Ashley Graham: Redefining Beauty, Facing Adversity, and Speaking Truth
In a candid interview, Ashley Graham tackles race, sexual assault, and the power of representation in the fashion industry.
Ashley Graham is one of the most recognized and influential models of her generation. She has not only transformed what it means to be a model in a fashion industry historically dominated by narrow standards but has used her platform to break open conversations about body image, sexual assault, race, and the urgent need for more authentic representation. In a candid interview, Graham reveals what it means to navigate the spotlight as a plus-size woman and biracial individual while carrying the responsibility of representation for millions.
Breaking the Mould: Becoming a Voice for Change
From gracing the covers of major magazines to starring in global campaigns, Ashley Graham is no stranger to the power of the spotlight. Having made history as the first size 14 model on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, she quickly became the face for millions who never saw themselves represented in fashion media before. But Graham’s career is as much about advocacy as it is about glamour.
- She has appeared on the covers of Vogue, British Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Cosmopolitan.
- Her TEDx talk, “Plus Size? More Like My Size,” has been viewed over 4.3 million times.
- Graham has made it her mission to challenge traditional beauty standards, fighting back against stereotypes and opening doors for women of all sizes, shapes, and backgrounds.
Owning Her Identity
For Graham, her identity is both public and profoundly personal. Growing up biracial in Nebraska, she often felt caught between worlds, fitting into neither fully. She discusses how this feeling of otherness shaped her sense of self:
- As a girl, she experienced being exoticized and sometimes excluded for her Blackness.
- She recalls being hyper-aware of her size from a young age and facing comments questioning whether she was “the hot cousin” or the “fat cousin.”
- These early experiences inform her view that representation in the beauty and fashion industries is about so much more than surface-level inclusion; it’s about belonging and validation.
The Challenges of Representation and Visibility
Visibility, while empowering, carries notable burdens. Graham notes the pressure of being the plus-size model—sometimes representing entire communities singlehandedly. She feels responsibility:
- To speak up when she sees a lack of diversity on set or in boardrooms.
- To advocate for more body types, ethnicities, and backgrounds in campaigns.
- To acknowledge that her visibility doesn’t erase the need for more complex, intersectional representation—nor does it mean the industry’s work is done.
She describes being on shoots as the only non-sample-size woman and, often, one of the few women of color. The message sent is clear: others remain excluded. Graham insists, “I don’t want to just open doors for myself; I want to kick them down so others can walk through.”
From Tokenism to Real Change
Graham warns against the superficial use of diversity. She is quick to point out when a campaign or casting feels like tokenism, a box-checking exercise rather than a genuine embrace of inclusivity. As she puts it:
- “Having one plus-size girl or one Black girl in a campaign isn’t the end of the conversation. It’s the beginning.”
- “We shouldn’t be satisfied with a sprinkle of difference on the surface; real change looks like full inclusion at every level, from creative direction to ownership.”
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Truth, Trauma, and Speaking Up: Graham on Sexual Assault
In the interview, Graham bravely shares that she is a survivor of sexual assault. She describes both the pain and the healing that come from owning one’s narrative—and the power of refusing to let shame or silence define her.
- She speaks about the emotional aftermath: the self-blame, questions of “what if,” and the struggle to regain agency.
- Graham emphasizes the importance of talking openly about trauma to support others who may be suffering in silence.
- She wants women—and especially young girls—to know they are not alone and it is never their fault.
Her decision to speak publicly about her own experience is driven by the desire to create solidarity and break down the stigma surrounding sexual violence.
Body Image, Confidence, and Beauty Standards
Perhaps Graham’s greatest contribution is in reshaping ideas of body image and beauty. She describes her body as the site of both criticism and empowerment. For years, she was told to lose weight or that her size would limit her career, but she refused to conform.
- Past experiences of being rejected by agencies and brands fueled her determination to prove “beauty is not a size.”
- Graham is candid about the pressures and challenges of loving herself in a culture that is often hostile to plus-size women and women of color.
- She reframed criticism as motivation to challenge industry norms and inspire generations after her.
How She Stays Confident
- Graham cultivates confidence through radical self-acceptance.
- Affirmations and intentional self-love routines are a daily practice: “If you don’t believe it yourself, no one else will.”
- She surrounds herself with supportive family and friends who encourage her to own her space and not apologize for her presence.
Race, Identity, and Having Difficult Conversations
Graham delves into the complexities of being biracial in a predominantly white industry. She reflects on moments where her race or size has become the focal point of conversation—sometimes to celebrate, sometimes to fetishize, and sometimes to exclude.
- She advocates for proactively seeking out uncomfortable discussions about race within fashion.
- Graham uses her position to ask hard questions: “Who is not represented here?” “Who is missing from this table?”
- She stresses the need for allies within the industry—especially among those with power—to champion diversity as a core value, not a fleeting trend.
Her call to action: “Elevate others who don’t look like you. Speak up for those who aren’t here.”
The Importance of Speaking Out
For Graham, silence is complicity. She encourages anyone with a platform, no matter how large or small, to use their voice—whether that means calling for policy changes in casting, or simply encouraging a friend to feel beautiful in her own skin.
- Graham believes everyone has a responsibility to challenge prejudice, discrimination, and exclusion wherever they see it.
- Her advocacy has created ripple effects, making conversations about inclusivity and representation a centerpiece rather than an afterthought.
- Graham is proud that her career hasn’t just been about personal success, but about shaping a more just, equitable industry for everyone.
Advice to Young Women: Self-Worth Beyond Labels
When asked what advice she would give other young women coming up in hostile or exclusionary spaces, Graham’s message is unwavering:
- Embrace your authenticity: Don’t shrink yourself to fit expectations or compromise your values to be palatable.
- Set boundaries: Refuse to accept less than your worth—personally or professionally.
- Create space for others: Use any access you have to advocate for peers and emerging talent.
- Prioritize mental health: Seek support and community, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
Table: Ashley Graham’s Impact in Fashion and Activism
| Area | Impact/Contribution |
|---|---|
| Fashion Representation | First size-14 model on Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover; advocate for size, racial, and body inclusivity in modeling. |
| Body Image Activism | TEDx speaker on self-acceptance; vocal about ending body shaming and redefining beauty standards. |
| Sexual Assault Awareness | Publicly shares her story to destigmatize survivors’ experiences and promote healing. |
| Diversity Advocacy | Works to increase visibility for underrepresented groups in campaigns and boardrooms. |
| Mentorship | Encourages young women and new talent; uses her influence to champion the next generation. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why does Ashley Graham speak openly about her experiences with sexual assault?
A: Ashley Graham believes that speaking out about sexual assault empowers survivors, breaks the stigma, and encourages others to seek healing and support. She wants young women to know their worth and to never blame themselves.
Q: How has Ashley Graham changed the fashion industry?
A: She has challenged narrow beauty standards by advocating for size and racial diversity, pushing major brands and magazines to feature broader representations of beauty, and serving as a role model for inclusivity.
Q: What advice does Ashley Graham have for people struggling with body image?
A: She recommends practicing self-love, repeating positive affirmations, and building a supportive community. Ashley stresses that beauty is not a single size or color and encourages everyone to take up space unapologetically.
Q: What does Ashley Graham mean by the “responsibility of representation”?
A: Graham recognizes that as one of the few visible plus-size and biracial models, she often represents entire communities. She uses this visibility to advocate for long-term, systemic change in the industry.
Key Takeaways
- Change is ongoing: Graham’s journey underscores that representation is a process requiring constant work and candid dialogue.
- Speaking up matters: Every conversation, every challenge to the status quo, chips away at old norms and creates space for new voices.
- Personal stories are powerful: Sharing lived experiences can break stigma, inspire healing, and unite communities.
- Beauty is multifaceted: There is no single way to be beautiful; Graham’s work encourages diversity in every dimension.
As Ashley Graham continues to lead with courage and authenticity, her legacy grows—not just as a model, but as a force for structural change, healing, and hope in fashion and beyond.
References
- https://www.elle.com/uk/life-and-culture/culture/a43303968/ashley-graham-hugh-grant-interview-backlash-reaction/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/entertainment/a43288972/watch-hugh-grant-ashley-graham-interview-oscars/
- https://www.roomtogrow.org/our-people/ashley-graham
- https://www.cosmopolitanme.com/beauty/448-ashley-graham-has-a-powerful-message-for-anyone-trying-to-police-her-body
- https://www.chron.com/culture/main/article/Ashley-Graham-calls-out-Amy-Schumer-in-interview-8346148.php
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/celebrity-hair-makeup/a42988793/ashley-graham-bleached-brows/
- https://fashionista.com/2016/07/ashley-graham-cosmopolitan-cover-august-2016
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