As a thick woman, I must say it is refreshing to see more plus size women receiving respect and recognition in the film, music and the modeling industries. When I was growing up, I only had Nell Carter and Janet Jackson to watch on television, and by the end of the 80’s, Janet had a six pack, and Nell was half her size. While I understand that the reasons behind their weight loss had something to do with maintaining their health, both Carter and Jackson openly admitted the pressures of being skinny in Hollywood.

So here it is the year 2010, and now so many plus size celebrities – Mo’Nique, Gabby Sidibe, Nikki Blonsky and Queen Latifah are getting respect for their talents; but are they getting admiration for their size?

Thick women have always been around and wanted lead roles in movies and modeling contracts, but for years we were shut out and seen as a joke. Therefore, I’ve found myself wondering why Hollywood is so accepting of the plus size world after years of rejection and ridicule.

I’ll tell you why. The fact is the average woman in the United States is a size 14, and while society recognizes this verity, they tend to ignore it and continue to go for what they consider more appealing. Due to this prejudice, it forced the plus size community to take charge by creating our own enterprises, and as a result, our community has been very lucrative, thus making those who treated us as an outcast for years take notice.

When most people think of the entertainment industry, they think of glamour, fashion and luxury. Yet, Hollywood will always be seen first and foremost as a business. We are receiving more attention compared to previous years merely because we currently dominate the market. We are seen as a business, not human beings who are admired for our talent, beauty and glamour like skinny Hollywood. Look at any major magazine, TV show or film, we are still not represented consistently. We are excluded to a “plus-size issue” and maybe one plus size girl who is in the cast of a show or film as if we are filling a quota. Even the movie “Precious” did not receive national recognition until the likes of Oprah and Tyler Perry endorsed the film, and while the acting was phenomenal, the plot of the movie focuses on a plus size teenager who is being abused and scorned for being overweight by her plus size mother.

While I am grateful for our rise in the industry, it is simply just the beginning. Now that we are seen as profitable and trendy, I am waiting for the day that we can be seen as practical and long-lasting. We are not even close to getting our just due. When is Queen Latifah going to get the same respect as Beyonce? I am waiting for the day that Nikki Blonsky is seen on Maxim’s Hot 100 Sexiest Women List and Mo’Nique gets the same roles as Halle Berry. We need thick women behind the scene writing, producing and directing our stories and more plus size models walking the runway in Paris and New York. Can men stop hiding the fact that they love women who are a size 14 and up and not be afraid to flaunt us in videos and on the red carpet?

There are so many applauding Mo’Nique, Queen Latifah, Nikki Blonsky and Gabby Sidibe, but they are only a small percentage of the images of Hollywood. The majority of the plus size community is still only being allowed to get a peek through a window when Hollywood and society need to remove all discrimination and simply welcome us through the door.

I love Mo’Nique I really do. I think she has been a MAJOR trend setter  in our community and gave a lot of thickettes courage to be proud of who they are and their body.

NOW

With that being said as much as I love Mo’s honesty, sometimes you have to just keep certain things to your damn self! Check this video out (start at 7:45).

Ok what people do behind close doors in their own business……BUT I have a major problem with people saying this ish in public like it’s ok. Open Marriage is the craziest thing I’ve ever heard. What is the point of getting married?!  Just be a freak single.

Thickettes…………do you think people have “Open Marriages” because they feel they don’t deserve better? Can there really be true love, honor, respect in an “Open Marriage”?

Through all the politics and negative comments our thickette still received her Oscar. However…………………

What did you think of her speech and backstage Q&A?

There has been a lot of tension and controversy behind her speech and Q&A.

Of course I know you will keep it real thickettes…………….was she being a DIVA or being REAL?

Thickettes represented at the Academy Awards last night.

Congrats to Mo for her win. I will have a separate post today about her and her victory and um………………..well just look out for it.

Gabby…………………..ok I will be nice the dress was cute.

THE HAIR HELL NO!

And the baddest thickette of the NIGHT!

DAMMIT QUEEN! I love you! You showed them how its done! Simply THICKSATIONAL!

Our thickettes represented at the NAACP Image Awards

Jill and Chandra looking FAB!

Jill I need new music ASAP!

Mo and Gabby.

Is Mo losing more weight? You still look thicksational lady!

Half of the gospel group Mary Mary

Raven and Taraji look great but once again Gabby please fire your stylist and the shoes………………No no no!

Precious Cast & Staff

I love when our thickettes support each other and have a moment.

Good job thickettes.

And the Oscar goes to…………

Lee Daniels (Best Director)

Mo’Nique (Best Supporting Actress)

Gabby Sidibe (Best Actress)

I hope Lee, Mo and Gabby win the Oscar but it’s still an honor to receive the nod. “Precious” is also up for Best Picture and Best Writing (adapted screenplay). I’m not really a fan of Lee Daniels directing however after “Monster’s Ball” and “Precious” recieving nods/wins I think he deserves to take a gold man home.

The SAG Awards aired Saturday and of course Mo won another award!

I will be surprised if she doesn’t receive the Oscar. I am proud of her.

Haven’t heard anymore complaints…maybe she has a change of heart after receiving the awards?

Mo and her AMAZING WONDERFUL husband Sidney

And a thicksational clap to Amber Riley. She also received a Sag Award!

Congrats to Meryl Streep for receiving her 7th Golden Globe Award!

I heart this woman she is phenomenal!

I was so proud last night!

Mo won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture!

Her acceptance speech was perfect!

I hope this will give her the motivation to do some promotion for the Oscars before the big night!

Now my ONLY problem with Mo last night……..

Mo we know you don’t believe in shaving, but did you have to show them off on the red carpet? You can damn near braid that hair on your legs!

Gabby did not receive a Golden Globe last night.

I am still proud of her! This was her first movie and she received a nomination!

I have a feeling this will not be the last time we see Gabby nominated for a Golden Globe.

No one is immune to my rants on thicksational.com and sadly it is Mo’Nique’s turn.

I thought someone knocked some sense into her about the Oscar nominations, but she is still not getting it. Check out what she said to the NY Times.

“Anytime I’ve been given an award, it has been because of the performance; what else goes into it?” she said, appearing genuinely mystified. “Look, it makes me appreciative any time someone says they may want to honor your performance. I’m appreciative at any talk in reference to any award, but there’s not much I can do about it now. The performance is done.”

But isn’t she worried that “they” will think she doesn’t want the Oscar?

“I’ve been asked the question before,” she said, “and it’s like, guys, I also have this show called ‘The Mo’Nique Show’ where I tape six shows a week. I have twins who are 4, so I have babies, I have an amazing husband and a son who’s 19. What I can participate in I’m more than happy to.”

Ok Mo’Nique I understand you have this “busy” life but let me explain something to you thickette………WHO CARES! You have to look at the bigger picture! Yes when you did this film it was a small production and no one expected the movie would receive the recognition but, IT DID. So instead of looking at the Oscar as a gold trophy, you should look at it as more opportunities and BREAKING BARRIERS! You are a FULL FIGURED woman who could win an OSCAR and even though you’re thinking on a smaller level you need to realize you are representing all of us! YES DAMMIT ALL OF US! You may not want the responsibility but you have it and if you didn’t want the responsibility you should have never got into the business. You have to play the politics in order to win in life and with the movie being a huge success, maybe this is a sign that it’s meant for you to go to a higher level in your career (duh!)!

In my opinion you are being ungrateful. Do you realize what this could mean not only to you but to the plus size and African American community as well? If you weren’t serious about your craft why did you do the movie? I thought I would never say this but I am very disappointed. You are narrow minded and refuse to get out of your “what about my life” bubble.

So you are busy? Well rearrange your schedule! Your amazing husband can take care of the kids and you can limit the days that you do your show until the Oscars! I’ll take you winning an Oscar over the “Mo’Nique Show” any day!

What do you think thickettes?

Congrats to our thickettes Mo’Nique and Gabby for receiving Golden Globe nominations!

Gabby received a nod for best actress in a drama, while Mo received best supporting actress in a drama!

I am so happy for them! They better win dammit! This also means they should have a better chance in getting Oscar nods as well. 2010 is the year of Thickettes! I promise you!