Hello Everybody,

This year the official Hollywood NOW Love Your Body Day pics got so much press and attention, it has really created a buzz around the upcoming event! If you haven’t seen the pics already, check them out here as well as a few links to press below! Also check out Whitney Thompson’s website and blog at www.shopsupermodel.com

Whitney Thompson and Chenese Lewis for Hollywood NOW Love Your Body Day. Credits: Photographer Inez Lewis, Hair Stylist Jo Williams, Make Up Artist Jeanna Sabatino for Image Cosmetics.

Press:

http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2010/08/26/antm-winner-whitney-thompson-bares-all-in-the-name-of-love/

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20014516-10391704.html

http://cocoperez.com/2010-08-23-top-model-winner-wants-you-to-love-your-body

http://www.stylelist.com/2010/08/24/whitney-thompson-nude-defends-tyra-banks/

http://www.ivillage.com/naked-photo-everyone-s-talking-about/4-a-260073

http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/2010/08/24/2010-08-24_americas_next_top_model_winner_whitney_thompson_bares_it_all_to_promote_love_you.html

http://www.fameblab.com/article/americas-next-top-model-s-whitney-thompson-gets-naked-love-day

Whitney Thompson and Chenese Lewis on E! News Daily

 

International Press:

UK:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1305494/Americas-Next-Top-Model-plus-size-winner-flaunts-curves-naked-ad-campaign.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Mexico:

http://www.terra.com.co/mujer/articulo/html/mur5588-una-gordita-logra-hacerse-campo-en-el-mundo-de-la-moda.htm

http://de10.com.mx/9252.html

http://ecodiario.eleconomista.es/gente-estilo/noticias/2398935/08/10/Whitney-Thompson-se-desnuda-para-reivindicar-la-belleza-XL.html

Israel:

http://www.raysegev.com/index.php/love-your-body-day/

http://www.mako.co.il/women-fitness/Article-dced4db1693aa21006.htm&sCh=3d385dd2dd5d4110&pId=1252482108

Finland:

http://www.seiska.fi/viihdeuutiset/_a118447/huippumalli+haussa+voittaja+kaulailee+naista+alastomana++kuvat/

Netherland:

http://www.fashionnewz.nl/artikel_8719_foto-winnares-americas-next-top-model-uit-de-kleren.html

http://www.ad.nl/ad/nl/1003/You/article/detail/507385/2010/08/24/Plus-size-America-s-Next-Top-Model-naakt-in-campagne.dhtml

Norway:
http://www.seher.no/849623/top-model-vinner-kaster-klaerne

Slovakia:
http://www.aktuality.sk/clanok/171121/zeny-su-krasne-tucne-i-vychrtle/

Sweeden:
http://www.expressen.se/noje/extra/1.2110968/har-poserar-america-s-next-top-model-vinnaren-naken

Vietnam:
http://www32.24h.com.vn/thoi-trang/anh-khoa-than-gay-soc-cua-mau-beo-c78a319705.html

Greece:
http://www.isthmos.gr/article.php?news_id=19652

Found a great article I didnt post? Let me know!

Girl Scouts of the USA enlisted four models from Wilhelmina Curve to celebrate The Changing Face of Fashion. A set of videos exploring self esteem and personal empowerment from the perspectives of plus size models Lizzie Miller, Anansa Sims, Leona Palmer and Julie Henderson, The Changing Face of Fashion was directed and shot by lifestyle and beauty photographer Cathrine Westergaard. As a part of a new initiative at Girl Scouts to address the image of girls in the media, The Changing Face of Fashion is supported by findings from The Girl Scout Research Institute.

Beauty Redefined: Girls and Body Image Survey (2010), a nationwide survey which included more than 1,000 girls ages 13 to 17, shows many girls consider the body image sold by the fashion industry unrealistic, creating an unattainable model of beauty. Nearly 90 percent of those surveyed say the fashion industry (89 percent) and/or the media (88 percent) place a lot of pressure on them to be thin. However, despite the criticism of this industry, 3 out of 4 girls say that fashion is “really important” to them.

“The fashion industry remains a powerful influence on girls and the way they view themselves and their bodies,” said Kimberlee Salmond, Senior Researcher at the Girl Scout Research Institute. “Teenage girls take cues about how they should look from models they see in fashion magazines and on TV and it is something that they struggle to reconcile with when they look at themselves in the mirror.”

The health implications of the preoccupation with unrealistic images are serious. Nearly one in three girls say they have starved themselves or refused to eat in an effort to lose weight. In addition, more than a third (37 percent) say they know someone their age who has been diagnosed with an eating disorder.

Girl Scouts of the USA and the Dove Self-Esteem Fund have partnered to offer self-esteem programming for girls nationwide and will be focusing their core leadership program to address the issues of body image in the media in relation to self-esteem. In addition to program initiatives, Girl Scouts of the USA has been instrumental in the introduction of The Healthy Media for Youth Act (H.R. 4925) to Congress, by two congresswomen, Representatives Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). This bill will work to promote healthy images of women in the media through a grant program that will support youth empowerment groups, media literacy programs, and further research into the effects of the media on women and girls.

For more information on The Changing Face of Fashion, go to: www.girlscouts.org/itsyourstory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Chevese Turner
Chevese.turner@bedaonline.com
(410)570-9577

Plus Size Beauty Queen Becomes Spokesperson for Binge Eating Disorder Association

Plus Size Beauty Queen, Chenese Lewis Joins BEDA’s Mission to Promote Positive Body Image and Awareness of Binge Eating Disorder

(Severna Park, MD) July 27, 2010 -The Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) announced today that Chenese Lewis has become an official ambassador, joining the effort to increase awareness around unrealistic “body-perfect” ideals, binge eating disorder and several associated conditions, including compulsive and emotional eating, and food addiction. Binge eating disorder is the most common eating disorder in the United States affecting 3.5% of females and 2% of males. One in every 35 U.S. adults has the disorder and its prevalence amongst those seeking weight loss treatments, including bariatric surgery is up to 50%.

Chenese Lewis is a positive body image and self esteem advocate who made history by being the first woman crowned Miss Plus America in 2003. She is the current president of the Hollywood chapter of the National Organization for Women and creator of Hollywood NOW’s “Love Your Body Day”, an annual event where women of all sizes come together to promote positive body image. As a keynote speaker she lectures at national workshops, seminars, and universities around the country including the University of California, Davis “Celebrate Your Body Week” and is the host of PLUS Model Radio, the #1 podcast for plus size women. Her unique story and prestigious career have been featured by countless media outlets such as Dr. Phil, The Insider, and Figure Magazine.

“BEDA’s members are struggling with humiliation and embarrassment around their weight or are dangerously restricting food intake after bingeing in order to maintain a weight they deem suitable. BEDA is creating a community to support recovery and acceptance in a manner that is safe, builds self-esteem and tears down the walls of shame” states Chevese Turner, BEDA founder and chief executive officer. “

The Association is also taking the issue of “weight-bias” head on. With an increasing focus on the overweight and obese, it is well documented that weight-related bullying and discrimination is on the rise. According to studies done by Yale’s Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity, individuals who experience weight-bias (i.e bullying, teasing, and discrimination) are more likely to turn to food for comfort rather than diet. “This is critical information as a link has been made between the internalization of weight stigmatization and binge eating” Turner states. “Fortunately, the message that Ms. Lewis promotes of self esteem, loving your body, and promoting a broader definition of beauty is exactly the kind of role model our members need and we are thrilled to have her on board.”

Ms. Lewis will participate in the BEDA 2011 National Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona, March 31-April 2, 2011, at the Firesky Resort and Spa. BEDA’s conference will provide professionals who treat binge eating disorder and its associated conditions with the opportunity to network, expand their knowledge base and augment their treatment repertoire. It will also provide a track for individuals with binge eating disorder, compulsive and emotional eating, and food addiction. This track will welcome families and friends, and will promote BEDA’s efforts to build a community for those seeking recovery and support.

Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA) is a national organization focusing on the need to increase prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for binge eating disorder. BEDA is committed to facilitating awareness, high quality of care, and recovery for those who live and those who work with binge eating disorder through outreach and support, education, and resources. For more information visit www.bedaonline.com.

To learn more about Chenese Lewis visit www.cheneselewis.com

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

5th Annual Hollywood NOW Love Your Body Day Announces Whitney Thompson as 2010 Celebrity Host

The Hollywood Chapter of the National Organization for Women kicks off Love Your Body celebration October 22^nd through October 24^th

Los Angeles, CA (July 8, 2010) - Hollywood NOW, the local chapter of the 44-year-old national organization working to bring women and men into full equality, has announced Whitney Thompson as the 2010 celebrity host of Hollywood NOW’s Love Your Body Day.

Produced by Chenese Lewis Productions, LLC and co-sponsored by the city of West Hollywood, Love Your Body Day is an annual event where women of all sizes come together to celebrate a day of self-acceptance to promote positive body image. The celebration has expanded to a weekend full of events, which includes a launch party, festival, comedy show, and body image panel discussion. The Love Your Body community celebration will unfold October 22-24, 2010 in West Hollywood.

Whitney Thompson will host the festival which will take place Saturday, October 23^rd at West Hollywood Park Auditorium from 12-4 pm. Admission is free and open to the community. West Hollywood Auditorium is located at 647 N. San Vicente in West Hollywood. The festival will include performances by various singers, actors, dancers, and spoken word artists. The pinnacle of the festivities is the “real women” fashion show where models will be flaunting the styles of various plus-size designers and retailers.

For complete schedule of events or to get involved visit the event website at www.loveyourbodyday.com

About Whitney Thompson

Whitney Thompson is the first-ever full figured model to win America’s Next Top Model and a 2010 ambassador for the National Eating Disorder Association. Since winning the reality competition she has landed major campaigns with Forever 21, Saks Fifth Avenue, Torrid, and Converse. She is also an entrepreneur and has launched her own jewelry and candle line called Supermodel. Whitney is currently signed with Wilhelmina Models.

About Hollywood NOW

Hollywood NOW is a local chapter of the National Organization for Women. The National Organization for Women (NOW) is the largest organization of feminist activists in the United States. NOW has 500,000 contributing members and 550 chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Since its founding in 1966, NOW’s goal has been to take action to bring about equality for all women. NOW works to eliminate discrimination and harassment in the workplace, schools, the justice system, and all other sectors of society; secure abortion, birth control and reproductive rights for all women; end all forms of violence against women; eradicate racism, sexism and homophobia; and promote equality and justice in our society.

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www.loveyourbodyday.com

www.hollywood-now.org

NEDA ConferenceTheme Photo Contest!

Theme: Building Bridges to Recovery

What does it mean to you to ‘build bridges to recovery’ in relation to our conference
theme? Turn that idea into a photograph, and send us the image! The winning entry will
appear on our homepage, and NEDA will prominently display the winning photo at our
2010 Conference! AND all participants will be entered in a lottery to receive a gift bag of
NEDA gear!

Our Conference is specifically designed for individuals, families, educators, treatment
professionals and those in recovery from and eating disorder. If you are interested in
attending our 2010 conference, check our website www.nationaleatingdisorders.org and
follow the “Programs and Events” dropdown box to the “Annual NEDA Conference” link
for more information.

What are the photo contest requirements?• You must submit your photo via email.* (limit 2 photos/person)
• Include your first and last name and home state in the email (Please provide instructions
if you wish to be listed differently in public acknowledgments).
• Including a description is optional, but it must be 10 words or less.
(NEDA reserves the right to edit any photo descriptions.)

The deadline for submitting your photo is July 30th, 2010.

How do you submit your photo?
Please email your submissions to photo@myneda.org. The deadline for sending in your
photo is July 30, 2010, 12:00 noon EST. The winner will be announced early August.
How will the winner be chosen?
After July 30th when submissions close, we will review each and every eligible entry photo.
Our panel of judges will be made up of professional photographers and NEDA staff.
What do you get if you win?
If you are chosen as the winner of this contest, your photo may be used to promote our
conference, it will be prominently displayed at the conference and you will be entered in a
lottery to win cool NEDA Gear, including a NEDA T-shirt, water bottle, and more!
Thank you for your help in “Building Bridges to Recovery!”

Any submissions that fail to meet these requirements will be ineligible.

*NEDA reserves the right to use any photo submission at its discretion. Your submission constitutes
your agreement to irrevocably release the rights to the photo you have submitted for unrestricted
use. Photos that include images of any minors must include a parental release/signature.

I had the opportunity though the Actionist Network® to participate in a ABC Family Q&A with Nikki Blonsky. There were various bloggers and media outlets who were chosen to participate and ask questions directly to Nikki.

A lot of questions were asked (some unimportant to me) because I would have preferred to stay on the body image, plus size issues the entire time but I guess there are no dumb questions right??? I forgot the specific question one women asked but she said Nikki was a role model for  “heavier set” women…that made me chuckle a little, I don’t know why, guess it’s not a term I use. Through it all Nikki was a professional and represented well!

 I got to ask a question on behalf of the plus community, my question was:  Do you think this show will be inspiring for plus size women and how can you truly promote a message of “loving your body” in a setting where you go specifically to change your body?

Nikki says the show will absolutely, without a doubt, inspire plus size women and when you get passed the setting of the show ( fat camp) its really about loving and accepting yourself as you are. She said the character she plays on the show ,Willamina, is sent against her will by her parents and she is not excited to be there or to lose weight, she says her character on the show embraces herself and doesn’t want to change and that’s why she loves the character so much. To back up her statement on the shows official website it does say: “In Huge, Nikki Blonsky will portray Willamina, a teen whose sardonic and rebellious nature make her a menace to some and revolutionary to others.”

Since the show is geared towards teenagers  the language they use on the show are terms like fitness camp and plus size, they never use the word fat, Nikki said this is because fat can be a very hurtful word and shes been called it before and doesnt like it . She also made a point to emphasis that this show could have been set against any setting and it would have worked, like a high school, or any type of summer camp.  Nikki  said when she first read the script she fell in love and had to have this role just like she felt with “Hairspray” and she is very proud to be a part  of the first television show to have an all plus size cast which is breaking size barriers in Hollywood and hopes it brings more opportunities for plus size actresses.

So what do you think? Are you convinced this is a show promoting size acceptance?

Don’t forget to watch the premiere of Huge this  Monday, June 28th at 9pm. I will be tweeting during the show (Pacific Time), so make sure you are following me on Twitter and come back here after the show to discuss so I can gather feedback to report!