If slim women have Miss America why can't we have the same?' The plus-size beauty pageants empowering overweight models labeled 'too tall and too fat'

A new documentary offers a glimpse into the world of plus-size beauty pageants.
There She Is follows two best friends competing in the 2011 American Beauties Plus Pageant - a contest which caters to women size 14 and up.
Allison Kopach, 31, from Michigan City, Indiana, who is one of the stars of the 19-minute-long film, explains to viewers: 'They have Miss America, they have Miss Universe, [slim women] have all these wonderful tools. Why can’t I have them?

Celebrating natural beauty: A new documentary titled There She Is offers a glimpse into the world of plus-size beauty pageants - Allison Kopach (left) and Jenny Flores (right)

'I think regardless of size women need the opportunity to express themselves,' the size 20 blonde continues.
'We try so hard to portray yourself as a positive role model ... as being very confident .... [and] comfortable in your own skin where most of the time we’re not.'
She says getting her hair and make-up done boosts the way she feels about her body. 

Backstage: The two friends get ready for the 2011 pageant and slip into their evening gowns

Ready to shine: Both women say that getting their hair and make-up done helps boost their self-confidence

Even before a quick trip to the grocery store she spends time in front of the mirror, to lessen the constant feeling that people are judging her appearance.
'If I can eliminate any kind of looks by maybe just doing my hair and makeup I’ll go that extra mile,' she explains.

I am actually very comfortable with my weight . . . I really do love myself and I’m comfortable my own skin'

She told Yahoo that her weight has been an issue since childhood and her large, six-foot-tall figure was the butt of cruel jokes at school.
However, she was encouraged to enter her first beauty pageant, Miss Plus USA, when she was 18 years old after being approached by a promoter.
Despite coming runner-up, she said the experience gave her sense of self-confidence which she carried through her twenties.
Along with Ms Kopach, the documentary follows her fellow competitor Jenny Flores. The pair are seen as they prepare for the 2011 American Beauties Plus Pageant, focusing on body image and notions of beauty along the way.

Final verdict: The friends sit nervously as the winner of the 2011 American Beauties Plus Pageant is announced

Ms Flores from Orem, Utah, who weighs 292 pounds explains that she's not concerned with 'going on some crash diet' and for her the worst part of getting ready for competitions is growing her eyebrows out.
'I am actually very comfortable with my weight,' she tells the camera. 'I really do love myself and I’m comfortable my own skin.'

'At times people are opposed to pageantry, because it focuses on women's appearances but there’s something very empowering, too'

However, she does admit her size has impacted on her love life. At one point she shares a hurtful tale about a boyfriend who told her she was 'too tall and too fat' to marry.
In the final contest each of the 22 contestants were judged on their offstage interview, casual attire, evening gown and onstage question.
Ms Kopach was crowned Elite Queen and Ms Flores came runner-up.
Both women have found love and lost weight since participating in the film, which was shot in the spring of 2011. 

On a roll: Since participating in the documentary Ms Flores (left) and Ms Kopach (right) have lost weight and found love - they want to encourage other large ladies to embrace their curves

Ms Flores had weight loss surgery which helped her to lose 52 pounds in less than a year, while Ms Kopash, now a brunette, has dropped 35 pounds and is keen to become a plus-size model.
There She Is, now available for free online, was directed by filmmakers Veena Rao,and Emily Sheskin. They said they were interested in exploring the constructs of beauty.
Ms Rao told Yahoo: 'We both come from a feminist perspective, and many times people seeing our film are opposed to pageantry, because it’s a way to judge women by their appearance.
'But there’s something very empowering, too.'
The film was released to coincide with the fifth annual Full Figured Fashion Week in New York, founded by former plus size model Gwendolyn DeVoe.