Body positivity matters to the feminist movement. It matters because every second a woman spends obsessing about her appearance or counting calories is one less that she can devote to critical thought, political engagement or working for gender equality. It matters because women–and all people– should not have to define their self-worth based on their proximity to the white, cis, able-bodied, thin ideal. It matters because we must reject the idea that plastic surgery, makeup, trendy diets and designer clothes, rather than feminist ideals like equality and freedom of choice, are what will really empower us. It matters because loving your body means treating it right, working to make it healthy and safe and respectful of other bodies. It matters because embracing your body and sexuality can lead to a more fulfilling, safer sex life. It matters because every inch we widen the definition of beauty is an important step in the empowerment of all people-trans people, people with disabilities, people of color, men, women and others. It matters because fat is not unhealthy and we need to stop deluding ourselves that it is–the “obesity epidemic” distracts from real issues of class, race and gender. It matters because when we respect ourselves we begin to demand that others respect us as well–in our relationships, at work, in public life. It matters because body positivity creates bonds between us that foster community, creativity and empowerment.