This body-positive male model seeks representation of a plump man of average height

Meet the 30-year-old model who is trying to promote body positivity among men of all shapes and sizes, just like women.

Arcadio del Valle. Photo credit: Instagram/iam_adydelv

India Today Webdesk: Body positivity is evolving as an attempt to challenge the stereotypes surrounding body shape and size, thanks to efforts made by men and women who proudly own less-than-perfect bodies.

Beauty pageants and fashion weeks, for example, defend their stance by being more inclusive when it comes to representing plus-size models, acid attack survivors, and even transgender people.

You may have come across many such plus-size women walking ramps and debunking the myth of the perfect body.

But how often do you find plus size men becoming the face of fashion?

That’s what piqued the interest of plus-size male model Arcadio Del Valle.

Two years ago, Del Valle was spotted via social media by a large, tall men’s brand and later hoped to walk in the first plus-size men’s runway show. After some hesitation, Del Valle agreed.

“I’m a 400-pound guy. I’m not a model, but they liked my looks and style, so I said yes and said, ‘Well, I have nothing to lose.'” Del Valle said in an interview with Yahoo Lifestyle.

Since then, the 30-year-old model has appeared in several fashion shows.

Also read: Body-positive model posts cellulite photo, urges women to love their bodies

While the model is known for actively promoting body positivity, he believes the movement lacks representation for men. “The male side needs to be more accepting of it and more comfortable with it. Just like women, we all come in different shapes and sizes and have different identities.

Del Valle said of self-love, “Don’t worry about what other people say or think. If we live with what other people think of us, we live for ourselves. You are not yourself.Anyway, the first step starts with you.The only way you can live happily and confidently do it…your size , sexual orientation, age, etc…you can feel and be beautiful.”

One of Del Valle’s only motivations is to prove that success has nothing to do with your size or shape. ”[I want to ] Show me the industry and those who doubted that the bigger man was competent and worthy. Even with the criticism and cyberbullying, I am committed to striving for greatness and positivity for all. I am determined.

“My goal is to prove and show that I can kill at any size,” added Del Valle.