Hi friend,
Whose responsibility is it to fix fatphobia and weight stigma?
When I speak about fatphobic clothing companies that lie about being “inclusive” or would rather file for bankruptcy than take my money, thin people ask me, “Have you contacted the company?”
When I speak about weight stigma in healthcare, thin people ask me, “Have you tried advocating for yourself at the doctor?”
When I speak about fatphobic authors, thin people ask me, “Have you reached out to them?”
I could show you the dozens of unanswered emails I’ve sent, the snarky responses I’ve received, the brick walls I’ve run into. But it’s not my job to convince oppressors to stop oppressing me.
It will always be the duty of oppressors to stop oppressing. I do this work because I want to accelerate that process, not because it’s my responsibility as a person who is oppressed.
If you want to see change in the world, there is one person to look to: you.
Don’t look to fat folks; we’re already changing the world by defiantly existing in our bodies, and our survival requires more inherent activism than you’ll ever know.
(And, of course, many fat folks are also intentional activists in one or more areas as well.)
We’re also not more inherently capable or qualified to do this kind of outreach work than you are. In fact, you have the advantage here:
– You are inherently more likely to be listened to due to your thin privilege
– You won’t be seen as “too emotional” or “just making up excuses for being fat”
There is no fat activism gatekeeper. There is no one to give you permission, so stop waiting for it. Just go do the thing.
On replacements for the works of fatphobic authors
Several of y'all sent me great suggestions, thank you! People are particularly hungry for exact replacements for the work of Brene Brown, and sadly that doesn't seem to exist. Reader Shawna Gamache says, however (quoted with permission):
“It's hard to find an exact replacement. Everyone else has a more intersectional focus. It almost makes you wonder if that unique brand of empowerment that is so appealing to thin, white, cis, able-bodied women might be missing an essential component of the conversation :).”
Something to consider. (Also a complete mic drop moment from Shawna.)
Here are some authors you might choose to spend your time with:
- Sonya Renee Taylor
- Virgie Tovar
- Christy Harrison
- Emily Nagoski
And if you're interested in the intersection of spirituality and fatphobia, check out Fat Torah.