CMAT’s Unapologetic Anthem: How the Irish Pop Star Is Redefining Body Positivity for Queer Audiences

If you’ve scrolled through TikTok, Instagram, or any queer corner of the internet this year, you’ve probably seen the “woke Macarena” dance trend, heard the defiant chorus of “Take A Sexy Picture Of Me, ” or caught a glimpse of CMAT’s unforgettable backless dress at the BRIT Awards. The Irish pop star, whose real name is Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson, has become a cultural lightning rod—not just for her music, but for her unapologetic stance on body image, queer identity, and the absurdity of public scrutiny. In a year when body positivity feels increasingly under siege, CMAT is offering a refreshingly honest, queer-friendly alternative: not just loving your body, but refusing to let anyone else define it for you.

CMAT’s rise to prominence in 2025 has been nothing short of meteoric. Her third album, "Euro-Country," released in August, earned critical acclaim and a Mercury Prize nomination, cementing her status as one of the most exciting voices in pop music . But her journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Like so many women in the public eye, CMAT has faced a torrent of online abuse, much of it focused on her appearance. At the 2024 BRIT Awards, her bold, backless dress sparked a wave of vitriolic comments, with strangers telling her she should “go to the gym” and mocking her for not fitting into the narrow mold of celebrity beauty .

CMAT’s response? She turned the hate into art. “Take A Sexy Picture Of Me, ” released in May 2025, is a direct clapback to the body shaming she’s endured. The song’s lyrics are a sassy, searing indictment of the way women are constantly judged and reduced to their physical appearance. “Why do women’s bodies matter so much? ” CMAT asks in the track, a question that resonates deeply with queer audiences who have long faced similar pressures to conform to impossible standards .

CMAT’s impact goes beyond her music. As a bisexual woman, she’s become a symbol of queer visibility in a mainstream pop landscape that often marginalizes LGBTQ+ voices. Her refusal to be silenced by online trolls and her willingness to speak openly about her experiences have made her a role model for queer fans who see themselves in her story. “I just look like everyone else I know, ” CMAT said on the podcast "Tape Notes", a statement that underscores the universality of her message .

The queer community has long grappled with issues of body image and self-acceptance. From the hyper-masculine ideals of gay men to the fetishization of queer women, the pressure to conform can be overwhelming. CMAT’s music and public persona offer a powerful counter-narrative: that being queer and being unapologetically yourself are not mutually exclusive. Her performances at festivals like Glastonbury, where 60, 000 fans sang along to “Take A Sexy Picture Of Me, ” have become moments of collective catharsis and celebration .

CMAT’s ability to transform online abuse into empowering art is a testament to her resilience and creativity. After her performance at Radio 1’s Big Weekend, where she ripped off a loose shirt to reveal a tighter outfit, the BBC was forced to disable comments due to the sheer volume of hateful messages targeting her appearance . Instead of retreating, CMAT leaned into the controversy, using her platform to call out the double standards that women face. “I didn’t realise it was ILLEGAL to have a HUGE ASS! !! ! i am GUILTY as CHARGED it is time to lock me up and throw away THE KEY! !! !! ” she wrote on X, a post that quickly went viral .

Her approach is refreshingly candid. In interviews, CMAT has been open about her own struggles with body image, admitting that she’s not always “body positive” in the traditional sense. “I’m often just going in on myself for the way I look, ” she said on the "Tape Notes" podcast, a sentiment that many queer people can relate to . But her willingness to be vulnerable, to laugh at herself, and to challenge the status quo is what makes her so relatable and inspiring.

CMAT’s impact extends beyond her music and social media presence. She’s become a symbol of a new wave of inclusivity, one that celebrates diversity and challenges the gatekeepers of beauty and success. In an industry where fashion stylists often tut at her for not fitting into sample sizes, CMAT refuses to be defined by anyone else’s standards . “I don’t think I’m asking for anything that unusual and yet people seem to be either annoyed by the way I look or over-champion me and call me brave and amazing for literally just having a body, ” she said in The Observer .

For queer audiences, CMAT’s message is a powerful reminder that self-acceptance is not about achieving some idealized version of beauty, but about embracing who you are, flaws and all. Her music and public persona offer a much-needed antidote to the toxic culture of body shaming and online harassment, providing a space where queer people can feel seen, heard, and celebrated.

As CMAT continues to tour and release new music, her influence on the queer community and the broader cultural landscape is undeniable. She’s not just a pop star; she’s a cultural icon, a voice for those who have been marginalized and silenced. In a world that often feels hostile to difference, CMAT’s unapologetic authenticity is a beacon of hope and empowerment. Whether she’s performing at Glastonbury, posting wisdom teeth from her bejewelled purse, or calling out online trolls, CMAT is proving that being yourself is the most radical act of all .