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Mindy Kaling Rocks a Bikini and Shares Body Positive Message: ‘You Don’t Have to Be a Size 0’
She’s here to inspire. Mindy Kaling took to her Instagram feed to encourage women to get out of their comfort zone and into body positivity. On July 5, the Mindy Project alum gave an impassioned speech to her followers about wearing bikinis — no matter your size or body type.
“IDK who needs to hear this but… 🗣WEAR A BIKINI IF YOU WANT TO WEAR A BIKINI,” the 40-year-old actress began the caption on her post. “You don’t have to be a size 0. Swipe for my storytime and have a great summer. ❤️”
The post in question was a two-parter, with a side-by-side of the comedian in two different bikinis, followed by a video explaining where her desire to make all bodies bikini bodies came from. Turns out, it all started in Hawaii.
“So, my very best friend in the world, Jocelyn, is from Hawaii and I would go to visit her when I was in college and what I was struck about Hawaii is everybody wears bikinis,” she revealed in her vid about the tropical state. “It does not matter what your body type is, you rock a bikini because you’re in Hawaii. And there’s so much body positivity there that I, who was always really shy about my body, would wear bikinis.”
Finally, Mindy explained her motive at the end of the cute video. “And it’s summertime so I thought it would be fun to do a little fashion shoot where I rock some high-bottom bikinis — because I feel that is more flattering for my figure and slightly more modest — for summertime! If you guys get inspired and want to buy some, please send me pics I would love to see them on Instagram. Um, that’s it!” she said.
Plus, it was clear that she really just wanted to get women feeling more comfortable with themselves for the season, because she later edited her caption with a quick but important note: “(Edited to say: this accidentally sounds like an ad but it’s not — but I mean, if you want to buy ANY high waisted bikini and wear it, tag a pic so I can comment!)”
She even caught the attention of body positive activist and plus-size model Tess Holliday, who commented “Killin it!!!!!” on the awesome post. We bet she’s not the only woman who appreciates this thoughtful and powerful little initiative. Thanks, Mindy!
