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.
I don't know how fieldwork works. I don't know what it entails. But I would imagine that if someone who is slower in pace for a variety of reasons derails an entire fieldwork outing, then the fieldwork timeline wasn't exactly feasible in the first place, or needs restructuring.
But this isn't just about fieldwork. It costs nothing to not comment on someone's weight, to walk at their pace if you're walking/hiking together, to challenge any inner stigmas whenever they come about, and to not make people feel othered because of their weight.
All this to say: thank you. Thank you for sharing your stories, for your support, and for listening. Remember that I am one of so many people who've experienced this, and try to let what you've read reflect on the way you (and others) treat people. Being kind is free.
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