You're in charge of how you feel about your body, talk about your body, and define your body. But in a world that continually sends the message—especially to women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community—that we lack control over our own body, it can sometimes be hard to tune out that negative noise and focus on #BodyPositivity.
Body positivity is both a movement and a philosophy. The school of body positive thought initially grew out of the fat positive movements of the 1960s and 1970s. Today, body positivity is inclusive, celebrating bodies of all shapes, sizes, colors, and abilities. It's a way to combat the impossible and unrealistic societal beauty standards that prize certain physical characteristics—namely, thinness and whiteness—above others. Body positive thinking reminds us that it's not our bodies that are wrong or bad—it's the interlocking systems of oppression, such as sexism, racism, and ableism, that try to convince us that they are.
Luckily, there are a ton of amazing activists, writers, and advocates who have written about their own body positivity journey. Their works are moving and thoughtful, full of warm advice, funny anecdotes, and loving real-talk. And they approach body positivity from different angles. Maybe you're looking for a data-based work of nonfiction to help you understand the myths behind diet culture. Maybe you're seeking inspiration and comfort from someone who's experienced what you're going through. Or maybe you just want to get lost in a joyful romance with a fat protagonist or a collection of essays about body acceptance that will make you laugh and cheer. Whatever the case, and wherever you are on your body positivity journey, these listens are here for you to enjoy, delight in, learn from, and get inspired by. And these body image audiobooks and podcasts all have one important message: Accepting and celebrating bodies of all kinds will lead to a better world for all of us.
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