BIG MEN, BIG VOICES

When people hear or think of “plus size” their minds immediately conjures up an image of a women. The industry largely caters to women with men almost as an afterthought. There’s often a lack of representation for them as well as less focused attention to help them with their concerns regarding body image issues. More and more men are working to make their voices heard so this perception can change. We spoke with a few men to hear their thoughts on the topic. Also, find out what “must know” piece of advice they’d give other larger men!

Written by Nyemade Boiwu (African Butterfly)

Photographer | Sophia Carey @sophiajcarey

Tahge Benoit (IG - @Tahgeb) is a Big & Tall model born on the Caribbean island of Dominica. He currently resides in New York.

QSM: If you had the ability to snap your fingers and make one instant change in the fashion industry regarding bigger men what would it be?

Tahge: If I could snap my fingers and make one change in the fashion industry, it would simply be for better representation across-theboard. That means producing comfortable/ on trend products for larger bodies and better representation in their ad campaigns, especially the ones marketed at the plus community. I’ve always felt that the fashion industry (and all other industries) would gain substantially from being more inclusive.

QSM: Overall, how do you feel about the representation of plus size men in media?

Tahge: I think that the lack of representation of plus size men in the media is highly deplorable at this point. It’s one of those things where I shouldn’t get excited to see a bigger guy in acting roles, or in ad campaigns or in any audience facing roles. Brands are starting to slowly catch up to the times, but there’s still a ton of work to be done in media; from film all the way down to journalism to better represent the diverse population of the world. We need to see wider representation across brands; more fitness brands showing their support and promotion of health at any size, more of the premium brands entering the body positive arena. Society is beginning to wake up to the need of inclusivity and these brands shouldn’t be exempt.

QSM: Plus size women are often concerned with being over sexualized for their bodies. Do you think this is a concern with big & tall men as well? If so, in what ways?

Tahge: I can only speak from my personal experience here, but I haven’t found this to be an issue I’ve come across as a male model in the industry. I think it’s because there’s currently less of a demand for Big & Tall models in swimwear and underwear campaigns than there is for women, so that narrative has yet to appear for us. However, it doesn’t mean that it won’t be or that it isn’t a concern.

QSM: Do you think your size has an impact on your mental health or insecurities? If so, in what ways? If not, how did you overcome it?

Tahge: Growing up I definitely allowed my size to impact my mental health. I think more so, I allowed the image others had of me to dictate how I saw myself. It took me a while before I realized that my insecurities about my body stemmed from believing the opinions of others. Deep down I was fine with my body, and letting go of these titles others assigned to me (fat boy, big guy, etc ..) gave me room to title myself (confident, smart, and funny).

QSM: What’s one “must know” piece of advice you’d give to other men or young boys trying to navigate this world in a larger body?

Tahge: I think that men in larger bodies should know that it’s okay to feel. Allow yourself to feel the negative emotions, just don’t dwell on them. You are a resilient king and are able to conquer anything you want. Life isn’t going to be an easy ride and accepting the lows for what they are, makes a huge impact on appreciating the highs.”

Photographer | Danny Perez @dannyperez.jpg

Hollis Kam (IG- @holliskam) is a Leadership Coach who focuses on self-love, body image and confidence. He creates experiences (coaching, intensives, and programs) that focus on the mental & emotional wellbeing of the community. He also does modeling as well.

QSM: If you had the ability to snap your fingers and make one instant change in the fashion industry regarding bigger men what would it be?

Hollis: I guess it’s not one thing; however, they are related -- To have more options and sizes in traditional stores and for existing brands who cater to B&T to be in traditional stores. It’s hard to find your size in the stores; actually they started to pull back larger sizes and say you can purchase it online. I want to see and feel the clothing.

QSM: Overall, how do you feel about the representation of plus size men in media?

Hollis: I feel that there’s still a lot of work to do. You see the same faces over and over again. I am thankful and I honor those who were trailblazers, and there are a lot more faces in the industry. Also, we don’t see the diversity in body types, e.g. men under 5’9”, men with different curvy body parts. The men you do see are still a certain type of look or body type; our bodies are not the same and the models chosen don’t represent everyone.

QSM: Plus size women are often concerned with being over sexualized for their bodies. Do you think this is a concern with big & tall men as well? If so, in what ways?

Hollis: Hmmm. Big & Tall men and the industry are still up and coming, so you might not see it; however, it does exist in certain communities where B&T can be fetishized because of their height, bellies or curves in other body parts.

QSM: Do you think your size has an impact on your mental health or insecurities? If so, in what ways? If not, how did you overcome it?

Hollis: This is an interesting question based on my own experience and research. I do believe my past and present insecurities didn’t start with my size, it started with how I viewed myself based on other’s comments, what I saw in the media, how I was raised and even certain experiences. Then add in size, where I was made fun of, or felt like an outsider because I couldn’t find/fit clothes in the stores, and adding in diet and sex culture, where my body type was/is unwelcomed. So size added to my insecurities and it was easy enough to put the blame on what I can see on the outside because it can change quickly enough vs. really working on the inside. I do still have some insecurities; however, with the help of coaches and my tribe of friends/family, sprinkled with me doing the internal mental and emotional work of releasing, accepting, connecting and celebrating my full-self inside and out, I am more secure than ever. It takes a lot of work, it’s not the easiest or quickest kind and it’s the most important work that I’ve done!

QSM: What’s one “must know” piece of advice you’d give to other men or young boys trying to navigate this world in a larger body?

Hollis: You are handsome, phine, dapper, beautiful, bussin -- the way you are and be confident in who you are. Focus on your mental/emotional wellness along the way and build that tribe of people to help you walk your path. Also, you may not see folks who look like you in the media; however, you can rise up and break the mold/create a mold that is fluid. OK, maybe it’s more than one. :)

Photographer | Rob Snapped Productions @robsnapped

QSM: If you had the ability to snap your fingers and make one instant change in the fashion industry regarding bigger men what would it be?

Mikey: The one instant change would be for every clothing store in the mall to have a robust Big and Tall Section in it!!! #That Part

QSM: Overall, how do you feel about the representation of plus size men in media

Mikey: We are definitely under represented, we are human beings that wear clothes. I feel media is so vain about looks and until they are EDUCATED they will never know how much revenue and good looks with charm that Big and Tall men have to showcase in their respected media highlights

QSM: plus size women are often concerned with being over sexualized for their bodies. Do you think this is a concern with big & tall men as well? If so, in what ways?

Mikey: I believe so. Because bigger men are categorized as sex symbols as well some folk love a big statured male so in a sense we can be oversexualized simply because we may turn someone on!

Mikey Hailing (IG: @onlymykey & FB: Mike Myke) is from Richmond Va. He has been devoting his full time attention into being a freelance model since 2019. It is his goal to be a part of this growing plus size movement!

QSM: Do you think your size has an impact on your mental health or insecurities? If so, in what ways? If not, how did you overcome it?

Mikey: It definitely does impact your mental health and can scar you. For me I still cringe at my body at times because I’ve been put down in the past for not having that rock hard body. People have been taught that the size of a person matters because it’s the only way that people can be attracted to you and I’ve learned that is simply not the case its what’s on the inside only that counts

QSM: What’s one “must know” piece of advice you’d give to other men or young boys trying to navigate this world in a larger body?

Mikey: That you need to only pay attention to what’s inside you. Having dreams yet to be fulfilled. Having a pure heart. Having peace about yourself that helps others to be at peace around you. Once you have that mastered then your body and whatever imperfections you think you may have would not bother you or make you feel less than. Be exactly who you are God Will take care of the rest!!!

Photographer | OTRPHOTO @otrphoto

Earl Lamar Clayton Junior (IG: @_i_ amlamar, YT: IAMLAMAR) was born in Orlando, Fl but raised in Apopka. He is an entrepreneur with several busiensses including: Truck Driver, Notary Signing Agent, Model, Trucking Company, YouTuber, and Blogger.

QSM: If you had the ability to snap your fingers and make one instant change in the fashion industry regarding bigger men what would it be?

Earl: More support and exposure, Big and Tall is New but I feel that it’s more that we could do in regards to the industry as well as fashion shows. Full Figured Fashion Week opened my eyes to a New world of love and support (with no judgement) to be creative and free as possible.

QSM: Overall, how do you feel about the representation of plus size men in media?

Earl: I love it, I also feel as if it’s being overlooked like a back page story at times. BIG & TALL Models brings a New Flavor to the industry that has been overlooked great talent as well as great people. The world is missing out on some amazing Male Models, that if given more opportunities would shine bright like the Beautiful Plus Size Queens Models.

QSM: Plus size women are often concerned with being over sexualized for their bodies. Do you think this is a concern with big & tall men as well? If so, in what ways?

Earl: Honestly, I don’t believe so. Big & Tall Models have been overlooked for a very long time now. In 2020, the world is appreciating Big & tall Men in all shape and Sizes. It’s been a Major journey for me.

QSM: Do you think your size has an impact on your mental health or insecurities? If so, in what ways? If not, how did you overcome it?

Earl: Due to the fact that, I’ve played Football, Basketball and Track at high levels in the life, I’ve always kept in shape. Being more of a slimmer person, entering into the Big and Tall Community has allowed me to love and appreciate myself and my body when at times I didn’t want to even look into the mirror. Due the a major injury gain, I gained 40 pounds going from 230 to 270, when look at you different and the attention I was use too I wasn’t getting at a rate that I was used to, So it look sometime to learn to love and appreciate LAMAR again and Big and Tall Modeling guided me through that journey.

QSM: What’s one “must know” piece of advice you’d give to other men or young boys trying to navigate this world in a larger body?

Earl: Love yourself, and learn to appreciate the person that you’ve become. Yes, we all that flaws but getting up every morning, thanking god you’ve saw again day. SO, go out into the world and bless someone with your presence. There will never be another one of “YOU”! GOD took his time to make “YOU” unique and special in your own way. Go out to the world and give your gifts to the world and bless others who may or may not have had the opportunity to have a great day or has as many blessing as you have. But Look good while you do it, lol. You are Big & Tall!!! So.......... Go Be Great!!!!

ADVERTISING Rates & Sizes

Founded in 2011, we are a magazine dedicated to Queen Size women. Queen Size is not only about the physical size, but also the mental. We are dedicated to highlighting women of all walks of life. If you are a woman making Queen Size moves, then this is where you belong. We do not limit ourselves to just women; this was the basis of why we created the magazine. We are looking to highlight and promote small businesses owners/entrepreneurs, both men and women. Queen Size Magazine puts out a new issue every month with realistic articles written by real life people. We have writers that cover health and fitness, true life situations and experiences, fashion, recipes and more.

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Hey you yeah you reading this. I’m Kirklan Hawes the Founder and creator of XLTribe. com. My site was birthed from an old idea I had to create a community of like-minded guys that was tired of being miss represent and wanted to be displayed in the truest form. Changing the way Big & Tall Men are perceived is the goal for XLTribe.com.

I spent many years of my life unhappy because of my size and weight. Well no more of that shit, now it’s time for me to follow my true passion and help people who way I’ve been put on this earth too. In creating this site I wanted to create a site that would teach men how to dress for the person they are while helping them become the man they want to be.

XL Tribe

Kirklan Hawes

QSM: Kirklan, it is always a pleasure when I get to chat with you. You are a model, a photographer, a content creator, and you also run a publication. Let’s talk about how you got started in the Fashion industry. Kirklan: Content creator came first for me. I became a content Creator because I did not see representation of big and tall men on most of the sites that I was reading about men’s

fashion specifically men of color. So in the Spring of 2016 I decided that I was going to start XL Tribe; but I was too scared. So I sat on it for six months making all the excuses I could until there was no more left. In Sept 2016 I launched the site.

QSM: Describe the XL Tribe brand for us? Kirklan: I would describe the XL Tribe brand as a space and a place where big and tall men of color can find themselves represented. Represented in fashion represented in culture and represented in photography.

QSM: What can people find when they visit the XLTribe.com site. Kirklan: When someone comes to XLTribe.com they can find our weekly featured Tribesmen which is a guy that I feel like has great style and who I feel would be a great representation for people who come to the site looking for inspiration. On the site you will also find my outfit of the week which is where I put together an outfit from a brand that sells clothing for us Big &Tall men. I also provide the link to click on if you would like to purchase the item from the retailer.

QSM: You have been blogging for how long now? Kirklan: Well as far as XL Tribe goes I’ve been blogging for four years but I’ve been blocking in general for 11 years.

QSM: You’ve mentioned to me before that you haven’t always been as consistent with your blogging as you’d like. Why is that? Kirklan: Well blogging isn’t easy, it’s a talent that requires time. It comes with refusing to give up, it comes with crossing your I’s dotting your T’s. And that is definitely something that does not come easy to me.

QSM: What are some challenges have you’ve faced when providing content and/or resources for big and tall men? Kirklan: One of the biggest challenges that I faced is finding the balance between creating the type of content that I want to create versus creating the content that is going to move the people to either really like it or purchase it.

QSM: What changes would you like to see? Kirklan: I think one of the major changes that I’d like to see is more Big & Tall shoe stores. I’d love to see more contemporary Fashion and on the trendy side I’d love to see an American brand with an American Cut make trendy clothes and not just the British brands or the UK brands.

QSM: Let’s touch on your photography. When did you pick up a camera and why? Kirklan: I picked up the camera in early 2017 and my simple focus for that was creating stock content that would live on the XL Tribe site for whenever I was doing a blog post. That was the sole reason I purchased the camera.

QSM: For anyone looking to get into content creation, what advice can you offer? Kirklan: For anyone looking to create content my personal advice would be create content from your heart and let people gravitate to it... meaning don’t create content with the sole focus of making money because it doesn’t work like that. Money will not keep you creating content for people; that’s why you see so many people decide to become a blogger and then they stop, because they realized it was harder than they thought. And they thought that is was going to be some quick & easy money but it’s not.

QSM: For people who want to be featured on XLTribe.com how do they go about doing that? It is just for men correct? Kirklan: As far as being featured on XL Tribe yes, it is meant just for men. I’m always keeping my finger on the pulse on social and in real life. Sometimes I tap people in real life and be like hey I think you’d be a good fit for my featured XL series let me get your email so I can send you over some information. However, I’m hand picking all of the people so for four years I’ve been hand picking every guy you see featured on our Tribesmen segment.

QSM: Congrats on winning Blogger of the Year at the 2019 Full Figured Industry Awards. What was that moment like for you? Kirklan: Well thank you. The moment of winning the 2019 Full Figured Industry Awards Blogger of the Year meant to me that someone sees me and my little corner of the Internet and that I need to keep going harder. It felt like all of the hard work that I’ve been doing that I’ve been putting in someone sees it and it feels good to be noticed.

QSM: What can we be on the lookout for next from Kirklan and XL Tribe? Kirklan: Well for XL Tribe you can definitely look out for our next featured digital series that we’ll be doing with the very popular Big & Tall brands so I’m excited about that. As far as me I’m continuing to push the envelope, I’m continuing to talk about issues that I feel are necessary in our community to move us forward. To continue to strive to be great and to keep my finger on the pulse.

QSM: For those that want to book you where can people reach you? Or even to just support. Let people know your contact info and social media handles. Kirklan: If you want to book a shoot you can do that by going to XLShoots.com my social media handles are @XLTribe everywhere so that’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.