Mindy Kaling Posts Body-Positive Bikini Pics, Other Women Reply By Sharing Theirs
In case you didn’t know already: every body is a bikini body. The body-positive message has been reinforced consistently over the last few years, but with bullying and body-shaming not going away anytime soon, there is still a need for reminders.
Actress Mindy Kaling is the latest to fly the flag of self-love, uploading pics on Instagram of her proudly rocking a bikini along with the message: “WEAR A BIKINI IF YOU WANT TO WEAR A BIKINI. You don’t have to be a size 0!”
In a video accompanying the photos, Kaling explained where her love for wearing bikinis with a carefree attitude began.
“What I was struck about Hawaii is that everybody wears bikinis. It does not matter what your body type is, you rock a bikini because you’re in Hawaii,” she said. “And there’s so much body positivity there that I ― who was always really shy about my body ― would wear bikinis.”
Watch the accompanying video here
Image credits: Mindy Kaling
With swimsuit season in full swing, the message hit home for many women who might still harbor feelings of fear and insecurity when stepping out in a two-piece.
The post has since attracted over 10,000 positive and empowering comments, with the likes of Kim Kardashian, Yara Shahidi, and fashion designer Tory Burch jumping on board and supporting Kaling’s stance. People were also inspired to upload their own swimsuit pics in response!
People were inspired to upload their own swimsuit pics in response
Image credits: ilanafrankel
Image credits: rileytpartyof4
Image credits: barefaced54
Image credits: dolly_dagger
The post attracted thousands of positive and empowering comments
What do you think? Are you confident and happy to step out in a bikini? Are these body-positivity messages from celebrities inspiring and important, or are you happy to make up your own mind about what you feel comfortable in? Let us know your opinions in the comments below!
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I prefer the full burkini look - because I am a pale redhead who has had multiple skin cancers removed from exposed areas. Back off, sunshine!
I always stand out (as an obvious outsider) when we vacation at the beach in Italy because I am not confident enough to wear a bikini. I've seen all types rock a bikini there, so it's not like my extra lbs would be noticed. My tankini with skirt bottom, yes. But in the end, it's about what you're comfortable with... and I haven't been ok in a bikini since I was nine. (Thanks hormones!)
I have always thought Mindy Kaling is gorgeous. I love the fact she felt like she needed to offer words of encouragement to others. She is awesome!
what if my thighs are riddled with horrifying stretch marks that make it look like i have blood poisoning that people ask about every time i wear shorts
I prefer the full burkini look - just because I am a pale redhead who burns at the mere thought of the sunshine.
I know I'm gonna get a lot of downvotes, but I'm just gonna share my opinion. It really bothers me that most people are supporting the overweight, and what most people refer to as "fat" type of people. Like, thats not a bad thing. Keep on supporting them and keep on doing body positive things! But the thing that bothers me is that with everyone only really focuses on the overweight people, and not the underewight and too skinny people. I'm skinnier than average, and my parents and grandparents keep on forcing me to eat more. Their overfeeding me. And the other people like me, we're just going unoticed. Well, maybe noticed by a few people. I can't wear a bikini outdoors, or I constantly get body shamed by strangers who keep on saying I should eat more, when I can't, or that I'm too skinny. Downvote all you want. I'm just sharing my opinion.
And this my friend is the reason Lagerfeld had a heart attack. Petite, thick women rocking the hell outta fashion.
other than polka dot girl, the others are overweight. Why is it wrong to say that? Not saying the are ugly or inhuman, but yeah - overweight.
So since i am thicker around the waist as them, your calling me obses? Thats a punch in the self esteem for me cuz ive been trying my hardest to be losing two pounds a day.
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I find it weird that someone that has a body like Mindi Kaling has to call it body positivity if they wear a bikini. I didn't understand what the post was about at first. She looks fine to me. Plus, I think the real message is, as Full Name said, who cares if you look good or not, that's not the point.
No one cares what you want and don't want to see on a girl, the choice on what to wear is hers. Same with you, no one should care if you want to wear a wife beater in public, so you should just do that if you want to
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I prefer the full burkini look - because I am a pale redhead who has had multiple skin cancers removed from exposed areas. Back off, sunshine!
I always stand out (as an obvious outsider) when we vacation at the beach in Italy because I am not confident enough to wear a bikini. I've seen all types rock a bikini there, so it's not like my extra lbs would be noticed. My tankini with skirt bottom, yes. But in the end, it's about what you're comfortable with... and I haven't been ok in a bikini since I was nine. (Thanks hormones!)
I have always thought Mindy Kaling is gorgeous. I love the fact she felt like she needed to offer words of encouragement to others. She is awesome!
what if my thighs are riddled with horrifying stretch marks that make it look like i have blood poisoning that people ask about every time i wear shorts
I prefer the full burkini look - just because I am a pale redhead who burns at the mere thought of the sunshine.
I know I'm gonna get a lot of downvotes, but I'm just gonna share my opinion. It really bothers me that most people are supporting the overweight, and what most people refer to as "fat" type of people. Like, thats not a bad thing. Keep on supporting them and keep on doing body positive things! But the thing that bothers me is that with everyone only really focuses on the overweight people, and not the underewight and too skinny people. I'm skinnier than average, and my parents and grandparents keep on forcing me to eat more. Their overfeeding me. And the other people like me, we're just going unoticed. Well, maybe noticed by a few people. I can't wear a bikini outdoors, or I constantly get body shamed by strangers who keep on saying I should eat more, when I can't, or that I'm too skinny. Downvote all you want. I'm just sharing my opinion.
And this my friend is the reason Lagerfeld had a heart attack. Petite, thick women rocking the hell outta fashion.
other than polka dot girl, the others are overweight. Why is it wrong to say that? Not saying the are ugly or inhuman, but yeah - overweight.
So since i am thicker around the waist as them, your calling me obses? Thats a punch in the self esteem for me cuz ive been trying my hardest to be losing two pounds a day.
Load More Replies... I find it weird that someone that has a body like Mindi Kaling has to call it body positivity if they wear a bikini. I didn't understand what the post was about at first. She looks fine to me. Plus, I think the real message is, as Full Name said, who cares if you look good or not, that's not the point.
No one cares what you want and don't want to see on a girl, the choice on what to wear is hers. Same with you, no one should care if you want to wear a wife beater in public, so you should just do that if you want to
Load More Replies... 
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