203: NYT "Confessions of a Former Body Positivity Influencer": What It Gets Wrong

A recent opinion video from The New York Times titled "Confessions of a Former Body Positivity Influencer" claims to expose the dangers of the body positivity movement. But does it actually represent what body positivity (and fat liberation) have historically stood for? Short answer: nope. In this episode, we watch the video in real time and break down the misinformation and subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways anti-fatness is repackaged as just "caring about your health." TW: anti-fat beliefs.

Episode show notes: http://www.fiercefatty.com/203

Support me on Ko-Fi and get the Size Diversity Resource Guide: https://kofi.com/fiercefatty/tiers

Baker, J. (2017). "LISA FRANK BOPO" AND WHY IT'S JUST NOT ENOUGH. http://www.themilitantbaker.com/2017/07/lisa-frank-bopo-and-why-its-just-not_11.html Breaking Down Patriarchy. (2026, January 16). What Exactly Is "Choice Feminism"? [Video recording]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EW2r0gFTmFo Confessions of a Former Body Positivity Influencer. (2026, February 16). [Video recording]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXrGrsvR3wo Ferguson, M. L. (2010). Choice Feminism and the Fear of Politics. Perspectives on Politics, 8(1), 247–253. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1537592709992830 https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/perspectives-on-politics/article/abs/choice-feminism-and-the-fear-of-politics/E6BD4B851D564D34312391F8F9692FCE Opinion | 'Choice feminism' ignores institutional issues, prevents change: https://dailyillini.com/opinions-stories/2023/01/29/opinion-choice-feminism-ignores-institutional-issues-prevents-change/