You may recognise Jameela Jamil from TV shows and movies such as The Good Place and She Hulk, but did you know she's an avid political activist? And she's pretty damn funny too. Jameela Jamil is not afraid to use her platform to speak her mind on anything and everything, she's a fervent activist, a beacon for body positivity, women's rights, and LGBTQ+ acceptance.
A Voice for the Voiceless
Jameela Jamil isn't afraid to speak out on issues that matter. From advocating for women's rights to highlighting injustices, Jamil utilises her platform to amplify marginalised voices. Her courage in confronting controversial topics, even in the face of social media censorship, underscores her unwavering dedication to effecting positive change in the world. She is an example of how to be a good human, speaking out when she sees injustice and doing what she can to make change.
Challenging Beauty Standards
Jamil's journey towards body acceptance has been both personal and public. Candidly sharing her struggles with body confidence, she confronts the toxic beauty standards perpetuated by the entertainment industry. Through her iweigh podcast and candid social media presence, Jamil champions authenticity, challenging the notion that one must conform to unrealistic ideals to be deemed beautiful or successful.
She has criticised the weight loss industry for its impact on young women and girls’ mental health. As a teenager, she was influenced by such unrealistic standards of beauty that she starved herself, took laxatives, and listened to tips from celebrities on how to be thin, causing her to develop an eating disorder and struggle with her own mental health. Her openness about talking about issues like this is a breath of fresh air and helps us all to recognise the pressure put on young girls to look a certain way to be accepted.
Combatting Harmful Influences
In an era where social media influencers wield significant influence, Jamil isn't afraid to call out harmful practices. Whether critiquing celebrities for promoting diet suppressants or advocating against photo retouching, she's a vocal opponent of anything that jeopardises the mental and physical well-being of impressionable young minds. She created a petition to "Stop celebrities promoting toxic diet products on social media" and called on the social media networks to ban such practices noting it’s dangerous effects on young minds much like her own. In 2019 Instagram rolled out new global policy restrictions to help protect teen users from such content.
"I think it's a disgusting crime to Photoshop your images and put them out there in the world without announcing that's what you've done. It's a lie, you're lying to your fans, and your followers, and people who look up to you. You're an asshole. I really believe that. You're an asshole."
Fearless Advocacy
Jamil's activism extends beyond body image issues to encompass broader social justice causes. Courageously, she has openly shared her experience of having an abortion, describing it as best decision she ever made. Despite the ongoing challenges to abortion rights in the USA, Jamil fearlessly shares her story, undeterred by potential backlash. Her advocacy extends to championing the rights of women to make their own choices, firmly believing in the importance of reproductive autonomy. Furthermore, Jamil stands as a vocal ally to the LGBTQ+ community, publicly identifying as queer in 2020 and actively campaigning for acceptance and equal rights for all members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Musical Beginnings
Before captivating audiences as an actress, Jameela Jamil made her mark in the world of music. Starting her career as a DJ and presenter for T4 and E4 on Music Zone, she showcased her passion for music and entertainment to audiences across the UK. Her infectious energy and charismatic presence soon caught the attention of industry insiders, leading to opportunities such as becoming columnist for Cosmopolitan UK and had her own fashion line with Very.
Breaking Barriers
Jameela Jamil's historic achievement as the first sole female presenter of the BBC Radio 1 Chart show marked a significant milestone in broadcasting. Breaking through gender barriers in an industry predominantly led by men, Jamil not only showcased her exceptional talent and charisma but also inspired a new generation of female broadcasters. Her appointment challenged outdated stereotypes and propelled the conversation surrounding gender diversity in media. By occupying this prestigious role, Jamil not only made history but also paved the way for greater inclusivity and representation in the broadcasting landscape, ensuring that women's voices are heard and celebrated on an equal platform. She transitioned into acting around 2016 where she became a regular cast member for The Good Place.
A Letter to:
To Jameela Jamil,
You were the host of cool music shows just as I was becoming a teenager with a passion for music. So thank you for being a good role model for me, through your social justice and your passion for doing what is right to make our society a better place. I love your Instagram and love seeing you being a human being and not a social media clone. Thank you for being honest and showing your imperfections and telling people off for being fake.
Thank you for being a cool female music presenter and an amazing actress.
And I love your style, would steal your wardrobe in a second!
Thank you!
Katie Brennan
