A Love Letter to Lizzo

Jun 2

I just took a DNA test turns out I’m 100% that bitch
- “Truth Hurts”

In a world where the self-love mantra is slammed at you across social media and advertising, yet unwaveringly juxtaposed by ever impossible beauty standards, life can feel like a lose-lose situation. Melissa Jefferson, better known by her stage name Lizzo, is one of the few artists to authentically show raw confidence and body positivity through her musical endeavors. I won’t claim Lizzo to be the first musician to do this (or the last for that matter), but to me, she is as genuine as the LV all on her shoes.

Mirror, mirror on the wall don’t say it cuz I know I’m cute. Louis down to my drawers, LV all on my shoes.
- “Juice”

For many of those in the limelight, it’s easy to tell others to love themselves, flaws and all, because these people already fulfill many of the seemingly unattainable standards the rest of us grapple for. Lizzo, on the other hand, is the epitome of a bad bitch, radiating raw confidence like a nuclear test site and contradicting staunch societal beauty standards as a result. With a middle finger up to the status quo, Lizzo paves the way for women to find their inner confidence, inspiring us with witty lyrics and powerful messages.

In an Instagram post, she stated: “Mass media tells people that having a double chin, stretch marks, or dark areas on their skin is unsavory. But I’m here to change the narrative.”

The intersectionality of Lizzo’s identity as a woman and POC makes the hurdles to fame and acceptance even greater. Acknowledging that mainstream feminism often doesn’t fully or accurately address the intersection between race, class, and sexuality regarding discrimination, Lizzo works to change this narrative through her music. As women of color continue to break into mainstream media, they draw attention to the need for inclusivity and the right to representation. Unapologetically making the pop industry more inclusive, Lizzo garners attention to the fight of intersectionality and representation regarding gender and race. How can women expect to love themselves when society and the music industry embrace a narrow beauty ideal?

That bitch in the mirror like yeah, I’m in love
- “Soulmate”

Lizzo is a truth-spitting queen, stunning the world with her magical flute wielding abilities (while twerking!) and inspires us to follow our dreams. As a classically trained flutist, hip hop queen, and certified Bad Bitch™, she is the artist of a generation, a torchbearer of self-love, and preaches self-acceptance. As a flutist of nine years myself, I can’t imagine the talent it would take to twerk while playing the flute.

Her talent, dedication, and universal message championing love and empowerment inspire millions, and she does this while staying true to herself and her sound.

Lizzo, you have shaken the world like a snowglobe in an earthquake. Your strength shines like a beacon of light for those lost in the muck of self-deprecation. I know that I speak for so many when I say thank you for being you. This world needs more authenticity, and you deliver wholeheartedly, empowering so many to follow your lead.