home insemination kits with syringes
A few months ago, while aimlessly browsing my TikTok feed, I stumbled upon a delightful video featuring a charming plus-size woman enjoying a glass of wine and addressing the glaring absence of body diversity in ABC’s The Bachelor franchise. She began by stating she had “a bone to pick” with the show, expressing her disappointment that, despite being a long-time viewer, she had never seen anyone who resembled her. She emphasized how the lack of representation feeds the narrative that plus-size women can’t find love or a happy ending.
Her words resonated deeply, but it was her warm, engaging personality that prompted me to explore further. This TikTok account belongs to body-positive lifestyle advocate, Mia Thompson, and her “fat best friend,” marketing manager Liz Carter. Together, they host the podcast Swipefat, which delves into the intricate world of dating while plus-size.
To be candid, dating isn’t something I often ponder. Having been married for what feels like a lifetime, I met my husband at eighteen and he was my first boyfriend. My dating experience is virtually nonexistent. However, Mia and Liz’s TikTok felt so relatable and inviting that I quickly turned to Apple Podcasts to listen to Swipefat. Despite my lack of dating experience, I found myself nodding along, as much of their discussion resonates with my own experiences as a fat woman, regardless of my relationship status. I even felt a twinge of envy over their real-life friendship while I remained just a listener. Mia and Liz embody the honest, humorous “fat best friends” I would love to have.
Fortunately, Mia and Liz agreed to chat with us about their podcast, their bodies, and the dating landscape in 2021.
On the Catalyst for the Viral Bachelor TikTok:
Mia shares, “We’re starting to see more representation in media, but reality TV still lacks fat bodies. That’s not reflective of real life. Seeing ourselves represented in fairytales is crucial. We all desire love and happiness, and when we can’t envision ourselves in those scenarios on screen, it becomes harder to imagine those possibilities in our own lives.”
Finding Confidence in Plus-Size Bodies:
“I’ve been fat my entire life,” Liz reveals. “Having a background in radio, I faced public bullying for years, which left me traumatized. I lost weight but still felt unhappy. Eventually, I realized that my worth isn’t dictated by my size, and I focused on loving myself from within, which brought about a beautiful transformation.”
Mia adds, “I wasn’t always confident either. I always believed I had a great personality, but my body positivity journey began on Instagram. As a food blogger, it’s rare to find someone my size who openly shares their experiences with food and body image.”
The Power of the Word “Fat”:
“We use the word ‘fat’ just as we would use ‘thin’,” Mia explains. “It’s problematic that we associate ‘fat’ with negative connotations like laziness or unhealthiness. This stigma needs to change. Being fat doesn’t equate to poor health, just as being thin doesn’t guarantee good health.” Liz adds, “Even our parents were shocked when we chose to call the podcast ‘Swipefat.’”
Dating Challenges for Plus-Size Individuals:
“Dating is difficult for everyone, but being fat adds another layer. We often feel pressured to include disclaimers about our bodies, even when we’re showing our true selves in photos,” says Liz. “We worry about being labeled as catfishers or facing disappointment when meeting someone in person. Plus, there’s the added challenge of being fetishized or oversexualized. It’s a complex landscape.”
Mia reflects, “It requires a lot of navigation.”
Learning from Rejection:
“Rejection is a valuable teacher,” Mia notes. “Initially, it’s scary, but once you experience it, you realize it’s not as devastating as you thought. It builds resilience. Now, I approach dating knowing I also have power in the situation, and I’m not afraid to seek out people who are genuinely interested in me.”
Tips for Dating as a Plus-Size Individual:
- Take the leap: “You have to start somewhere, even if it feels daunting. Remember your worth; you bring so much more than just your body to the table,” advises Liz.
- Create your profile with friends: Make it a fun event, complete with drinks to boost your confidence.
- Be authentic with your photos: “Select pictures that make you feel good but also reflect your true self,” Mia suggests. “Honesty helps ease any discomfort when meeting someone.”
Alongside their podcast, Mia and Liz have a series on FreebieTV titled “Dating in the Modern Age,” which showcases their experiences navigating the dating world as plus-size women during a pandemic. They also manage a private Facebook group for plus-size women seeking advice in dating.
“Many women share their first date outfits and seek feedback,” Mia smiles. “Our podcast and community have helped validate the thoughts of those who may not have a fat friend to turn to.”
Mia Thompson and Liz Carter are two inspiring women using their platform to remind others that being plus-size doesn’t diminish your worth in pursuing meaningful relationships. “Just because you’re fat doesn’t mean you’re unworthy of love,” Liz affirms.
You can tune into Swipefat on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. For more insights about home insemination, check out this article. Additionally, for expert advice on at-home insemination, visit here. For more resources regarding family-building options, explore this excellent resource.
Summary:
The Swipefat podcast, hosted by Mia Thompson and Liz Carter, explores the complexities of dating as plus-size women, tackling issues of representation, self-acceptance, and the unique challenges they face. Their discussions provide relatable insights and empower listeners to embrace their worth and navigate the dating scene with confidence.