I remember getting tired of seeing headless fatties on the news before I accepted my fat nature. The anchor would be talking about some common illness with multiple comorbidities while video of a fat person, shown only from the chest down was walking with their fat jiggling. The shots were obviously taken without the person's consent in a populated area -with the videographer obviously looking for maximum jiggle.

The shame I felt in potentially being one of those fat people caught having the audacity to go out in public and just live their lives kept me inside. When I did go out in public I wore baggy clothes that hid the way I moved and was careful to not walk in front of cameras.

I lived in shame of my body and felt I had no right to put my disgusting body in the eyeline of other people.

Now, after finding a love for my body as it is, I wear clothing that fits and proudly walk in front of any camera set up to capture the public. I want to be seen walking with confidence. I want to be seen wearing what is comfortable to me.

I found an unexpected side effect of wearing stretching clothing that forms to my body. I no longer get rashes between my thighs. Wearing loose fitting pants, that moved back and forth with every step, rubbed my thick thighs raw. I avoided walking long distances because I would pay for it with red burning skin afterward. 

No one should have to hurt themselves to prevent others from being uncomfortable.

I want to be seen by those who are sitting at home feeling an obligation to hide themselves.

I want to been seen living my life by those who made me feel like my body represented illness without any actual knowledge about my physical health.

I want to be seen exercising my right to exist.