video and would just like to say: I am 262 pounds! There, I did it! And I’m gonna do it again!
I myself lost 70 pounds. Barring a thyroid disorder or other rare medical problem, people should be able to control their waistlines, and it’s only a matter of knowledge and willpower. When I see overweight people, all I see are excess calories on completely normal human beings — *not* people for whom fat has become part of their very identity.
If one is overweight enough for it to pose health risks, then the problem should be addressed and dealt with, on the merits, not avoided. My only fear is people hiding behind “fat acceptance” as an excuse to avoid correcting a health problem. But I see obesity as no reason to ridicule.
T, have you read The Obesity Myth by Paul Campos? A fit and fat person can be just as healthy as a skinny and fit person. Joy, judging by some of the comments on here, you’ve got your work cut out for you.
And why are the comments coming from men? Is it because of what Ken Mayer said, author of Real Women Don’t Diet, that men are threatened by a large and in charge woman?
Joy is FAT. Not saying that she’s fat is saying that she’s okay because she’s really not that FAT. Also, T and Richard, if you do your research, you’ll discover that in the 1800’s, fat women in the circus, some of whom weighed up to 900 pounds, lived to be well into their 70’s and 80’s. But that’s the whole problem with America.
The average American IQ is 115(Forrest Gump was 74)! People don’t question what they hear from the media, why else would Bush have gotten re-elected for a second term? Instead, they buy whatever the bs media feeds them!
Hi Joy I just watched your FatRant video and I loved it. I loved the part where you said all those “what ifs…” I have been paralyzed by the words “what if” for as long as I can remember. At 31, I am a size 22/24 and I am finally concentrating on living my life NOW! I am working out regularly and making healthy food choices. I can feel great about myself and the choices I make until I step in to the real world and see the skinny people all around me and I swear I can just hear their thoughts…”she is so fat…i can’t believe she is wearing that…if i was that size i would never leave the house.” It’s crazy. I honestly hear those words ringing in my ear on a regular basis and I don’t think I’ve ever actually HEARD the words uttered in reality. It astounds me that I fall victim to such lies in my head, even though I KNOW I am taking care of myself. So yeah, it’s no more “what if” and it’s all “so what” for me. “So what if I’m a fat girl. I’m funny, compassionate, hardworking, an awesome aunt and sister, a loving daughter, my husband thinks I’m HOT and my dogs adore me! SO what. I’m fat too!
Joy,
I loved your Fant Rant video so much! I have always been over weight and I know that I always will be. Since I was like 6 years old I’ve been fat and it’s been so difficult to see myself as anything but my fat. After watching your vid I started to think more about who I was and I realized I’m not just fat and I don’t have to limit myself with the people I love just because they might not except me for me becuase of my weight. I now carry myself differently and I have found the love of my life who thinks I’m the most beautiful woman he has ever laid eyes on, and I’m even starting to believe it. Without holding back and being so self concious I can let my heart shine throguh! Thanks for all that you do!
I came across your Fat Rant video today and just wanted to let you know I loved it, and couldn’t agree more. I really, really love beautiful plump girls but most women treat any descriptive word that implies anything other than skinny as being an insult. Which is odd because in my mind, skinny is an insult.
I’d also like to say, you’re smoking hot and if it was me standing on that corner, I’d ask you out in a “skinny minute”.
Hey , l’m winnie from Malaysia . im almost 220punds girl . i am 24yrs only . i feel respect to what you have do it.especially your mtv. um.. unfornatuly , malaysia dont have this type of mtv. If have i will join it , i wana let all people in malaysia to understand what we can do . we are fat but we are still beautiful .
Eventhough i m fat, i still can find many type of clothes which are very fashionable … some of the design i create myself . so eventhough i’m fat but i still let veryone know that fat people also can be very cconfindence. so if u r interested can contact me or send email to me.
i will like to share everything here . gyeaminwin@yahoo.com.hk
youre a genius!! i love ur fat rant videos, and i applaud you for making them… i love my fat girlfriend and im doing my best to make her confident with her body so i can very much appreciate what ur doing.. thanks =)
I find the power of a word amazing. Fat is a powerful word. I am a fat girl and proud! I have always been the “fat girl” in my family. Growing up, I was made to feel like crap because I was bigger than everyone else. I was told to lose weight every day. In order to do that and “make myself a better person” I experimented with drugs. I lost a LOT of my weight, but I wasn’t healthy and I hated who I was becoming. Now that I am clean and sober all of the weight (and honestly a bit more) has come back. But, now I am okay with that. I love who I am, and while yea, a part of me still wants to lose those pounds, I finally love myself. I have an amazing boyfriend, am a college student, and work as a waitress. I live a fun, and enjoyable life. I am not dying because I weigh 243 and wear a size 20. I love who I am. Thank you so much for taking the fat message to the public. The world needs to know that we are here! You rock Joy! (Oh, and piss on MTV!)
Joy!!!
You took all the things i have said for years and put them in a video!! Your amzing..and i wish the would realize that were peolpe too!!!
Your the best
XoXo
KARA
BIG IS BEAUTIFUL!!!
Saw you on TV this morning. I think your rant is FABULOUS !
Sandra
Joy your so HOT!!!!
LOVE YOU! You are awesome girl! I saw both of your videos. Fat Rant and the Sequal. You have such a wonderful view on life. Again Awesome!
I just saw your videos on YouTube and I want to thank you SO much for making them. I’ve been fat since I hit puberty and it has made me utterly miserable.. I’m only just now realizing that I’ve been making myself miserable for nothing. I’m going to stop trying to be thin and start trying to be myself… really, your videos are great. Thank you.
Joy: (my middle name, btw *grin*)
I’ve been trying to navigate your MySpace for the last few days and it seems that every link on your page defaults to the MySpace homepage. I would have sent you a message there, but even the Contact link takes me to their homepage! :-O I hope you can find out what the glitch is soon.
Blissings,
Rose
FAT RANT ROCKS!!!!! You GO girl!
I’m off to add you to my blogroll!
Joy,
I saw the rant this morning, and I went to work…thinking off and on all day how beautiful you were, and totally attractive and sexy.
An alluring and beautiful face, bedroom eyes, and thrilling curves all over the place! I was even mesmerized…
I thought….if she only knew how I felt! I’d chase her ass all over the place and ravish her frequently, and treat her like a lady. But you have to know, ESPECIALLY because of your size, like your cleavage and your calves for instance, I would go crazy on you.
Aint that what its really all about?
So..there it is….attraction is really from person to person, no one really knows why its there….but all of a sudden there it is, and its wonderful.
You know, when I was younger, I was really thin my whole life, and I was struck by how people never gave it a second thought to come into a room, see me and say…”Boy, are you skinny!”…..or something like that….I thought, I’d never say that to anybody, large or small, especially in front of others.
It seemed to me that the painfully skinny were left out in the cold, and even more “undefended” by the world in general, but I can attest that it hurt me or embarrased me pretty badly for years.
So….its just important to love yourself, grow up in the world, and get over what others think. Theres always someone out there that will see beauty in you, and to hell with the rest of em!
You Go Girl!
Smilin’
You are a Beautiful woman who has more confidence it seems then many women who have slim waste lines. When will you get a movie contract?
I just wanna say-Damn your sexy Joy!!!! Keep on looking good!
I saw you on CNN, today. Good for you, fat is relative. I love big girls. Sometimes, in my experience anyway, certain adages ARE true,; such as: “big girl big heart”,big boobs, big brain, more cushion for the pushin’…and other good sayings. This has grown into too much of a Hollywood World, not just for `fat’ people.
As long as people, of all weights, pay attention to their BMI—I sense intelligence about you and a sense of humor, with some sarcasm, haha—peace and joy (ha ha!) to you, and a prosperous New Year—for me, I’ll be on the lookout for the: curvaceous and ample of body, and honest and kind woman here
Peace through Strength!
Dear Joy,
I’m not sure how to email you now (I’m still holding out on joining any of the Face Space shenanigans) but just wanted to drop a line and say…
…you’re exactly as awesome as I remember you! And so beautiful that if I hadn’t always liked you so much I would have envied you!
…I love the videos you’ve been posting. That one “Totally Awesome” just says it all for me, trying to get over 15 years of boob envy and just learn to like my scrawny body as it is. You’re such an inspiration, babe!
…I’m so pleased for you! Always one of the most talented people I knew at RHS, it’s really heartwarming to see you becoming such a success at exactly the things you’re good at and seem to love.
I’m sorry for falling out of touch over the years but I do miss you and think of you still. Drop me a line to the address I’ve given in this reply if you’ve ever got a moment - would love to catch up. And if you ever make it over to London again, definitely let me know!
Much love and God bless,
Maggie (Cassel) Fisher
Wow…I just commented on something else under this name, then came over here, scrolled to the bottom and…some other chick you seem to actually KNOW is tagged as “Mags?” I figured I’d better just note that.
I just JUST saw “FatRant” on YouTube. Way to go. I just said something to this effect in a comment on your fashion post, but I’m one of those (did you say 93-98%?) of “after” photo girls (225 - 150 lbs in around a year)with a twist. It’s been around a year and a half since the bulk of the weight came off, and though I haven’t gained any of it back, I HAVE become a raging bulemic, with sporradic bouts of anorexia and compulsive exercise thrown in just to make things interesting. If I could travel back to fat me, I’d smack her upside the head and kick her size 18 ass. I thought I’d be satisfied when I could wear the 12’s, but now it turns out all my problems will go away once I’m a 10. What odds do you want that once I’m a 10 the magic number changes to 8?
Also, chairs without cusions are less comfy now. Just sayin’.
Thanks for speaking to this fat girl trapped in an average body.
Hello Joy
I love your thoughts and ideas. You are a beautiful woman and people need to learn to look passed what is on the outside. keep on keepin’ on and love the skin your in.
Take care
Hey - I must be out of it cause I JUST found your FatRant now - I posted it on my blog “Clothes that Fit”. You’re Fantastic! http://clothesthatfit.blogspot.com/
hello my name is peter im 17 and i live in Australia this year will be my finale year of high school and for art i have to do a major artwork and if i do a good enough art work it could give me a career in the art industry any way im doing an art work on body types mainly obesity. i’m obese too and know how emotionally breaking it can be you have been such an inspiration for me i am even using you for my research for my artwork.
thanx for giving me a new lease on life and showing me that its not my fault im fat and to enjoy life and that im doing!
p.s your a really good actor
Joy,
You are an inspiration! Keep up the great work!
Long story short - oh wait, not sure I can make this one short! LOL. Most of my family is heavy and has hypothyroidism, diabetes and heart issues.
I’m 30 y/o now, but in my teen years I struggled to keep weight off. I would eat nothing for breakfast, basically nothing for lunch and barely anything for supper. I ended up being anorexic. My iron level was at a 9 - they discovered this after I had fainted and broke a bone. Unfortunately, my beloved grandfather would poke my tummy to see if I was pudgy. Gee, that certainly brought up my anorexia ways.
Fast forward to 2004 I gained a ton of weight after getting married and it surged to 210. When I say “surge” I mean “surge.” I was 130 pounds.
Into December 2005 — I ended up losing 60 pounds by doing pilates and cutting back on the amount of food I ate - while still enjoying the foods that I love! Unfortunately, they had found a fatty pocket on my liver - assuming from when I was 210 - and I kid you not, the specialist says to me - AFTER LOOKING ME UP AND DOWN - “Well, you are a big girl. You need to lose some weight. I don’t care what you do or how you do it. If you pay to go to a gym, you’ll find that you will go due to spending the money.” I didn’t know what to say, and being as sensitive as I am, I almost cried. I was so scared to eat for days afterwards, and this brought back all of my anorexia-past thoughts.
March 2006 I became pregnant with our first child!
I weighed 203 lbs. in my 9th month. After I had her in December, I lost 30 pounds right away. I was down to 170. Sure enough, I had health issues I needed to combat - for one thing, the psoriasis that had been confined on my scalp, creeped all in various patches all over my body. I went back on the “Pill” as well. I don’t know if the psoriasis had anything to do with this, or if it was the Pill, but I have gained the 30 lbs back and, as of now, weigh 203 lbs.
I am having an incredibly hard time trying to lose the weight this time around. I’m not kidding you when I say that I could eat an apple and gain 5 lbs. I know my genes are playing a huge factor, as well as medications that I am on. They tested my thyroid over the summer and it’s normal. My mom, who now has hypothyroidism, says that hers would come back normal even though she had a hard time with losing weight. My mom is also a plus size diva.
Unfortunately, she now has type II diabetes, psoriasis, high cholesterol, and hypothyroidism. I think it’s safe to say that the doctors place blame on her weight. However, my aunt does weigh more and doesn’t have any of these health issues.
I hate the lack of sensitivity on the part of MeMe Roth, society - the media! Do they not, for one minute, even think about the fact that the very medications that the FDA approves also may make us gain weight? Or genes? Or, and I have heard this, the possibility of some chemicals in canned foods that make us crave more food? I think if losing weight were so “easy,” many of us wouldn’t be overweight.
And just b/c you are a size 2 doesn’t mean you are healthy either. What about those with hyperthyroidism that claim that they eat all they want and never gain weight? So they are eating all of the foods that us overweight ppl do, but the only difference is that their body doesn’t show it outwardly. Inwardly, they could still have high cholesterol, etc. So forgive me but being thin doesn’t mean a thing. Okay - so was this my fat rant??
It’s so sad but now as I look back at my pre-anorexia photos I was thinking, “I thought I was fat???” I wasted all of that time thinking I was fat and could have used that time for other things. I cannot get that time back.
Joy, your “Fat Rant” video is putting things into perspective for me. Although I am going to TRY to lose some of this weight, I am not going to try to obsess over it.
Sarah
I just saw the Fat Rant and I LOVED IT!!! I am a plus size girl myself and I watching you and reading your blogs have helped me in so many ways. There should be more people like you!!! I am 230lbs and love it. I always felt like I needed to be skinny, but now I am in your face saying like me or love me, frankly I DONT GIVE A DAMN!!! I am married, but my husband thinks that I could loose a few pounds, whatever! I dont tell him that the men I see out or meet are digging the extra weight on me. I love being me and I will not change for what the world thinks or what anyone thinks! Even my myspace pages says it all.
Just love your video.
I totally agree with Sarah [Feb 3] … I WAS hyper-thyroid … could eat whatever I wanted and not look back. Thyroid went into toxic overdrive which made me extremely ill and had to have surgery to remove it.
Now I am referred to as post-surgical hypo-thyroid.
That’s Great? … no way … I was 69 kilos on the day of my op and 3 months after the op I weighed in at 98 kilos. I do not eat anywhere near what I ate before … my food bill is $40 per week [fresh veg and fruit and chicken and fish that's it] … and I still don’t eat it all.
I am on more tablets to control the thyroid hormones than I care to count in a day. I do more exercise and eat less than my partner does and yet the weight still won’t go.
I detest how people assume I am fat because of overeating … funny that they don’t see the 6 inch scar on my neck.
Joy … your video has put into perspective some things I regard about myself and I want to thankyou for that.
Cheers
Hello, Joy.
I came across your video, Fat Rant, and I do have to say that I was really inspired by your video. First of all, I was surprised and amazed with how you’ve really taken to the “Say it loud, say it proud” aspect of being fat. I’m one of those people that are not proud of the fact of being fat. But I’ve been slowly coming out of that shell, and after watching your video, it’s given me an even bigger push to snag the hell out of it. I’m really glad I’ve come across your video. And whenever I start to get back into that state of mind, I’m going to pull your video back up, and get back to reality. Thank you for making this video, Jill. You have made me look closer at my life right now and realize that I need to change my attitude. I’m not sure what kind of impact you were expecting, but just believe that you’ve inspired at least one person. =)
Joy, I just found you via Figure Magazine online and I think you ROCK! Can’t wait to keep up with your career…
I just wanted to tell you how much I admire and adore you. You say just the right things in just the right way and really put people and their ignorant opinions in their place. I use your videos in online debates concerning obesity all the time and they pwn.
Thank you for voicing your opinions. You’re an inspiration to everyone, fat or thin.
Hey JOY
I just saw your new Rant…
Of course, I am loving it!!! Chenese was great, the mom was great, the guys at the bus stop…just great! Kiss to you and doing some great work, as always
Jenna…Miss Plus America Elite
I think it’s really telling that all these commenters are saying “Oh, you’re not fat,” because they can’t seem to get the idea out of their mind that the word “fat” might just be a neutral descriptive term, like tall or short, blond or brunette. They are trying to reassure you how beautiful you are, when at the same time they’re showing how deep their own fat prejudice runs. “Fat” is only an insult when we share the unspoken assumption that big is bad.
I haven’t seen all your rants, so I don’t know if you’ve done this one already, but I’d love to see a good comeback to the smiling, enthusiastic “You look like you’ve lost weight!” - such as, responding with a shocked expression, “Oh God, I hope not!”
–Jen, 5′7″ and 185 lbs, size 14/16 (probably not quite fat, but at least fluffy)
I just found your blog - and stuff that I`m seeing is blowing my brains out. I LOVE YOU! I`m fat my whole life (I also have eating disorder, but that does not matter) and feel like the worst person on this earth. And I put my life on hold. And after many years of putting my life on hold - I did something. Decided to go on a trip to over seas (I`m Europian). I`m scared as hell. Not about the trip - but the plane. I`m having nightmares about seats on plane. I know I wont fit in them. But I`m so proud on myself, cause I did the first step - I bought a ticket and now there is no way out. And like you said Joy - we have only one life. I hope that will take my spirits up and fears down.
Everyone already knows the fat rants are great and all, so I won’t harp on that anymore.
You know what else you’ve done that is absolutely amazing? That Time Machine video. That puts all those other annoying youtube sketch comedy groups to shame. It’s pure hilarity. I love you for it.
Joy, I saw you on a talk show a while back and I thought you were very articulate as well as beautiful. I just came across you fat rant video today. It was posted on a bbw community site. It touched me on so many levels. I have been fat all my life and feel a constant conflict within myself. On one hand I feel that I want to accept and love myself the way I am. On the other hand I feel like I need to lose weight to be truly beautiful. I have never let my weight get in the way of me doing what I want but there is always a nagging feeling that I would be happier if I were thin. I would like to end this conflict and just be plain happy. I am wondering how I can do this. I think that your videos and your blogs are a start… I never really considered that I could just try live a healthier life and still be fat. I always concentrated on weight loss as the goal of exercise and eating healthier and felt like a failure if that didn’t happen. After reading bits and pieces of your blogs and the links in the blogs I now have a new understanding and a new goal. I want to be healthy and happy no matter what size I am. Please keep up the good work. We need more people fighting for size acceptance….. Tammy
I think we fat folks need to make a concerted effort to dress nicely, walk proud, and speak up!! We need to show the fat haters that we refuse to feel bad about ourselves!! What better way to do that than by flaunting our fat asses!!
Hey, I’m a THIN person - and I love you! I’m incredibly tired of the kind of self-loathing that my heavier friends go through all the time. On the other hand, I had a friend who actually told me that I had no excuse to be depressed for any reason - because I’m thin. Yeah. How stupid is that?
You’re just awesome, we need more girls with your kinda confidence!
I think you’re drop dead gorgeous, and if people think otherwise - that’s their problem.
I’m 5′11, and about 80kg…according to BMI i’m overweight, which i think is absolute crap. I’m built like an Amazon, my husband loves it, and i’ve only ever had complaints from girls after they see how their men drool over a woman that has flesh on her bones!
I’m healthy, i feel good and i’d rather be like this than a scrawny little girl who can’t lift up her nieces and nephews
hey mama! love your blog…i’ll connect with you on myspace…but I used to be a Glamazon but I left to start +plushus an original pop music collective…I’d love to get you involved…
check out the site
http://www.plushus.com
love
nati
We love you! You’re the shit!!!
You are beyond gorgeous!!! Marry me!
I saw you on cnn. I think your beautiful
Two words!
Joy rocks
Hi Joy,
My name is Asher Heimermann from Sheboygan, Wisconsin. I saw the story about you on News to Me on CNN Headline News! Way to go on your project. I too have a project/campaign that I am working on and that is getting young people involved in politics and government.
Mr. Asher Heimermann
http://www.AsherHeimermann.com
Lol just saw you on CNN. I think your vid is great!
Oh, and you’re beautiful too
Dear Joy,
Wish there were more women as beautiful as you are and aren’t afraid to be ashamed of their size. I’m a size 54 and have always felt awkward all of my life. If you come around my area I’d love to buy you a drink.
Keep up the good work babe!!
Take Care,
Michael Smith
Joy, I’m your size. I am 5′10″ (well 6′1″ because I wear heels, baby) and sometimes I wear a size 20.
I am happy with who I am and what I look like, AND healthy, etc. etc.
It is very refreshing to see someone with a bod like mine who is confident too. I’ve never had a problem dating anyone I’ve wanted to date and I feel attractive and vibrant.
You go, girl.
dear Joy,
I’m a young girl that is considered to be obese. I’m 215 lbs. I have been on a diet since I was 7 years old. I’ve never been happy with my look. I’m constantly getting put down by family and supposedly friends. Even though this makes me feel horrible, you make me feel like a real person. You are pretty and obviously very smart.You are awesome!
-Thanks, lyn
You are amazing! You inspire me to feel amazing too.
Hi Joy,
My name is Dana and I’m a journalist for FIRST magazine. I write a page called “body confidence” and am working on an article about body snarking and how women don’t let people’s negative comments about their weight affect their confidence. Instead, they bounce back with a witty, smart comeback proving that what the other person just said, didn’t bother them at all.
I was reading your blog and you seemed to have the wit and confidence we’re looking for and was curious to know if you’d be interested in participating in the article? I think you would be very inspirational for our readers. If you could let me know, i’d greatly appreciate it!Thanks and looking forward to hearing from you!
Best,
Dana
dsquilla@bauerpublishing.com
I have to say, you have touched a lot of people. I’m twice your age and only a big smaller (16) but I have avoided SOOOOO much of life because of the way I felt I looked. Your motivation has helped me schedule the first ‘real vacation’ I’ve had with my beloved husband in 26 years of marriage. And I’m going looking GOOD!!!!! With my size 16 clothes!! It’s going to be a trip to remember!!!!!
Keep on inspiring us, Joy!
Oh, and I”m a vegetarian, who eats organic but somethings has junk health food options thrown in there, I’m not perfect…..I have a thyroid problem that constantly monitoring and changing meds for but nothing works. Forces of nature seem to want me at a size 16!!! Who am I to argue?
How Inspiring!!! I’m currently going thru alot with my husband & maybe its due to my weight gain over the past 3 years. Im currently 224 lbs and often discouraged because my husband is ashamed to go out with me on vacations or to any social events. I dont think im beautiful, i honestly believe in my heart that im gorgeous. I dont have problems attracting OTHER men on a regular basis, but my husband is more or less the problem. After seeing your “fat rant” i have to admit, there was this confidence that surfaced inside me i didnt realize was there. Yes you are very beautiful and i respect you. Thanks for the motivation and i wish you much success!
Hi Joy!
Firstly, I have to say, your videos are fabulous,
and I agree everything, you say, about this matter.
I have a website about living in a fat body,
and I would like to attain, that let the fat girls feel well
in their bodies and in their lives.
Unfortunately it’s only in hungarian language,
but if I could attain, that let the message get to the Hungarian girls,
I would be satisfied, the rest of the world’s women may be yours
I wish many successes!
A 242 lb weights, beautiful, smart and diffident 24 year old girl
Enikő
Happy Birthday Joy