Asia's First Plus-Sized Mermaid On Fat-Shaming & Her Advice For Those Struggling To Love Their Bodies

Suicidal at the age of 10, she now advocates self-love and hopes to inspire others through her journey as a mermaid performer

Instagram/merliahmermaid
Instagram/merliahmermaid
Share this article

Suicidal at the age of ten from bullying and fat stigmatisation, Merliah Moidu now puts celebrating her curves at the forefront and is adamant about being a conductor of change when it comes to body acceptance and positivity.

In fact, head to her Instagram page and you'll be treated to pictures of the 26-year-old in sparkling mermaid costumes, styled photo shoots, and mirror selfies captioned with inspiring messages on self-confidence and treating yourself with kindness.

"I feel like I have always been confident — it’s just that society and the people around me kept telling me that I couldn’t be. That I shouldn’t be. That I should hate myself because I am bigger," shares Merliah, who is a mermaid performer and instructor, and bills herself Asia's first plus-sized mermaid.

What brings me joy? Just knowing that when I share my struggles with the world, there’s at least one person out there who doesn’t feel alone anymore.
Merliah Moidu

The Singaporean studied at Lasalle College of the Arts and is now based here. In an interview with The Weekly, she gets candid about the challenges of being a mermaid, the stigma that has followed her since her childhood, and what more can be done to change the stereotypes and attitudes surrounding bigger people.

How does one become a mermaid?

1/2

For those who've dreamt of becoming a mermaid, Merliah has this to share: "If you are always comfortable in the water, then get a monofin and start watching videos on how to do a dolphin kick! After that, buy that tail and start living your best mermaid life! There are courses for mermaid-ing but I personally think that it's something you can learn by yourself."

"The moment I get into the water with my tail, that’s when I feel most beautiful. It’s like a complete transformation for me. I get to be this beautiful creature everybody said I couldn’t be. It's just my escape. There's no certain way a mermaid is supposed to look like… that’s what I love the most about being a mermaid."

However, she admits, it does come with its challenges. "Posing underwater has to be the toughest thing for me because I struggle with buoyancy because I am a bigger mermaid so naturally I’m just a lot more buoyant."

Her role model

2/2

"I had no role models up till recently because we lacked representation. No one was ever my colour or size. But now, thank god for Lizzo. I absolutely love her!"

Share this article