PLUS SIZE MODELS... IS THERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH OUR BODIES??

Twenty years ago the average fashion model weighed 8% less than the average woman. Today, she weighs 23% less. Ten years ago plus-size models averaged between size 12 and 18. Today the need for size diversity within the plus-size modelling industry continues to be questioned. Is there something really wrong with our bodies? I am a plus-size model and to me it is surprising to seet the majority of plus-size models on agency boards are between a size 6 and 14. I mean 50% of women wear a size 14 or larger, but most standard clothing outlets cater for sizes 14 and smaller. I honestly feel if we continue to ignore and rely on others to decide what we want to see, change will never happen. It is about time we as plus-size models or women who are a size 14 and larger to start becoming more vocal and proactive, patient and realistic.

REPRESENTING PLUS-SIZE MODELS: Refilwe Makamedi (me) at a photoshoot by Jessica Otto at the Emerentia Botanical Gardens.

Why are we expected to respond to pictures of small size 6 and 8 women? There is absolutely nothing wrong with our bodies, its just that we are bombarded with weight-loss every single day and we're in an industry that preys on the fear of being fat. Not every one is meant to be skinny, our bodies are beautiful and I am not talking about health here because not every skinny person is healthy. Our desire is equality to shop and have fashion option just like smaller women.

WHITNEY THOMPSON: first plus-size model to win America's  Next Top Model cycle 10.

How do we bring about change?

• Support clothing outlets who market you.
• Use social networking sites to let brands and designers know how you feel about clothing and the use of thin models to market you.
• Your money counts. If you stop buying at "Store A" and let them know you will not be purchasing their clothes until they market you, this will raise concern.
• Use every opportunity you have available to you for your voice to be heard.

Why can't we move  towards  that goal??  Why are we being affected by the brands who want our money??

IS THERE ENOUGH GAY MEN IN THE MODELLING INDUSTRY?

There is a growling tension between those who feel they are discriminated against and those who feel somewhat favoured by a perception. I am in the mist of gay friends and one of them feels that there aren't enough gay men in the modelling industry. Well, I honestly feel that there are enough gay men in the modelling industry. Times are changing and greater acceptance of "The Gays" has led the way for gay men to excel in traditionally straight male fields, but real-world examples remain few and far between-often only in cities or countries where gays and lesbians enjoy greater equality with their straight co-workers.

Kim Stolz: is a well known American fashion model and television personality who is an out lesbian. http://www.fanpop.com/

Gay culture rewards creativity. The heroes in the gay community are generally not the rugby players or the fireflighter, although they do exist, but the drag queens, musicians, filmmakers, writers, actors, artists and dancers. This is partly due to the fact that these were once the only careers gay men could excel in while still maintaining a sense of who they are and an exuberant pride in what they could accomplish.

Robel: is one of the finalists of the  first black African contestants for Mr GayWorld.http://www.timeslive.co.za/

Back to the question, is there enough gay men in the modelling industry? Many gay men tend to be image-concious in a similar way that heterosexual women are because typically their objects of affection are stimulated visually. The modelling world is somewhat more accepting of stereotypical "gay tendencies" and gay lifestyle therefore a gay individual may feel more comfortable working as a model and making that a goal. Yes there is enough gay men in the modelling industry and have a variety of competitions or activities like the Mr Gay World (http://www.mrgayworld.org/), which is an annual contest for gay men seeking to establish ambassadors for Gays and Human Rights.

RACISM IN THE MODELLING INDUSTRY

When we look at the issue of racism in the modelling industry, you can only shake your head in shame to know that racism exists even in a world of fashion and glamour. Since when should colour be included in the modelling spectrum? I hope that all designers will start considering using models of colour because in the past two yeras, models of colour have not been used on runways. According to DYME magazine, it is evident that ethnic models have been missing on the runway and in editorial for a long time.

http://www.fashionbombdaily.com/

Today when we think of black models, we think of Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, Tyson Beckford, just to mention a few that have not only ripped the runway across the globe, but have gained international attention and celebrity status. How should young girls of colour feel when they do not see their skin colour and their physical features celebrated as beautiful? I feel that there should be more diversity projected in the world of modelling, because black male and female models also have what it takes to showcase beauty and talent.

http://www.weheartit.com/

It is interesting that some of the top black models in the world, Naomi Campbell, Iman, Liya Kebede and Tyson Beckford "launched a campaign against race discrimination in the fashion industry-which they say is at its worst since the 1960s". It is sad to know that there hardly any campaigns in South Africa that are against racism in the modelling industry.