“You’re so Brave”: Unpacking Fatphobic (Micro)Aggressions with “Body-Positive” Influencers and Activists

Abstract

Research on microaggressions has grown, especially race-, gender-, and sexuality-based microaggressions. This study examines how #BodyPositive influencers and activists navigate anti-fat or fatphobic microaggressions in ways that impact them, their activism, and their relationships. We interviewed nineteen self-identified women and non-binary influencers and activists with a minimum of 5000 followers to unpack explicit and subtle forms of fatphobic microaggressions. Following analytical steps of thematic analysis, we identify three interrelated themes: (a) becoming accidental #BodyPostive influencers and activists online and offline; (b) naming “healthy = thin = moral” fatphobic (micro)aggressions; and (c) navigating (micro)aggressions from hate to “you’re so brave”. We conclude with urging social media platforms to establish rules and guidelines for handling (micro)aggressions, including resources to support influencers.