In a world where social media can be both a platform for empowerment and a breeding ground for insecurity, a new generation of young voices is emerging to challenge the stigma around disabilities and mental health. Among these voices is Fats Timbo, a comedian and model, who has leveraged her experiences to educate and inspire. Standing at just 4 feet tall, Fats has navigated the complexities of living with dwarfism, and over the years, she has embraced what makes her unique.
Fats, who prefers to identify as a member of the "little people" community rather than using the term "dwarf," shared her journey with BBC Radio 1Xtra's "If You Don't Know" podcast. "For so long, I thought I was cursed," she confessed. The comedian's career began to blossom in 2017 when she decided to combat her insecurities and use her platform to showcase her unique perspective. The negative attention she faced while shopping or just going out—often involving ridicule—was challenging. However, the turning point came when she found solace in social media, where her comedic sketches began to resonate with an audience yearning for representation.
Timbo described her early experiences, saying, "Every time I would go out and someone’s looking at me, it would make me feel so bad." These moments became fertile ground for her desire to create relatable content. Through TikTok, she amassed over two million followers by tapping into her daily experiences as a little person, finding humor in the mundane, as well as in the surreal aspects of her life. "When I was online, people noticed how much courage I had and enjoyed my content," she remarked with pride.
In a world where misconceptions about disability persist, Fats is determined to redefine perceptions. Having once felt marginalized, she is now on a mission to educate. "I’m grateful I have my platform," Fats stated. "It taught me I can do anything. I’m invincible, not in a mad, arrogant way." As she collaborates with various brands, her message is resonating. "Because of how things are moving forward, brands are changing how they represent people. I am giving hope to younger people like me who are dark-skinned and may have a disability," she said.
Parallel to Fats' story, Tolu Ogunmefun, better known as Tolu Tolu, has emerged as another voice raising awareness about mental health challenges, particularly for men. Tolu, a comedy actor recognized for his role as Nate in the BBC Three show "Man Like Mobeen," opened up about his struggles with mental health during the same podcast series. Addressing feelings of anxiety during a particularly challenging time—his partner's pregnancy and his mother's hospitalization—he described moments where he believed he might not survive. "It got to a point where I remember trying to sleep and having anxiety while I’m sleeping and feeling like I'm drowning," he revealed.
He pointed out that mental health is often a taboo subject among men, stating, "Guys don't voice out." For Tolu, acknowledging this silence became a turning point, allowing him to confront his anxiety rather than bottle it up. "I kept everything to myself. That is when it got to the height that it got to," he reflected. Like Fats, Tolu has harnessed social media—alongside his YouTube sketches, which have garnered around 45 million views—to create a safe space for dialogue surrounding mental health.
Empathy and vulnerability are at the heart of Tolu's message. He encourages open conversations among friends, expressing the importance of telling loved ones "I love you." In a culture that often places pressure on men to appear stoic, Tolu urges his peers to share their feelings and seek help when needed. "If you want to talk about anything, just talk about it," he implores.
This broader conversation surrounding mental health and disability is helping to reshape the societal narrative. Fats Timbo, using her background to reassure younger generations that uniqueness should be celebrated rather than ridiculed, is becoming a beacon of change. Her perspective emphasizes that people with disabilities can thrive, and they can shine brightly in fields such as entertainment, where they may not always see themselves represented.
Both Tolu and Fats demonstrate that humor can be a powerful tool in combatting adversity. Fats encapsulates this perfectly when she expresses, "I realized when I was going through all the hardships and people bullying me, I felt like I went through it for a reason. Those that have a difference, that’s what makes you stand out." It’s this spirit that has raised awareness and contributed to important cultural shifts.
Additionally, these conversations reflect a bigger trend where mental health narratives are becoming more visible in mainstream media, signaling positive change. Tolu's plea to talk openly about feelings comes as statistics indicate that only 5% of people in the UK are affected by Generalized Anxiety Disorder. However, this still means millions of individuals are struggling in silence, particularly men who may feel societal pressure to remain strong and stoic.
As awareness grows, creative platforms—like TikTok and Instagram—provide an essential outlet for expression and connection. Both Tolu and Fats exemplify how comedic storytelling not only entertains but fosters understanding as well. By sharing their personal stories, they challenge the stigma surrounding disabilities and mental health struggles. Moving forward, it is crucial that society and its institutions continue to support these narratives, ensuring that areas once shrouded in stigma are met with compassion and acceptance.
