Embracing Fat-Positive Queer Romance: 5 Heartwarming Reads
In recent years, the conversation around body positivity has often felt like a temporary trend. Unfortunately, society sometimes shifts back to valuing thinness over everything else. This is especially true for the bodies of women, people of color, disabled individuals, queer folks, and other marginalized groups. But let’s be clear—our bodies are not just a trend. We live in them our entire lives, and it’s crucial to love and accept them for what they are.
Personally, I’ve invested a lot of time and energy into finding peace with my fat body. I’ve learned not to let social media dictate how I view myself. One powerful way I’ve transformed my thinking is through the media I consume—from films and TV shows to books and social media accounts. By following and supporting fat-positive creators, I’ve started seeing fat bodies as beautiful, lovable, and desirable. This has been a healing journey for me.
To celebrate Fat Liberation Month, I’ve put together a list of five fat-positive queer romance books. These stories not only encourage body love but also push back against a culture that often marginalizes fat individuals. Just a note: while these books are fat-positive, some may include moments of fatphobia, so readers should check for content warnings if this is a concern.
1. Cubs & Campfires by Dylan Drakes
Let’s start with Cubs & Campfires, the first installment in the Sweet & Stocky romance series. The cover is simply adorable! The story follows Luca, a recent journalism graduate grappling with unemployment. After a particularly bad job interview, he pitches the idea of spending his summer in celibacy and writing about it. Much to his shock, he’s accepted. Retreating to the mountains of Washington State as a fire lookout, Luca finds himself drawn to a nearby musician named Artair. This cozy summer romance beautifully blends desire and professional dilemmas, reminding us that love can thrive even amid challenges.
2. My Best Friend’s Honeymoon by Meryl Wilsner
If you’re looking for a captivating read that you might just finish in one sitting, grab My Best Friend’s Honeymoon. The story follows Elsie, who discovers that her fiancé has planned their wedding and honeymoon just one week in advance. Shocked and determined to assert herself, Elsie heads to a pre-paid Caribbean trip with her best friend, Ginny, who has been in love with her for years. The two make a pact that encourages Elsie to ask for whatever she wants during their trip. The book includes authentic fat representation, with Ginny frequently speaking about how certain situations can impact fat individuals, such as needing a seatbelt extender on a flight.
3. D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins
D’Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding offers a unique twist on love and deception. D’Vaughn and Kris are pretend partners on a reality TV show, and their task is to convince their families and friends that their relationship is real to win a cash prize of $100,000. D’Vaughn, a closeted fat femme, uses this opportunity to come out to her mom, while Kris is looking to build a career as a fitness influencer. As expected in fake dating romances, their fake bond might turn into something deeper. Please note that there are discussions about weight loss related to Kris’s backstory.
4. Recommended Reading by Paul Coccia
Next up is Recommended Reading, a delightful YA romantic comedy inspired by the classic novel “Emma.” Bobby has grand plans to win over his crush with romantic gestures, but when things go sideways, he finds solace working at a quaint bookstore. It’s here he meets Luke, a lifeguard with a skeptical view on love. As Bobby tries to navigate his feelings, he must confront his own internalized fatphobia. Despite the struggles, this book provides plenty of laughs and valuable insights into love and acceptance.
5. I’ll Be the One by Lyla Lee
Finally, don’t miss out on I’ll Be the One, a vibrant YA romcom. Skye Shin dreams of becoming a K-pop star, defying the notion that only thin girls can succeed in this industry. After acing her audition, she joins a competitive K-pop reality show where she finds herself falling for fellow contestant Henry Cho. Skye’s journey is not without its obstacles, but she remains true to herself, showcasing confidence and authenticity even in a highly competitive environment.
These five fat-positive queer romance books are not just enjoyable reads; they also offer important narratives that challenge societal norms. They remind us that love comes in all shapes and sizes, and it’s high time we celebrated that.
So, if you’re looking for a unique escape, grab one of these books this Fat Liberation Month. Dive into these stories, and you might just find a little bit of yourself in them!
Related Hashtags for Instagram
#BodyPositivity #QueerRomance #FatLiberation #LoveYourBody #FatPositive #LGBTQLit #BookRecommendations #RomanticReads #DiverseBooks