What is queer food writing, and where is it going?

In episode five of That Ate, Justin Burke is joined by award-winning food writer Jaya Saxena to dig into exactly that. Because food writing isn’t just about what we're eating; it’s how we talk about people, culture, politics, identity, and the world around us.

They talk about Jaya’s path into food writing, how she found her voice, and what it means to approach food through a queer and trans lens. They also get into the future of queer food writing, moving beyond trauma and joy into nuanced, lived-in stories that reflect real life.

Plus, they dig into her James Beard–nominated Eater essay “The Food That Makes You Gay”, and the very real (and slightly wild) reactions people have to something as simple as eating a banana, ice cream, and even soup. 😵‍💫

If you’re into food writing, queer storytelling, and conversations that go beyond the plate, this episode is for you.

The foundation of That Ate is community; supporting the people doing the work, sharing resources, and keeping the queer food community connected.

Below are the people, businesses, and organizations mentioned in this episode, including this week’s guest(s):

• Jaya Saxena - connect on Instagram or visit her at www.jayasaxena.com
• Jaya’s article mentioned in this episode - The Food That Makes You Gay, Eater
• Books mentioned in this episode - Dining Out by Erik Piepenburg, What is Queer Food? by John Birdsall, and Queers at the Table by Alex D. Ketchum & Megan J. Elias

Queer Food Stars Jaya wants you to know:

• Meghan McCarron
• Dave’s Lesbian Bar
• Cake Zine (not explicitly queer, but a supporter of queer stories and queer writers)

Go follow, support, and spread the love.

That Ate:

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• Want to collab or have a suggestion for a future guest? Visit the website.