Body Liberation Book Club

We meet once a month, either Saturday mornings or Friday evenings, to discuss books centered around marginalized bodies.

Our mission is to provide a safe space for members to discuss issues of liberation, with a particular emphasis on body liberation and size inclusion, in which we place the experiences of those in the most marginalized bodies at the forefront.

We aim to create a joyful community of book and reading lovers in which we also learn to challenge and take action against systems of oppression.

Group guidelines:

1. Discussion of weight/body size should be focused on sharing experiences and unpacking the ways in which fatmisia serves to oppress people. Promotion of dieting or other anti-fat rhetoric outside of sharing lived experiences will not be tolerated.

2. Seek to understand AND speak your truth.

a. If you feel triggered or activated by something in a reading or discussion, reflect on your response and ask questions to clarify before jumping to conclusions. Assume the best of others.

b. If someone says something that violates our guidelines or is directly harmful, call it out and call them in to understand why it is harmful.

3. Keep learning at the forefront and remember that learning is often uncomfortable. If you don’t know, ask. Listen actively and keep an open mind.

4. Be aware of your speaking time and step back when other folks have not had as much opportunity to speak.

5. Silence is acceptable. You do not have to speak to listen and learn.

6. Bring frustrations and concerns to our group moderators.

7. Share what you learn with the world, but keep people’s personal stories within the group.