In a world where someone like me, a gender queer college student with a larger build and full figure, constantly hears "no fats, no fems," the pressures to conform with my body are as strong as ever. Sure, it would make "dating" easier, and yeah, I would have fewer perverts on Grindr looking to sexualize my "big ass" and more focused on...whatever else (sorry mom), but at what cost? To be happy?

It has taken a long time for me to get to where I am today, and acceptance of my body was the first step. I am "big boned" as my pediatrician use to call it, I've lost weight and gained it back, and now I've seen, I do not need to be thin to be happy.

Accepting yourself for who you are is one of the first steps in being able to move past the self hatred that so many hold inside. Being realistic with yourself will open so many doors as you realize you don't need to be size extra small to enjoy your life!

I am currently at a weight where I am not at any extreme health risks, and of course, if your weight or anything in your life (stress, excessive anything, etc) is killing you, you should curb that behavior. But even then, realistic goals and small milestones are essential to success.

As one of my favorite drag queens, Trixie Matel, once said in an episode of "Unhhhh," "Rome wasn't built by you going to the gym once." Setting unrealistic goals about dropping 50 pounds or raising your GPA to a 4.0 isn't going to work for everyone, and starting smaller with the realization that slow and steady will help in the long run, is essential.

Currently, I am not trying to lose weight. I am eating what I want and can afford, and I'm burning calories doing things I love (like work and playing Pokémon Go). I am happy, healthy, have a gut, and look good in six-inch heels, even if parts of society have a different "preference."

It's time to love yourself and your body because it's the only one you get to fight this thing we call life.

With saying "love your body," I am not trying to say that working out or being thin is pointless, but more so, love yourself and listen to your own reality. Accept yourself for who you are and allow desire to change come from within, because society doesn't always know what's best for you.