re: #467 Walter L. Newton

I’m a little confused what the problem is. Around here, fat activists have aggressively “reclaimed” the word fat, and use it to describe themselves — with pride. Magazines like “Fat! So?” are becoming more popular. I knew even some very non-radical, mainstream women who have adopted the meme and openly refer to themselves as “fat,” and even go so far as to correct people who try to be dainty and use eupemisms. It’s commonplace now.

As for “lesbian” — how is that disparaging? I know hundreds of lesbians and not a single one is embarrassed or ashamed of the word lesbian. Half the non-profits in SF are the “Lesbian and Gay such and such” organization. Again, no shame associated with the word.

I’ve known people to refer to themselves as “fat lesbians,” because that’s what they are and they are not embarrassed by the terminology. And since they’re usually into the whole identity politics thing, they love to bring up their out-and-proud sub-group status as often as possible.

I guess it’s OK to describe some people, but not others, due to some over-arching social rule?