"Affirmations" by Eziah Blake (Black Bear Extraordinaire) Affirms Fat, Black, Queer, Trans Beauty
To kick off Qwear Black History Month 2020, I spoke with Eziah Blake, a 30-year-old Black, queer, and trans spoken word artist, singer, and activist, from Dorchester, Massachusetts. Also known as “Black Bear Extraordinaire,” Eziah is a Resident Artist for the Theater Offensive (TTO), an organization that supports the creative artwork of LGBTQ artists. Eziah’s song “Affirmations” addresses the issues he faces as a plus size Black, trans person. I interviewed him about the song and his experiences that lead him to write it. Listen to the song and/or read the lyrics below.
Song lyrics:
Even when it’s tough
You’re more than enough
Your beauty shines through
Whatever it is you do
Even when it’s tough
You’re more than enough
Your beauty shines through
When I’m lookin back at you
[Chorus]
No matter what society will say
Fuck that today
Your black skin is sublime
In the sun it shines
Even though a judgements placed on you
Because of how they view
Your beautiful black skin
Do not take it in
No matter what society will say
Fuck that today
That belly is perfect size
As are those thick thighs
I deserve love and respect
Not criticism and neglect
Food isn’t the enemy
It strengthens and nourishes me
[Chorus]
No matter what society will say
Fuck that today
Your dreads aren’t unprofessional
Your roots they are an expression of
So wear em’ down or up in a bun
Rep where you're from
Be proud of who you are
Know that you’re star
No matter what society will say
Fuck that today
It’s never too late
To block out all the hate
They already look down on you
And I won’t do it too
You’re vaulube it’s true
I’ll always affirm you
[Chorus call and response]
Even when it’s tough
You’re more than enough
Your beauty shines through
Whatever it is you do
Even when it’s tough
You’re more than enough
Your beauty shines through
When I’m looking back at you
““It’s not only a song to me from me but a song from me to whoever needs to hear it.””
What inspired you to write this song?
When I decided I wanted to make a mixtape I knew I wanted it to focus on the duality of experiences. To me the best way to do that was to couple spoken word pieces with songs. I had written a piece called “What Boys/Bois Get to Be?” which talked about the intersections of racism and fatphobia and how easy it is to internalize these things. “Affirmations” serves as a direct response to take power back for oneself by saying “No actually I am beautiful and so are you.” It’s not only a song to me from me but a song from me to whoever needs to hear it.
How have society’s beauty standards impacted you?
I’m impacted by beauty standards every day. I’m a thicc boi and that shows up in many ways. It’s always a struggle to shop for clothes. It’s hard to find clothes that fit well or fit at all. I see things I like that only run in small sizes or that fit nice in some places but don’t fit so nice in others. A lot of times I leave the store without buying anything. It’s discouraging for sure. I’m also a dark boi and often depictions of beauty are centered on white and light skin people.
How do you celebrate your beauty?
I’d say I’m on a journey of celebration. I’m just about to celebrate my 30th birthday. I’m literally going to celebrate the beauty of being born 3 decades ago and despite all I’ve been through I’m still here. Isn’t that beautiful? Haha.
““I’d like folks to speak up more for the lack of representation of bigger folks. And then back it up by posting bigger folks.””
How can the LGBTQIA+ community support you?
Recently I’ve seen posts about this fashion magazine that used all trans masculine models. They were all topless and they were all “fit”. That doesn’t represent the range of body shapes and sizes and colors in our community. So while reposting it certainly is an accolade for the trans community, it’s also worth noting who is not in the photo and why. I’d like folks to speak up more for the lack of representation of bigger folks. And then back it up by posting bigger folks.
““Make beauty mean what you want it to. “”
What advice would you give someone who struggles to find their own beauty?
I’d say redefine it. Make beauty mean what you want it to. Block out all that noise that says you aren’t. Of course it’s harder some days but you deserve to see yourself as a beautiful being.
