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A few months ago, while aimlessly scrolling through my TikTok feed, I stumbled upon a delightful video featuring a plus-size woman enjoying a glass of wine while discussing the glaring absence of body diversity on ABC’s The Bachelor franchise. She began with a humorous “bone to pick” with the show, explaining that despite being a lifelong fan, she had never seen a contestant who resembled her. Her passionate argument highlighted how the lack of representation contributes to the societal belief that plus-size women can’t find love or achieve their own fairytales.
Her message resonated deeply, but it was her warm and relatable personality that compelled me to explore more. The Swipefat TikTok account belongs to body-positive lifestyle influencer Mia Carter from the Chicago area, and her self-proclaimed “fat best friend,” event coordinator Kelly Richards. Together, they host the podcast “Swipefat,” which delves into the intricacies of dating as a plus-size individual.
To be honest, dating has never been a significant concern for me. I’ve been married for what feels like an eternity, having met my husband at eighteen—he was my first boyfriend, and that was it. However, there was something about Mia and Kelly’s TikTok that felt inviting and relatable, prompting me to check out “Swipefat” on Apple Podcasts. Even though I’ve never navigated the world of dating apps, I found myself nodding along, engaged by their discussions that were incredibly relatable as a plus-size woman, regardless of my relationship status. I even felt a twinge of envy that they get to be friends in real life while I’m merely a listener. Mia and Kelly embody the witty, honest “fat best friends” I wish I had.
Fortunately, Mia and Kelly agreed to chat with us about their podcast, their bodies, their friendship, and the dating landscape of 2021.
On the Motivation Behind the Viral Bachelor TikTok:
Mia expressed, “We’re starting to see more representation in media, but reality TV still largely lacks body diversity. That’s simply not realistic. It’s crucial to see ourselves represented in these fairytale narratives. Ultimately, we all want to feel loved and happy, and when you don’t see people like you in those stories, it becomes harder to envision your own happy ending.”
On Building Confidence in Plus-Size Bodies:
Kelly shared her journey: “I’ve faced body shaming my whole life, especially during my time in radio, which was traumatic. I eventually realized that my worth wasn’t tied to my size. The real work began when I started to genuinely love myself, and everything blossomed from there.” Mia added, “I wasn’t always confident either. My body positivity journey began on Instagram, where I started as a food blogger. It’s rare to find fat food bloggers who showcase their bodies!” The positive feedback she received motivated her to embrace her journey, even if she started a bit later in life.
On Their Preference for the Term “Fat”:
Mia explained, “Describing someone as fat shouldn’t be stigmatized. It’s no different than calling someone thin. We’ve labeled it negatively, associating it with laziness or unhealthiness, which must change. You can be both fat and healthy or skinny and unhealthy.” She shared how some friends were offended by the podcast’s name, “Swipefat,” while Kelly humorously noted that even their parents disapproved.
On the Challenges of Dating While Plus-Size:
Kelly remarked, “Dating is tough for everyone, but being fat adds another layer. We often feel pressured to issue disclaimers about our bodies, despite sharing photos that show what we look like. We think about our pictures much more than others do to avoid being labeled as catfish. The fear of disappointing someone’s expectations can be daunting, and then there are those who fetishize us, which complicates things further.” Mia sighed, “It’s a lot to navigate.”
On How Rejection Can Foster Resilience:
Mia stated, “Rejection is part of any situation. After experiencing it, you realize it’s not as terrible as you imagined. It takes time to build that thick skin, though. Now, I believe you have to demonstrate your worth to me too. We often forget that dating is a two-way street.”
Dating Advice for Plus-Size Individuals:
- Just Go For It. Kelly emphasized, “Start somewhere. The anticipation is scarier than the actual experience. Remember, you’re beautiful and have so much to offer beyond your body.”
- Collaborate on Your Profile with Friends. Turn it into a fun night with drinks, as Kelly suggests.
- Use Genuine Photos. Mia advised, “Choose pictures that make you feel confident yet accurately represent you, so you feel comfortable on the date.”
In addition to their podcast, Mia and Kelly star in a FreebieTV series titled “Dating in the Modern Age,” providing insight into their dating experiences as plus-size women during a pandemic. They also manage a private Facebook group where members share their dating journeys: “Girls share their first date outfits to get feedback!” Mia shared with enthusiasm.
Mia Carter and Kelly Richards are inspiring figures who empower plus-size women to know they deserve quality relationships. “Just because you’re fat doesn’t mean you’re unworthy of love,” Kelly concluded.
You can catch the SwipeFat podcast on both Spotify and Apple Podcasts. For more on home insemination, check out this post on home insemination kits and visit Make a Mom for expert advice on related topics. For further information on pregnancy and home insemination, refer to this resource.
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In summary, the Swipefat podcast is a refreshing and empowering exploration of dating as a plus-size individual. Mia and Kelly’s candid conversations about body positivity, self-love, and the nuances of dating offer valuable insights and support for anyone navigating the dating world.
Keyphrase: Dating While Plus-Size
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