Tigress Osborn: NAAFA

In this episode of Fat Chicks on Top, our guest Tigress Osborne, the director of the National Association for the Advancement of Fat Acceptance (NAAFA), joins us to discuss the importance of embracing the term "fat" and advocating for fat people. Tigress shares her journey of becoming comfortable with using the word and highlights the need for a supportive community in the fat liberation movement. Tigress discusses the challenges of using the word "fat" with medical professionals and seeking healthcare as a fat person. She emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself by setting boundaries and expressing preferences when talking to doctors. Tigress also mentions an upcoming event featuring an activist who has created a document outlining their preferences for interacting with doctors. The conversation then shifts to the intersectionality of fat acceptance. Tigress and the hosts discuss the need to consider race and other marginalized identities when discussing weight and discrimination. They recognize the discrimination faced by LGBTQ individuals, disabled individuals, and other marginalized groups, and reject the idea of prioritizing certain identities over others. The hosts delve into the history of NAFA, acknowledging its past focus on cisgender white women and discussing their efforts to create a more inclusive organization. They emphasize the importance of addressing oppressive structures and actively challenging them. Tigress, as the newly appointed executive director of NAFA, outlines her vision for the organization, which includes expanding its reach and impact. She discusses the need for more funding in the fat liberation movement and proposes forming partnerships, such as working with Dove, to increase resources. The conversation then shifts to the issue of size discrimination and the lack of explicit laws prohibiting it. Tigress and the hosts discuss efforts to pass legislation that protects fat individuals from discrimination and highlight the empowerment of fat people in various areas of life. The hosts acknowledge the increasing representation of fat people in media but also emphasize the need for more diverse and nuanced portrayals. They critique the tendency to dismiss anti-fatness based on the success of a few individuals and highlight the importance of having deeper conversations about representation and body image. Tigress shares her excitement about the growing number of books by and about fat people being published. She also discusses the barriers that fat authors face in the publishing industry and the need for systemic change. The conversation then touches on the influence of pharmaceutical companies in the weight loss industry and the objections to the terms "obesity" and "overweight" in the fat activism community. The hosts emphasize the importance of body autonomy and informed consent. The episode concludes with expressions of gratitude and mentions of the NAFA's initiatives, including Fat Liberation Month and a petition for the Campaign for Size Freedom. The hosts also share information about their collaboration with Fun Factory and recommend a book and dildo package deal for bisexual individuals. Remember to like, subscribe, and review Fat Chicks on Top, and visit their website for more information.

 

Sites and Socials

National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance

Sign up for the NAAFA Newsletter 

Fat Liberation Month Events

Campaign for Size Freedom

Instagram

Find Tigress Osborn at @IoftheTigress on IG, Twitter, and other social media

 

Books and Media Recommendations in this episode

Fatizen  graphic novel series

Manhunt by Gretchen Felker-Martin

Meg Elison's work

"The Pill" by Meg Elison

"When Killers Get Caught" with Brittnay Ransom

Never Say Never with Jeff Jenkins (Hulu)

Reginald the Vampire (Hulu series)

Fat Vampire by Johnny Truant

Survival of the Thickest  on Netflix

 

Bi Amor Plug

Boy Slut  by Zachary Zane

Bi Amor dildo

 

All Bodies Swim with Auntie Vice

Sept 2, 2023  5-7 pm

Nevada City Pool

423 Nimrod Street, Nevada City, CA

$10 suggested donation (NOTAFLOF)