So it's been a busy morning but it's #InternationalWomenInScienceDay. Hell yeah it is. I am beyond proud to be a proud Latina in science, and I am beyond lucky to have such an amazing support system here on Twitter. I've wanted to do weather related research since middle school.
There are so many more but I am so honored to be among such company. I love you all, and am proud every day to be a woman in science, STEM, meteorology, climate, and geography.
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So, my fatphobia in science tweet blew up, and there's been so many loving and supportive responses to it. However, people have also shared their stories, and I have to say: I'm so sorry you went through what you did, but I'm honored you felt brave enough to share your story.
The only thing I've ever wanted to do on here was help someone. I was a peer mentor in undergrad, and the idea of helping and inspiring people makes me warm inside. If I've inspired even one person to open up about anything they've experienced, then my tweets were a success.
Of course, it is nice to see my tweets reach such a wide range of people. But one thing to think about, especially if you're someone who has the power to make a difference: you have to not just RT me. You have to use what you've learned and make your spaces more inclusive.
As a Latina #WomanInScience, I'm proud of what I've done and the goals I've set for myself. However, there is one thing that's rarely talked about in academia: fatphobia. And this is especially evident in science. This isn't a pretty thread, and will make you uncomfortable. (1/n)
So, let's start with a self profile. I'm ~5'4" tall, and am a pretty standard size US 26. I've never shared this info publicly, and to be honest I'm VERY scared of sharing it. I've been overweight since childhood - since around 2nd grade. Yes, I got bullied throughout K-12. (2/n)
Yes, that bullying hugely impacted me. I was told by a parent that I needed to like less attractive people as crushes because then I'd have more of a chance. I've never had a romantic partner, and I'm still trying to get over society telling me I am nothing without one. (3/n)