Brittany Born, a dedicated Disney enthusiast and plus-size content creator from Ohio, has opened up about the distressing online abuse she has faced due to her appearance and parenting choices. In a revealing interview with PEOPLE, Born discussed the emotional toll of receiving “horrific” comments while sharing her family trips to Disney World, a beloved destination she visits monthly.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Brittany-Born-61526-de12659f6b6c4e7ea94e7d89d307793e.jpg)
Brittany, known as @britsasmallworld on Instagram and TikTok, began documenting her visits to the iconic theme park both as solo adventures and as family outings with her husband and children. While many followers appreciate her explorations, she has encountered an unfortunate wave of criticism and vitriol. “Words can hurt, you know?” she expressed candidly. “Nobody wants to hear things about their appearance or be accused of being a terrible mum.”
Born pointed out that many of the negative comments stemmed from misunderstandings about her choice to embark on solo trips. Contrary to accusations of neglecting her family, she clarified that these excursions are essential for self-care amidst her busy routine. “I’m a homeschooling mum who works from home, so I’m with my kids all the time. Sometimes, you just need that reset,” she remarked.
Her content resonates with many, particularly other plus-size mothers, as it encourages self-care, a concept often overlooked in discussions about parenting. Brittany advocates for mothers to prioritise their own well-being without guilt, highlighting that personal downtime can ultimately make them better caregivers.
What distinguishes Born from others in her field is her authentic approach. She embraces her individuality, openly discussing her age, her choice to accept her natural grey hair, and her non-conformity to traditional social media aesthetics. “It’s very real to who I am,” she said. By doing so, she has created a space that empowers plus-size individuals, showing them that success in content creation is accessible and achievable despite societal stereotypes.
She acknowledged the vulnerability that comes with sharing her journey as a plus-size individual, recognising the prevalent negative perceptions associated with body size. “People often assume that if you’re plus-size, you don’t care about your health or appearance, and that’s just not true,” she said. This misunderstanding perpetuates unrealistic stereotypes that affect not just her, but many other content creators in a similar position.
Despite the negativity she has faced, the response from her followers has been overwhelmingly positive. After voicing her struggles, Brittany received supportive messages from fans who resonated with her honesty. “It was really encouraging to see the positivity,” she said, noting how many individuals expressed that her videos inspired them to pursue their own adventures.
In one particularly emotional moment, she shared a video in which she broke down in tears, overwhelmed by the support from her community. Many fans reached out to tell her that her encouraging messages had motivated them to embark on their own Disney experiences, often referencing her journey as a catalyst for their actions. “I did a day trip because you did a day trip. You made me feel like I could do it,” is just one of the sentiments she received, reflecting the impact of her influence.
Brittany Born’s story serves as a reminder of the power of community and support in the face of adversity. With the love and encouragement she has received from her followers, as well as her close-knit circle, she is determined to continue sharing her narrative. Her experience highlights the importance of body positivity and the need for more diverse representations within the digital space.
In an age where the online world can often feel harsh and unwelcoming, Born’s journey underscores the significance of authenticity. By embracing her true self, she not only champions personal empowerment but also encourages other plus-size individuals to share their stories and pursue their passions without fear of judgement. In her own words, she wishes for others to know that “you can be plus-size and still be successful as a creator.”