BIG: What are some of the specific things BIG women have said to you as a result of your philanthropy? Raqui: That is a very mixed experience. I can get a lot of hate with in the plus sized community and outside of it as well. Many Size Activists want me to go by their agenda. Many people in the plus sized community want me to showcase things according to what they want or what they believe and feel. I shouldn’t touch on other subjects in certain ways, and if I do I should only do so according to what they feel is the correct way to do so. I consider them the Plus Sized Police; never being involved, never knowing me or my mission, but ready to attack and try to destroy the reputation of others without knowledge. Then I have those who have said I saved their life. That something I wrote, had in my magazine, talked about on my show etc. Made them re-evaluate their life and make decisions they might not have otherwise. That I somehow inspired them to be happier, live better and accomplish things they might not have. I have had many ladies and men write to me or contact me through the years and update me on how their life has changed. I have been a speaker at many events and that has made people think about how they view themselves and others. Looking at your behaviors is not always easy, but ignoring your behaviors can be detrimental to your life. Some of my most memorable experiences touched me deeply. I remember a Plus Sized woman who wanted to go to college but was scared about seating. I encouraged her and she went on to not only go to college (with a chair in hand if need be) and graduated with honors.
BIG thanks you for the interview, Raqui. You do extremely inspirational work. To see more about the work Raqui does for the BIG Beautiful Women and BIG Handsome Men community visit her website at, www.LargeinCharge.com. []
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