Tess Holliday

“Just because we're plus size, doesn't mean we have to prove that we're healthy, just as someone who is smaller than us or average size doesn't have to prove they are healthy.”

“Why is it controversial that I chose to talk about my abortion? And the fact that I got an abortion when I was in a marriage and could have financially supported a child, why did I feel so much shame for that?”

“If you want to eat pizza, have the pizza. If you want to run 5 miles up a hill, cool, go run. Do whatever you want to do, but don't let the size of your body and other people's opinions about you stop you from living the life you deserve.”

“I would love to be in the pages of Vogue.”

“For so long advertising hasn't been inclusive when it comes to plus sizes which is crazy to me.”

“Designers are either not interested in making larger sizes or they don't feel that it's important.”

“I can never celebrate a success in my career without it being picked apart because of my size or 'my health.'”

“My mom is one of my best friends.”

“I wanted to become a model out of delusion. It was always something that I wanted to do, I just never thought that I would have the opportunity.”

“Obviously there aren't many opportunities for someone who looks like me to walk in fashion shows. It's incredibly frustrating.”

“You can start with daily affirmations of love to yourself, like, 'I am worthy,' 'I am beautiful,' and 'I am loved.'”

“I'm not like recruiting people and starting a cult and telling people to be fat.”

“Being fat doesn't necessarily make me feel stronger. What makes me feel strong is knowing that I can live my life and be who I want to be.”

“I feel sexy when I can be in charge of how I present my body and how I am in this world.”

“I was really self conscious as a kid, I felt terrible - like a prisoner in my own body.”

“The majority of my following is not plus size, it's very diverse.”

“I'd like to be the person who changes things, or at least open doors for others.”

“I take antidepressants, which I was embarrassed about for a long time, but it keeps me going.”

“Health is everyone's personal decision. It's their choice and I think that should be respected.”

“I'm at the heaviest I've ever been in my life now and it took me being the heaviest to finally love myself.”