The Hidden Bookcase

Fireside Chats: Fat Representation in SFF ft. Anya Josephs

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In celebration of Fat Liberation Month, we're joined by writer and psychotherapist Anya Josephs to discuss fat representation in science-fiction and fantasy. Let's talk symbolic representation, systemic vs. individual experiences, and striving to tell stories that change real-world narratives.


Transcripts available at planarprod.com


Content warnings: Discussons of fatphobia, including interpersonal, internalised, structural and societal ableism. Mentions of disordered eating.


You can find Anya Josephs' work, including young adult fantasy novel, Queen of All, on her website.


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Other media referenced in this episode (in order mentioned):

  • Queen of All by Anya Josephs [Author Website]
    • Looking for Body Positivity and Fat Protagonists in YA Fantasy by Anya Josephs (Listicle) [Read Online]
      • Six of Crows (Series) by Leigh Bardugo [UK LINK] / [US LINK]
        • Circle of Magic (Series) by Tamora Pierce [GoodReads Link]
          • The Witch King by H.E. Edgmon [US LINK]
            • Dragon Age: Inquistion (Video Game)
              • The Owl House (TV Series)
                • Shadow and Bone (Series) by Leigh Bardugo [UK LINK] / [US LINK]
                  • The Hunger Games (Series) by Suzanne Collins [UK LINK] / [US LINK]
                    • Sistersong by Lucy Holland [UK LINK] / [US LINK]

                      • Further reading:

                      • The Body Project [Website]
                        • How History Still Weighs Heavy On South Asian Bodies Today (Article) by Faima Bakar [Read Online]
                          • Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia by Sabrina Strings [UK LINK] / [US LINK]
                            • The Venus of Willendorf and Other Voluptuous Ancient Figures May Have Been ‘Ideological Tools’ to Shape Body-Image Norms (Article) by Sarah Cascone [Read Online]

                              • Our next read:

                              • Song of the Huntress by Lucy Holland [UK LINK] / [US LINK]


                                • Keep safe- please always check the content warnings of any media we mention if you need before diving in.

                                Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.purple-planet.com ⁠⁠

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