The Silencing of Women’s Voices: How Censorship Marginalizes Plus-Size Women, and How Boudoir Helps Us Break Free

There’s this constant, quiet pressure on women to shrink themselves—whether it’s physically, mentally, or emotionally. As women, we’re expected to fit into a mold that’s often unrealistic and impossible. But for plus-size women, this pressure is even heavier. We’re not just asked to fit into a box; we’re often told we shouldn’t even exist outside of it. Our bodies are policed, our voices are dismissed, and our worth is reduced to our appearance.

But here’s the thing: we have a right to take up space. And more than that, we have a right to be seen, to speak, and to feel powerful in doing so.

From a young age, women are taught to "tone it down." We’re told to speak less, take up less space, be softer, quieter, smaller. For plus-size women, this message is even stronger. It’s like society doesn’t know what to do with us—if we’re too loud, too confident, or even just existing in a body that doesn’t fit its narrow idea of what’s beautiful or acceptable, we’re often met with criticism or silence.

Our voices are minimized. And when we do speak up—whether we’re talking about body positivity, calling out the fashion industry, or standing up for our own worth—there’s often this sense that our opinions are less valid simply because of the size of our bodies.

This isn’t just frustrating—it’s exhausting.

One of the biggest ways we’re silenced is through body policing. We’ve all seen it: the constant scrutiny of our size, the “concern” about our health, or the unsolicited advice on how we should look, dress, or even exist. The truth is, when people spend more time commenting on how we look than on what we have to say, it’s a form of censorship. It’s telling us that our bodies aren’t worthy of being seen as they are, and our voices certainly don’t matter as much as the opinions others have about our bodies.

This body-shaming isn’t just external. It often sinks deep into how we view ourselves, causing us to second-guess our worth and mute our own voices. When you’re constantly told that your body is “wrong,” it’s hard to feel confident enough to speak up, to show up fully in the world, or to be authentic about who you are.

Here’s where boudoir photography comes in. It’s not just about pretty pictures—it’s about reclaiming the power that’s often stripped from us by a society that doesn’t always know what to do with our bodies. Boudoir is a radical act of self-love and self-expression. It’s about honoring your body for what it is right now, not what it “should be” according to someone else’s standard.

When you step in front of the camera in a boudoir session, you’re choosing to be seen, to celebrate your body, your strength, your softness, and your unique beauty. You’re not just getting a photo album—you’re getting back a sense of control, confidence, and ownership over your body and your narrative. Boudoir is powerful because it’s one way to push back against the silence that has been imposed on us. It’s a chance to show up fully, unapologetically, and in a way that’s all about you.

It’s about saying: I am worthy of being seen. And that’s a message that can’t be censored.

In a world where plus-size women’s voices are often dismissed, boudoir serves as a powerful counterpoint to that silence. It’s an act of defiance, an act of self-love, and an act of honoring our bodies—exactly as they are. When you choose to engage in boudoir photography, you’re taking ownership of your body and your narrative. You’re saying “I am worthy of love and respect—just as I am.”

The act of embracing your body and your voice in a boudoir session also helps break free from the cycle of self-censorship that so many women, especially plus-size women, experience. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that we need to shrink ourselves to fit into the expectations of others. But boudoir photography challenges that. It’s a visual declaration that you are enough as you are, and that your voice and body deserve to be celebrated, not hidden.

The more we show up for ourselves, the more we reclaim our power—not just in boudoir, but in every aspect of our lives. Whether we’re writing, speaking, or simply living unapologetically in our bodies, every time we refuse to be silenced, we create more space for others to do the same.

Censorship of women, especially plus-size women, isn’t just about controlling bodies—it’s about controlling voices. But we have the power to reclaim both. Boudoir isn’t just a photoshoot—it’s a way to say no to silence and yes to showing up as our full, authentic selves. And that’s something no one can take away from us.

So, let’s keep speaking up. Let’s keep taking up space. Let’s keep being seen. And let’s do it on our own terms.