Melissa Gibson thought nothing of posting a picture of herself in a sparkly dress kissing her boyfriend, Jonathan. Isn’t that what happy people do when they’re in love?
She had no idea that the New Year’s photo would stir up some rather superficial controversy. Almost immediately after posting to Instagram, a bunch of cyberbullies attacked her post. Their ugly logic? That she is simply too big for her “thin boyfriend.”
It’s amazing to think that people would write something so rude and expect it to accomplish anything but hurt feelings. It’s as if they expected Melissa to see their comments and then immediately break up with Jonathan.
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Well, that’s not what happened. Not by a long shot. Instead, Melissa fought back against the bullies.
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She posted another picture from that night, with a thoughtful caption.
“When taking a picture in a sparkly dress next to the man you love makes people comment about your body, question your relationship, make judgments about him for loving you. Our relationship is political. Even though we both know how natural and right it feels. And if the world won’t just let us be, we will keep fighting for our love, for our space, for our right to be seen, accepted without question, and celebrated.”
She also pointed out just how silly it is that their happiness together actually bothers people.
“We are exactly what each other wants, and guess what? Our bodies are a part of that.”
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Melissa has since received an outpouring of support. We can only hope that the cruel bullies have learned to think before typing.
It’s also important to remember that love isn’t something to be withheld from someone. We all deserve to be loved and to be happy, and we should feel joy for those that have these things — not skepticism.
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