Raffela Mancuso on Fatphobia, Diet Culture & Passing the Damn Mic
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Featuring
Raffela Mancuso
Mental Illness Activist, Diet Culture Disrupter
Bio
Raffela Mancuso is a Diet Culture Disruptor, Mental Illness Activist and Body Equality Advocate based in Alberta.
About this episode
Get ready to get real about Fatphobia, Diet Culture, Mental Health, Social Media Influencing, and the 'Body Positive' movement with Raffela Mancuso on this episode of the Mind Your Own Life Podcast. Raffela aptly describes herself as a 'Disruptor' and it was through her actions as such that I - and so many others - came across her and her big mission!
In May 2020, Raffela decided to call in a handful of Self-Love Influencers on an Instagram Post for their thin privilege. Specifically, she was concerned about these Influencers not sharing the stage or 'passing the mic' to those who are in marginalized bodies, namely fat black women (who were the originators of the "Body Positive" movement).
The post went viral. There were scores of negative comments and defensive responses to her post, but even more positive ones cheering her on for her transparency, allyship and courage. Since that point, Raffela's platform has grown and she continues to fight the good fight, educating and advocating for body equality. She recently started an initiative called #PassTheMic which calls on Influencers of any size to share their platform with those who need to be amplified.
Listen in for a transparent conversation about a very important and relevant topic that applies to so many of us on social media.
Key takeaways
- Fatphobia often happens behind closed doors: Thin influencers with a fraction of the # of followers as fat influencers are reportedly offered more collaborations and opportunities with brands on Instagram
- The 'Body Positivity' movement was started by and for fat black women. 'Self-love' is for everyone.
- Regardless of how large or small your platform is, it's important start to #PassTheMic to others who are in marginalized bodies
About your host
Natalie Cooper
Founder of MindYourOwn.life
Natalie is a soul on a mission to empower you to take your healing – mental, physical, emotional and spiritual – into your own hands.
As a self-healer, living fully- medication and symptom-free, with chronic autoimmune diseases (Crohn’s & Multiple Sclerosis), Natalie believes in the power of mindfulness, intention and self-care to create the health, happiness and experiences you desire in your life.
Natalie started ‘Mind Your Own’ to share her experiences while navigating her path to wellness and to show you that anything is possible when you live mindfully.
Natalie’s healing journey has led her to experience practices that have been instrumental in strengthening her belief in the power of mindfulness. She feels her purpose is to share her experiences with others who are interested in becoming active participants in their healing. Natalie is a certified Meditation Instructor, EFT Instructor, Reiki Practitioner, Labour Doula and Childbirth Educator, living near Toronto, Canada.
