The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love

Taylor is an author, poet, and activist whose work centers around themes of body empowerment, self-love, and social justice. Taylor has emerged as a prominent voice challenging societal norms and advocating for the acceptance and celebration of diverse bodies. Her contributions to the literary and activist landscapes make her a key figure in discussions around body positivity. With seven published books, including the New York Times bestseller The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self Love, Taylor advocates for radical self-love as a means to confront and dismantle systemic oppression. She argues that societal transformation requires a drastic reformation in how differences in bodies are perceived and treated. Taylor’s writing spans a broad range of topics, from body liberation to racial justice and transformational change. Her other published works include the poetry collection A Little Truth on Your Shirt, The Book of Radical Answers, and The Journal of Radical Permission, co-authored with adrienne marie brown.

Taylor has received several awards for her work. She won the 2004 National Individual Poetry Slam Championship. In 2016, the Obama administration invited her to participate in the White House Forum on LGBT and Disability Issues. In 2017, Taylor served as an Edmund Hillary Fellow after Aotearoa (New Zealand) granted her a three-year Global Impact Visa.

Taylor’s journey in arts and activism began after graduating from the Pittsburgh High School for Creative and Performing Arts and earning degrees in sociology and organizational management from Hampton University and Trinity College, respectively. Her diverse career includes roles in nonprofit, advocacy, and activism, contributing to her understanding of societal issues. Notably, she worked in various capacities, including as a sexuality health educator, a therapeutic wilderness counselor, and the director of peer education at HIPS in Washington, DC.

In addition to her advocacy work, Taylor has an extensive background in performance poetry, which has significantly influenced her activism. A pivotal moment in her career occurred at the Southern Fried Poetry Slam in 2010 when she uttered the phrase “Your body is not an apology” to her poetry slam teammate. This phrase later sparked a movement to promote radical self-love. This movement, The Body Is Not an Apology, has since become a global digital platform.

Taylor’s journey as an author is deeply intertwined with her personal experiences and identity. Drawing on her own encounters with body shame and societal expectations, she brings an authentic perspective to her writings. In The Body Is Not an Apology, Taylor draws on personal narrative and poetic imagery, advocating for self-love and urging readers to embrace their bodies unapologetically. Through her writing, Taylor not only shares her own struggles but also extends solidarity to those navigating similar challenges.

Taylor’s initiatives extend to addressing contemporary challenges such as racial injustice, mental health, and climate change. Her video series called “What’s Up, Y’all?” tackles pressing societal issues, and her involvement in Buy Back Black Debt showcases her commitment to reparative justice. As a globally recognized speaker and educator, Taylor continues to influence discussions on self-love, social justice, and personal and global transformation.