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We Need To Talk About Body Shaming

Throughout her career, Robyn Lawley has always been a fierce advocate for body positivity. The model, 29, reveals how her health battle has reinforced her message. - by Robyn Lawley
  • 15 Nov 2018
We Need To Talk About Body Shaming

I was a giant growing up, so I know what it feels like to be different. Feeling like you’re ugly because you don’t see anyone like you is quite isolating. Even in modelling, I was told I was too tall. I’m 6' 2", the same height as Karlie Kloss, and we joke that we’re 5' 14". I had to lie about my height in modelling for a very long time. I can’t be bothered lying anymore.

Having been in the industry for more than 12 years, I have seen the pressure put on young
girls to be thin and look a certain way. Modelling is based completely on how you look, so your appearance is always up for discussion. I have been called Australia’s top plus-size model, but I would never use that label to describe myself. I find the term detrimental and damaging because girls will compare their bodies to mine and think, “If she’s plus-size, what does that make me?” Some brands 
only go up to a size 12, which is ridiculous because the national average women’s size in Australia is 14-16.

In saying that, I think the fashion industry has come a long way. I’ve witnessed such a great change within my career. There’s finally diversity on catwalks: we’re seeing more curved models, different ethnicities and trans models on the runway. It’s so important to see people you can relate to.

robyn lawley

Robyn Lawley walks the SwimMiami runway in Miami, 2017

American model Tess Holliday was on the cover of Cosmopolitan UK in a swimsuit recently, and
I think many women would look up to her. Piers Morgan body-shamed her for “promoting morbid obesity”, but she’s just promoting loving who you are, as you are. Seeing normal women of different sizes and ethnicities is what’s going to drive change.

Becoming a mum [in 2015] has made me care less about the way I look – mostly because I don’t have time. I think it’s more badass to say, “Fuck it, I’m just going out as I am, without make-up, because I’d rather spend my time with my kid.” It’s really strong seeing a woman as she is.

I was diagnosed with lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome following the birth of my daughter Ripley [now three], and it really put things in perspective. The condition means my body is basically attacking itself. In June I had a seizure on my staircase and fell more than two metres, landing on my face. I was lucky I didn’t break my neck, but I was left with permanent scars on my face. I suppose it’s ironic that I’m a model.

robynlawley View Profile
12.7k likes - View Post on Instagram
As I'm getting ready to return to work, feeling strong and near myself again, I want to be completely honest with you, in this day and age where we seemingly share all, I needed some time, healing physically and emotionally. I do however want the truth known. Nearly 2 months ago I had an accident. There's a reason I was public about my lupus and aps diagnosis from the start, a lifelong incurable (for now) condition I didn't know what I or still am in for. I unfortunately had a seizure on my staircase, I fell from over 7ft and landed on my face. I suppose it's ironic that I'm a model, however I'm grateful I didn't break my neck. I've managed to come full circle with that gratefulness, and luck. I could of had it holding my daughter for example, or I could be in a wheelchair, or not breathing at all. With fashion week coming soon I wanted to acknowledge my new lighting bolt scar on my forehead (aka offical wizard now 🙋‍♀️) lip and chin. As the scars fade, apart of me wants nothing to do with them and a part of me wants to embrace them. They make us who we are. Plus wearing daily makeup to cover my face is something I do not do. Life isn't all rainbows. I've found strength the past few months following people who are brave to share their physical and emotional ongoing battles. Thank you @elly.mayday (battling ovarian cancer) thank you @chelseabonner (battling fibromyalgia) thank you @_indianrosee & @selenagomez (fellow lupus warriors) thank you. To anyone that's going through something I'm sorry for the pain you have to endure. You are always welcome to DM questions about SLE (lupus) or APS. Thank you to the hospital staff and doctors who were fast to treat me. Thank you to my love of my life saving me. Sending out love and positive vibes. You can always follow @lupusorg or @lupusla to help support lupus research. This photo is from the hospital a couple of months ago and one from a week ago. 🖤😘 Peace Robyn

I posted a photo of my scars on Instagram [as] I didn’t want to feel ashamed. I was very much aware of them and I didn’t want them to be a big secret. I decided I didn’t want to laser them, so now when I go to castings, I’m like, “I’ve got a bunch of scars now, you can either book me or not, your choice.”

I think we focus way too much energy on our exterior selves. People get so wrapped up with trying to take the perfect image and find the perfect filter. We need to teach girls at a young age that it’s within their own power to self-love through meditation or volunteering. The easiest way to feel body positivity is by helping your community. My mum used to take me tree planting every Sunday and it was so fulfilling.

Go plant a tree.

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1,471 likes - View Post on Instagram
Loved this baby 🐎🐎🐎

My daughter is on track to be my height, so I know what it’s going to be like for her. When she comes home and says, “I’ve got big legs, Mum,” I tell her that she has perfect legs, strong legs. Words are important. I do tell Ripley that she is pretty, but also that she’s smart and creative.

When it comes to body-shaming, we as women need to demand change. We need to band together, encourage each other and empower ourselves.

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