Actress on Why She Won't Lose Weight for Role

Sometimes we read things that make us so happy we want to run outside in the cold in our underwear and attempt a few backflips. This screw you message, which we discovered via Mashable, from Chicago-based actress Harmony France is one of those times. France is straight up DONE with being told how her body should look for a role and the lack of diversity in the industry because, well, obviously.

On her blog post, France lists some of the fun little jewels people in the industry have said about her body. Here are just a few to irritate you:

“You would need to lose twenty pounds for the role.”

“You really need to lose some weight if you want a career.”

“We can work with your body type, but if you are serious about this career you need to have your nose and teeth fixed.”

“They told us you were smaller.”

Um… no thanks? Obviously actresses’ bodies getting in the way of their ability to do their jobs is nothing new, but France is speaking out and demanding more diversity in the industry– and we’re not just talking about body diversity. She’s calling out the industry for failing to represent everyone. She blessed our Friday morning with this little mic drop:

“We NEED to diversify. If you are involved in the producing process, ask yourself, ‘Does my show have specific plot points related to race?’ No? Then you should think about looking outside the caucasian race. ‘Does my show have specific references to body type?’ No? Then you should be open to other body types. ‘Are there some roles in my show that could possibly be re-allocated for women to play?’ Yes? Then think about switching the genders of those roles. And don’t forget the trans community, the disabled community, the community that brings you into a new perspective. Be Actively Inclusive.”

Thank goddess SOMEONE finally said what we’ve all been thinking. And as if that wasn’t enough, France left us with this powerful statement on how she’s refusing to change for anyone.

“And as for me? I’m taking my body back from this industry. It hasn’t been mine for 10 years. I will no longer lose weight for you. I will no longer try to mold myself into what I think you want me to look like. I will no longer starve myself for a quick weight loss to please you. I will no longer change myself in any way for YOU. When I take all the pressure to change myself away and I take all the negative feedback away, I realize that I actually like myself.”

Actually liking yourself even though you have thighs? Whoa…WILD. We are 900% behind this entire message and hopefully industry idiots start getting a clue.

Until then, this is the wind beneath our wings that’s carrying us into the weekend. If we could get snippets of France’s wisdom printed on reusable grocery bags, we absolutely would.

[Mashable]

Eliza Dillard