Yahoo Lifestyle 
Plus-size blogger slams trolls who say she doesn't 'deserve' boyfriend
For one body positive blogger, the hate she received after posting a photo of her and her boyfriend isn’t shocking - although it probably should be.
Kentucky native Melissa Gibson shared a photo to her more than 215,000 followers on New Year’s Eve, dressed up in a sparkly dress and heeled booties, kissing her boyfriend.
She was shocked when the next morning, she checked her notifications and was met with hateful comments from trolls, claiming she doesn’t deserve her boyfriend. Some even went as far as to speculate why he’s with her - because he’s thin.
Most of the negative feedback focused on the couple’s different body types, with some users claiming Melissa’s boyfriend must have a fetish.
Luckily, the Louisville blogger is comfortable addressing negativity. Melissa was quick to post a response to those who took issue with her relationship.
“When taking a picture in a sparkly dress next to the man you love makes people comment about your body, question your relationship, make judgements about him for loving you,” she wrote.
“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.”
“In all honesty, it’s silly to think it bothers people so much, but when privileged people base their value on attraction and relationships, it results in the plethora of relationships that look like mine being erased and delegitimized.”
Melissa also hinted that negative commenters don’t understand that true love is about more than physical appearance.
“We are exactly what each other wants, and guess what, our bodies are a part of that. It’s not a abnormal or a fetish. It’s simply natural. So while you insist on yelling your insecurities and bigotry at me, realize I’m not playing the game you play any longer. I’m not playing by your rules,” she wrote.
With more than 10,000 likes and 400 comments, Gibson’s fresh perspective inspired her readers to focus more on their own self love.
“Love is love, there is no ‘correct formula’ and I love that you two look so happy,” wrote one follower.
“That is right, you have inspired me from all your posts. I am trying to have a more positive attitude when it comes to loving myself. It’s so nice to see two people who love each other,” added another.
While the hate didn’t stop, Melissa is happy to be an inspiration to those who don’t have a strong sense of self confidence. She hopes to continue to motivate others to love themselves at all sizes and ages. Melissa wrapped up her post with a wish for the new year.
“2018 is the year for love that is not defined by weight, age, ability, genitals, gender, sexuality. Not defined by race or ethnicity or religion,” she wrote. “We’re having more fun this way anyway.”
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