PSA: Ashley Graham Hates When You Call Her a "Real" Woman
"I can't stand it," says Graham.
![hair, face, street fashion, beauty, fashion, lip, hairstyle, brown hair, long hair, yellow,](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dS9bSbmWMseMoSvh8eg68P-415-80.jpg)
In case you missed it, Ashley Graham is basically the poster child for body positivity. Yes, 2017 was already the year of showing off natural bodies in all their glory (like ASOS not retouching its photos, Lady Gaga shutting down body shamers, and Demi Lovato embracing her non-thigh gap), but when I think of the queen of it all, I think of Ashley Graham.
RELATED STORIES
But of all the titles she's been given by society (and me), there's one she refuses to be called: a real woman. After Graham posted her most recent Instagram photo, which showed her on a beach in a bikini, people began commenting on her body, writing, "finally, a real woman," and "a real body," and "she is so real and so raw and so beautiful."
And though, on the surface, those seem like nice compliments, Graham pointed out that comments like this are actually kind of warped, and she's not here for them. She addressed the problem in her Instagram story last night, posting a photo of herself with the caption: "We are all real women. I can't stand it when I read comments that say, 'finally, a real woman,'" her post read. "No matter your size/shape/amount of cellulite—we are in this together."
Hell, yes, Graham. Because when commenters say things like a "real woman," they mean they're happy to see someone in the spotlight who looks, realistically, like them: Photoshop-free, with cellulite and stretch marks and uneven skin tones, and whatever else most humans have.
But Graham just wants people to know that there truly is no way to define what it means to a real woman, and that is why she is queen to me. Keep preaching, Ashley!
RELATED STORIES
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
I’m currently working at Dotdash Meredith as the Celeb & Entertainment E-Commerce Lead contributing affiliate content for People.com and InStyle.com. I’m basically like your personal shopper, from writing about that cozy loungewear set you didn’t know you needed to keeping tabs on the best sales and deals on the internet. I’m also a pro at finding affordable dupes for celebrity looks and I love to dig into the data to strategize content opportunities.
-
Our Complete Quiet Luxury Shopping Guide
30 quality closet classics that always have—and always will—endure.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Kaia Gerber and Cindy Crawford Medal in Mother-Daughter Olympic Matching
The pair touched down in Paris wearing coordinating navy looks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Prince Harry Reveals Royal Family Rift Was Worsened by Tabloids
"Yeah, that’s certainly a central piece to it."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
This Valentino Perfume Is the Best Fragrance of 2024, According to Beauty Experts
It's a layerable, floral fragrance.
By Samantha Holender Published
-
Is Colostrum the New Collagen?
Doctors and wellness professionals have a lot to say about TikTok's supplement of the moment.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
TikTok Is Making "Unsexy" Beauty Products Seem Very Appealing
There's more to worthwhile products than pretty packaging.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Fendi's First Fragrances Are Designed for Fashion Obsessives
It's finally available to shop.
By Halie LeSavage Last updated
-
Why Beauty Experts Are Calling Out Youthforia's New Foundation
This isn't the way to do inclusive shades.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
The 32 Best Hair Growth Shampoos of 2024, According to Experts
Rapunzel hair, coming right up.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Published
-
Beauty 3.0
In the metaverse, we can be whoever we want to be. Is that a good thing?
By Mattie Kahn Published
-
The 20 Best Hair Masks for Damaged Hair, According to Experts and Editors
Healthy strands, here we come!
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated