Fat Girls in Black Bodies Book Club with Erotique & OH Hi

Combatting fatphobia and racism to reclaim a space for womxn at the intersection of fat and Black.
To be a womxn living in a body at the intersection of fat and Black is to be on the margins. From concern-trolling–“I just want you to be healthy“–to outright attacks, fat Black bodies that fall outside dominant constructs of beauty and wellness are subjected to healthism, racism, and misogynoir. The spaces carved out by third-wave feminism and the fat liberation movement fail at true inclusivity and intersectionality; fat Black womxn need to create their own safe spaces and community, instead of tirelessly laboring to educate and push back against dominant groups.
Structured into three sections–“belonging,” “resistance,” and “acceptance”–and informed by personal history, community stories, and deep research, Fat Girls in Black Bodies breaks down the myths, stereotypes, tropes, and outright lies we’ve been sold about race, body size, belonging, and health. Dr. Joy Cox’s razor-sharp cultural commentary exposes the racist roots of diet culture, healthism, and the ways we erroneously conflate body size with personal responsibility. She explores how to reclaim space and create belonging in a hostile world, pushing back against tired pressures of “going along just to get along,” and dismantles the institutionally ingrained myths about race, size, gender, and worth that deny fat Black womxn their selfhood.

(From the book, Fat Girls in Black Bodies by Joy Arlene Renee Cox)

What to expect?

• 2-hour conversation
• Food and drinks courtesy of OH Hi

• Free raffle prize courtesy of Erotique

• Forming new friendships and community!

What to bring?

• Your copy of Fat Girls in Black Bodies (if you want for reference, not required)

• Any questions/favorite quotes/thoughts

• A friend!

Where to purchase the book?

• FREE on Libby (depending on your library)
• Spotify Audiobooks with a subscription

• Online retailers

When do we meet and where?

Book Club meets once on the last Wednesday of the month at 5 pm, for August it will fall on the 28th. We are thrilled to announce that OH Hi has expanded and now has its own event space!!! What does this mean for Book Club? With this expansion, we can open up our tickets to more in-person spots and have increased flexibility with our end time if we run over. You can expect all the same fun and freebies as before. A huge thank you to Country Bookshelf for hosting us for so long while we began this project. You can continue to support Country Bookshelf by choosing to purchase our monthly book at their store!

OH Hi Event Space location AND directions:

115 W Kagy Blvd Bozeman, MT on the 2nd floor above their therapy office Suite I

There's plenty of free parking! You can enter from the door in the front labeled with the above address or go down the ramp to the right where there's another entryway. Once inside, there will be a set of stairs for you to go up and signage directing you to the space. We also have staff circulating around checking for lost folks!

How can I stay in the loop?

We will be posting on our social media and email newsletters, follow to stay up to date! Participants can also join our Book Club specific Facebook Group (open to all, even if you can't attend regularly or read the book) where we can talk, share posts, and get excited during the month leading up to our meeting. 😊

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/erotiqueandohhibookclub

Erotique Contact Info:@erotiquebzn

[email protected]

Oh Hi Contact Info:

@ohhicollective

[email protected]

We are working to create a safe space for all people including but not limited to race, gender identity/sexuality, religion, country of origin, ability, and age (although due to the nature of these topics, we do ask that all participants are at least 18+). We will ask anyone who becomes a problem to move along, so please enter this space with respect, kindness, and an open mind. As the book club organizers, we encourage any feedback on how we can improve!

If you're feeling sick please opt for our zoom option OR mask up. RSVP to secure your spot!

Host or Publisher Erotique and Oh-Hi Sexual Health Collective