Miss Plus Prairie View redefines the Prairie View woman

For many years plus size women are judged based on their appearance.
The media and fashion industry continues to promote the image of women having to be skinny. This can cause women to face issues such as low self-esteem, self confidence issues, and eating disorders.
According to a survey conducted by Self Magazine, 65 percent of women in America struggle with eating disorders.
Plus size women at PVAMU will no longer have to feel inadequate based on their appearance because change is underway.
Women attended an interest meeting for the 2013 Miss Prairie View Plus pageant, Oct. 3. Resurgence of the pageant occurred when Alexandria Houston, a senior theatre major, was crowned Miss Texas Plus America 2012.
Being a part of Alexandria's platform, she partnered with the director of Classic Dance Ensemble, Danyale Taylor, to coordinate the pageant.
"We're going to follow the same logistics of a normal pageant; the only difference is we're trying to show that women of certain size can still be beautiful, confident, and showcase their quality traits," said Taylor.
Voice and interview coaches will be helping the women prepare for the pageant Feb. 8.
Houston stated that Miss Prairie View Plus will also have an opportunity to compete in the statewide and national competitions such as Miss Texas Plus, but it will not be a preliminary.
The pageant is currently exceeding expectations with a total of 16 plus size women interested.
"Some of the girls are doubting themselves, some of them don't even own a pair of heels, but it's baby steps and we'll get them there," said Taylor.
The pageant is not to be mistaken as a celebration of obesity or unhealthy lifestyles, but a chance embrace and promote positivity within the plus size community. Pageant participants will be encouraged to exercise and eat well in order to maintain a healthy life style.
Coordinators have also been inspired to start a student organization in the future, reaching out to the plus size women of PVAMU.