Body Size, Beauty Standards, and Identity: Supporting Belonging In Learning Space

Through this poster we intended to share a research project about how adults with non-normative body sizes experience beauty standards. We began by interviewing six adults from diverse racial, cultural, and gender backgrounds. Their experiences reveal how body size influences self-esteem, belonging, and participation in classrooms, workplaces, and communities. From these interviews, seven key themes emerged: family pressure, media influence, gendered scrutiny, racialized norms, social exclusion, emotional effects, and resilience. Participants talked about feeling judged or left out in school, work, and social situations because of their body size. Despite these challenges, they shared ways they nurtured confidence, developed resilience, and cultivated a sense of self-worth, drawing on personal strategies, supportive relationships, and community connections. The poster invites viewers to reflect with questions like: “Where do your beauty beliefs come from?” and “How do body-size assumptions show up in your learning spaces?” We will include a QR code that lets viewers share their thoughts anonymously, providing a safe space for them to express their feelings and experiences. Attendees will learn practical strategies for creating more inclusive spaces. These include media literacy, body-positive teaching, and policies that reduce stigma. The session helps educators support all learners, respect diverse bodies, and foster connection and belonging.