Marilyn Wann is Fat!

So? She is also one of my heroes. 

I just finished reading Marilyn Wann’s 1998 book (based on her zine by the same name), Fat!So? Because You Don’t Have to Apologize for your Size. When I started reading Fat!So?, I began transcribing quotes and thinking about what I would write about this book, intending this post to be similar to recent posts in which I have written what I learned from, and short summaries of, books like The Fuck It Diet, Anti-Diet, and Fearing the Black Body. In the reflections of those books, I included several quotes that I found particularly compelling. As I continued reading Fat!So?, I realized I might never finish the book because I continuously stopped to write down quotes, line after line. Every sentence was quote-worthy, so I abandoned that endeavor. You will have to read the book yourself. You can purchase it here (or anywhere else you like to buy books). 

This book is foundational. Most of the fat-positive books I have read and podcasts I have listened to echo this book’s messages from 1998! Marilyn Wann and other first-wave fat activists like Deb Burgard, who Wann mentions in the book, first articulated the fundamental ideas that are still ubiquitously expressed in the movement today. 

For example, Wann covers the topic of using the word, “fat,” rather than the o-words. She discusses the relationship between body weight and health (i.e., weight stigma and the resulting inadequate medical care may account for any additional health risks among people in larger bodies) and debunks health myths. Wann teaches the dangers of intentional weight loss attempts (aka dieting): weight-cycling, diet pill side effects, bariatric surgery complications, and life-endangering eating disorders. She provides comebacks to fat-shaming remarks. There is even a 12 principle Fat!So? Manifesto for a revolution. Paraphrasing and summarizing, these principles include the following:

1. You’re fat! So what?
2. Being fat is your birthright, and there is nothing wrong with that.
3. Fat people are not lazy or stupid like stereotypes suggest. 
4. The first minute of each year is International Fat-Outing Minute. Begin each year with an honest moment and relief from body-related anxiety.
5. You are flabulous! Embrace fat pride. 
6. Reclaim the word fat as a neutral (rather than pejorative) descriptor.
7. Don’t use fear-based words like the o-words.
8. Recognize that you admire fat people.  
9. All bodies are possible, acceptable, and real — even the very largest bodies.
10. Stop the self-hating practice of lying about your weight.
11. Refuse to be weighed during doctor visits.
12. Neither thin nor fat people are better than the other.

Unlike many books on the subject, Fat!So? is flabulous (yes, flabulous). Wann incorporates humor and sass throughout the book, demonstrating that fat people are fashionably attractive and impressive. Importantly, she also ensures that the reader knows that fat people can be happy, love themselves, and have great sex lives.

Although the general ideas are still accurate, some information is now slightly out-of-date. For example, Wann includes many statistics that were true at the time of writing. Most of the data that has changed now supports her arguments even more strongly. I imagine that her feelings about Roseanne have changed over time, too, considering Roseanne’s bizarre political leap to support Donald unapologetically. (Ms. Wann, if you read this, please correct me if I am wrong about your feelings toward the once-progressive Roseanne.) These little details that have changed do not negate this work’s importance, but they are essential to keep in mind if using this as a resource for statistical information or advice on role models. (Again, Ms. Wann, if you are reading this, I would love to recommend an updated edition! Pretty, please.)

Even if Wann never publishes another edition, this foundational fat-positive book is worth reading. I cannot recommend it enough.