On reclaiming "fat"

Why does fat have to be a bad word? Why does fat have to be something negative? Why can’t fat just be a way we describe people? I’m short with brown hair and blue eyes and I’m fat.

Anyone else on this mission to change the connotation of “fat” knows that it isn’t easy.

Here’s a typical conversation.

“I’m fat and I’m fine with that”

“But you’re so beautiful”

“…Thank you”

To all the people I will ever speak to: If I use the word “fat” as a descriptor, you don’t have to follow up with A) complementing me for something else about me, B) telling me I’m not fat, or C) both.

I don’t describe myself as fat to put myself down or to fish for complements. I say fat because I’m happy in the body I’m in. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had that conversation with people.

You can describe me as fat. I’m not going to be hurt. That’s what I am.

People are really shocked when I call myself fat or tell them it’s okay to say I’m fat. Recently one woman I said that to came back with, “I don’t think I’d be able to do that.”

That’s exactly the point. I call myself fat so that people eventually know that it’s ok. I do it so that eventually it’s not considered negative.

So, go ahead. Call me fat. It’s just another word to describe me.