Black. Fat. Femme
Revealing the Power of Visibly Queer Voices in Media and Learning to Love Yourself
1. Auflage März 2025
240 Seiten, Hardcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
A celebration of (and how to find your own) queer intersectional identity through the lens of media
In Black. Fat. Femme: Revealing the Power of Visibly Queer Voices (in Media) and Learning to Love Yourself, educator and media critic Dr. Jonathan P. Higgins--aka Doctor Jon Paul--delivers an honest and extraordinary new take on how the author, and other Black Fat Femmes like them, have come to find and understand their identity.
You'll learn about how standing at the intersection of multiple identities, communities, and causes shapes people and how they see the world. You'll also discover how public figures like Andre Leon Talley and Latrice Royale have helped people learn who they are and what is possible in life.
Inside the book:
* An examination of the importance of real representation in the media for marginalized people
* Discussions of the pioneers who fought so hard to be authentically who they are, both onscreen and off
* Explorations of how and why Black Fat Femme people have been left out and erased from LGBTQ+ conversations
Perfect for anyone with an interest in unique voices and truly singular perspectives, Black. Fat. Femme. is a one-of-a-kind book that will help you see the world with entirely new eyes.
Introduction: Black, Fat, and Different 1
1 Always Too Much 15
2 The Chiffon Chronicles 35
3 The Making of a Queen 59
4 The Masc You Live In 81
5 Five Gs, Please! 101
6 To Be Loved 121
7 Becoming That B*tch 139
8 Redefining Authenticity 159
9 Remaining Black, Fat, and Visibly Queer 179
10 Yes, Black. Yes, Fat. Yes, Femme. 197
Acknowledgments 207
About the Author 213
Index 215
--Publishers Weekly
"With their unique purview, Jon centers the visibility, intersectional identities, and rich voices of the Queer Black community in media. A must read for anyone and everyone."
--Gabrielle Union, Actress, activist, and author
"This book speaks so honestly about the continuously silenced Black, queer, American experience, and the life journey it takes to discover one's true self in a world determined to stop them at all costs."
--Jessica Marie Garcia, actress, "On My Block," writer & producer
"Black. Fat. Femme. is the perfect blend of education, hilarity, and stories from the shady cousin that everyone deserves. After reading and sharing their work over the years, I look forward to others being able to devour what I feel is an insightful and important book!"
--Franchesca Ramsey, creator and host of MTV's "Decoded" and author of Well, That Escalated Quickly
"Joining the cultural archive at a pivotal moment, Black. Fat. Femme. offers another possibility. In extending the visibility discourse, it defiantly and lovingly takes up space while encouraging others to do the same."
--Tre'vell Anderson, MA, Journalist, Social Curator, World Changer
"Dr. Jon Paul has written a heartfelt manifesto for every person who has never believed they are valuable, worthy, or courageous. It is impossible to read and not be moved to love yourself more."
--Steven Canals, Emmy-nominated writer, director, and producer
"Jon is a leading voice of our generation. Their ability to bring communities that sit at various intersections together, rooted in dignity, humanity, and respect, is what we all need now more than ever. Black. Fat. Femme. is a love letter to humanity."
--Minda Harts, author of The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table
"Dr. Jon Paul is one of my favorite thinkers and creators. I can say without hesitation that this book is going to change the way people see themselves and each other. For all the talk of inclusion and diversity, this book is a step in the right direction of allowing people to not only feel seen but heard, and for their stories to be handled with the care, love, and attention they deserve."
--Keah Brown, creator of #DisabledandCute, author of The Pretty One: On Life, Pop Culture, Disability, and Other Reasons to Fall in Love with Me
"Dr. Jon Paul is my hero. Their wit, wisdom, clarity, and sartorial elegance inspire me every day. This book is sorely needed, not just because Jon is a brilliant Sibylline voice on this urgent topic, but because this book will honor the humanity of all Black fat femmes."
--Jeffrey Marsh, author of How to Be You: Stop Trying to Be Someone Else and Start Living Your Life
