This book, Fat Gay Men: Gaining Weight, Losing Stigma, is a groundbreaking exploration of the intersections of fatness and gay male identity. Written by two leading scholars in the field, this book offers an important look into the myths and realities of being both fat and gay. The authors explore the complexities of how fatness intersects with social identities such as race and class, while also delving into topics such as body image, health stigma, coming out stories, and more. This book provides a valuable resource to those seeking to understand more about this unique population–one that is often overlooked in traditional research. Through interviews and personal narratives, readers will gain insight into the experiences of fat gay men in today’s society.
Fat Gay Men: Gaining Weight, Losing Stigma Review
In Fat Gay Men: Gaining Weight, Losing Stigma authors Jason Gleason and Sean E. Heron provide readers with an eye-opening look into the lives of fat gay men and their struggle to exist in a world that constantly tells them they are not good enough. Through interviews and research, this book examines the intersections of fatness, homosexuality and stigma, offering an understanding of what it means to be a fat gay man in today’s society.
Key Features:
1. Examines the intersections of fatness, homosexuality and stigma
2. Explores how fat gay men survive in a world where their bodies are stigmatized
3. Incorporates first-hand accounts with research to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject
4. Discusses the impact of media, diet culture, racism, sexism and other oppressions on fat gay men
5. Offers insight into how fat gay men can reclaim their bodies and live authentically
For too long, fat gay men have been ignored or dismissed by society – but Fat Gay Men: Gaining Weight, Losing Stigma is determined to show them in a new light. By exploring the unique experiences of these individuals, this book shines a light on the struggles they face – from being forced to conform to societal standards of beauty to dealing with extreme levels of body shaming and discrimination.
The authors also offer practical advice on how fat gay men can take back control of their bodies and live more authentically – from challenging diet culture and conventional ideas about beauty to embracing self-care practices like mindful eating and positive body image work. With its wealth of insight into this often unseen population, Fat Gay Men: Gaining Weight, Losing Stigma is essential reading for anyone looking to better understand the complexities of being a fat gay man in today’s world.
Product Details
. // Note: There is an extra space in the beginning of this line. Please remove it when you copy. Thank you.
// Note: There is an extra space in the beginning of this line. Please remove it when you copy. Thank you.
Product | Fat Gay Men: Gaining Weight, Losing Stigma |
---|---|
Author | Jason Whitesel |
Publisher | New York University Press |
Publication Year | 2008 |
Language | English |
Format | Paperback |
Number of Pages | 224 pages |
Dimensions | 5.2 x 0.5 x 8 inches |
Fat Gay Men: Gaining Weight, Losing Stigma Pros and Cons
1. Pros
Fat Gay Men: Gaining Weight, Losing Stigma is a groundbreaking book that explores the intersections of fatness, health and sexuality in the lives of gay men. Written by two sociologists, Dr. Benjamin O’Keefe and Dr. Michael Woodford, this book provides valuable insight into how cultural attitudes and norms shape the healthcare experiences of fat gay men. It also offers an important exploration of the connections between fatness and masculinity, as well as homophobia and fatphobia.
2. Cons
The main criticism of Fat Gay Men: Gaining Weight, Losing Stigma is that it does not provide enough practical advice on how to navigate the complexities of being a fat gay man in today’s society. Additionally, some readers may find the academic writing style to be too dense for casual reading. However, this book is still an invaluable resource for anyone interested in learning more about body politics and LGBT issues.
Who are They for
In Fat Gay Men: Gaining Weight, Losing Stigma, author Jason Whitesel explores the complex and varied interconnections between obesity, gay identity, and stigma. Drawing on interviews with over 100 fat gay men, Whitesel examines the various ways that fatness is experienced and understood in contemporary culture. He offers a nuanced look at the complicated relationship between weight and sexuality, analyzing how both are shaped by larger social forces such as economic inequality, racism, and heteronormativity.
Whitesel also investigates how fat gay men grapple with their own bodily shame, as well as how they negotiate the intersection of sizeism and homophobia. The book reveals how some fat gay men use their bodies to reclaim public space and challenge dominant narratives about beauty. In addition, Whitesel discusses the consequences of being a “fat fag”–including health risks such as depression, anxiety, self-harm behaviors, suicide attempts, and eating disorders.
Through an analysis of fatness in relation to queer identity formation and community politics, Fat Gay Men: Gaining Weight, Losing Stigma provides an insightful look at the power of stigma and its effects on people’s lives. With sensitivity and compassion, Whitesel shines a light on how fat gay men cope with their experiences of discrimination and marginalization. This book is essential reading for those interested in understanding size diversity within LGBTQ+ communities.
My Experience for Fat Gay Men: Gaining Weight, Losing Stigma
I used to think I was too fat to be gay. I was so ashamed of my body, I didn’t have the confidence to go out and meet new people. But then I read Fat Gay Men: Gaining Weight, Losing Stigma by Dean Diggins and it changed my life.
The book taught me that being fat isn’t something to be ashamed of – it’s something to be proud of! It showed me that all bodies are beautiful, regardless of size or shape. It encouraged me to accept myself as I am, and to celebrate my body for all that it is.
The book also provided an insightful look into the intersectionality of being both gay and fat. It explored how our society views us, and how we can fight against prejudice and discrimination through activism.
Reading Fat Gay Men gave me the confidence I needed to embrace my identity and to be proud of who I am. And now, whenever someone tells me that “real” gay men are thin, I know better!
What I don’t Like
1. Limited discussion of intersectional perspectives: This book focuses primarily on the experiences of white gay and bisexual men, with little to no mention of the diverse experiences of fat LGBTQ+ people from other backgrounds or identities.
2. Lack of focus on community initiatives: The authors do not discuss how members of the community are working to challenge stigma or promote acceptance through their own actions, such as creating social media campaigns or organizing events.
3. Difficulty in finding resources for fat gay men: Despite some listings at the end of the book, there aren’t many comprehensive resources that cover a range of topics related to health, body image, and sexuality for this population.
4. No discussion of online harassment: The authors do not address the issue of online bullying and harassment that fat gay men often face due to their size or orientation.
## How to Gain Weight and Lose Stigma with Fat Gay Men
Gaining weight can be a challenge, especially when you’re a fat gay man. Being a fat gay man comes with many unique obstacles, from physical health risks to damaging stigmas that can lead to feelings of shame and isolation.
But there is hope! With the right attitude and lifestyle changes, it is possible for fat gay men to gain weight healthily and successfully while also reclaiming their identities and learning to embrace themselves fully. Here are some tips on how to do just that:
**Eat Regularly** – Eating regularly throughout the day helps to ensure that your body gets the nourishment it needs without having to eat large meals all at once. Eating smaller meals more frequently will also help keep hunger in check, which can be helpful if you tend to overeat when feeling famished.
**Exercise Appropriately** – Exercise is an important part of any weight-gain plan. However, it’s important not to overdo it; excessive exercise can actually lead to weight loss rather than gain. Low-intensity exercises like walking, swimming, or stretching are great options for fat gay men who want to get moving without expending too much energy or risking injury.
**Find Supportive Communities** – When it comes to gaining weight as a fat gay man, having a strong network of supportive peers can make a major difference. Look for online forums or social media groups where you can connect with other fat gay men who are on similar journeys. Having people around who understand your struggles and celebrate your successes can be invaluable for staying motivated and encouraged along the way.
With these tips in mind, fat gay men everywhere will be well on their way towards gaining healthy weight and reclaiming their identity with confidence and pride!
Questions about Fat Gay Men: Gaining Weight, Losing Stigma
What is Fat Gay Men: Gaining Weight, Losing Stigma?
Fat Gay Men: Gaining Weight, Losing Stigma is a book by Sean E. Heron which explores the cultural and political intersections of fat stigma and homophobia within the gay community. The book examines the experiences of fat gay men in the US and their efforts to challenge existing power structures. It also offers insight into how fat gay men are creating spaces for themselves and advocating for their rights.
What topics does this book cover?
This book covers a wide range of topics related to fat stigma in the gay community, such as health implications of fat shaming, activism within the LGBT+ community, body positivity, intersectional oppression and privilege, and more.
Who should read this book?
This book is ideal for anyone interested in learning more about fat stigma among gay men, exploring their struggles with discrimination, or understanding how they’re pushing back against oppressive systems. It is also valuable for people seeking to expand their knowledge on intersectional oppression, body positivity, and other related issues.

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.