New Hero: Cheyenne Davis
AURORE sat down with host of Weighted Words podcast Cheyenne Davis to discuss the fetishization of fat bodies, media representation, and quarantine weight gain.
What are you listening to on repeat?
My go-to playlist includes the entirety of Depression Cherry by Beach House (an all time fave). A song I love right now is Thundercat’s “Dragonball Durag.” My most-played artists rotate between Doja Cat, Tierra Whack, and Rico Nasty. And I always come back to childhood favorites like “Walking on a Dream” by Empire of the Sun and “Fireflies” by Owl City.
What are some tips you have for people who are trying to become more body positive/body neutral?
I think it’s important to give people all the space, time and patience they need to understand themselves and how they want to be approach growth. Understanding how to accept all bodies, primarily larger bodied people, and unpacking fatphobia should be no different. (Side note: giving time and patience does NOT mean that you get to disregard and disrespect fat people. That’s never okay, period!).
Also, allowing your fat friends to speak their truth and anguish without censorship is super important as well. Once you allow people to share their experiences without barriers, real conversations can be had.
How does fatness inform sexual experiences?
Fatness shouldn’t change sexual experiences. In my experience, I haven’t really focused on my body during sex because everyone fucks. I think the main focus should be on giving and receiving pleasure and enjoying something intimate with your partner(s).
In a recent Instagram post, you mentioned the hypocrisy of men who call women fat but then search exclusively for BBW [big beautiful woman] in porn. What is your stance on fetishization of fat bodies?
I think fat fetishization is fucking ridiculous, and I’m honestly tired of the male gaze only consuming fatness as a means of private pleasure. The mindset of “I only like fatness behind closed doors, but I’ll call her ugly and fat in an open forum” is totally uncool, uncalled for and disgusting. As a fat Black woman, I feel that my community experiences this a lot because of anti-blackness as well. I am NOT here solely for your quick, late night nut. I am a being that deserves love, respect, consideration and existence, and it doesn’t matter how big or small that vessel is.
We love your #fedupfatbitch Instagram highlight. What's one thing you are fed up with right now?
I’m totally a #fedupfatbitch right now because fat, Black women don’t have enough representation in media. As a podcaster and aspiring screenwriter, my goal is to highlight these voices by making safe, creative spaces that give fat women a platform to speak on and also give fat, Black femme characters storylines that are complex, diverse and not weight/body/weightloss- centric.
If you could teach everyone something based on your experience, what would it be?
I want to teach people that you shouldn’t allow anyone to make you feel insecure about your body, especially as it pertains to sex. Exploring my sexuality and kink helped me to enjoy and love my body, and it also taught me that my body shouldn’t stop me from doing anything I put my mind to.
Why is representation of fat bodies in porn/erotica important?
Fat bodies being represented in porn/erotica is important because skinny people aren’t the only ones having sex. People of all genders, abilities, and races are having sex, so what makes fat bodies any different? I’m tired of not seeing or reading myself in porn/erotica. I want to be able to visualize myself and feel represented and seen even in sexual and intimate moments.
Tell us about your podcast, Weighted Words.
Weighted Words is my award-winning podcast that I created for fat women, particularly fat women of color to discuss topics surrounding their representation, or lack thereof, and misrepresentation in media. I also like to speak with supporters and allies to share how they are putting aside their privilege to assist in the creation of safe spaces for fat women.
What would you want to tell people who are freaking out about weight gained during quarantine?
I have been fat for most of my life, and the only reason you are afraid of gaining weight is because of the fear of being judged and ridiculed by society. There isn’t anything inherently evil or disgusting about being larger bodied or gaining weight. The primary focus should be on how we can stay safe while supporting one another.
What advice would you want to share with the reader?
Take this moment to reflect on the past, present and future. Honor the people who have shown you genuine love, care and support, and honor yourself by letting go of those that haven’t had your best interest at heart.
To my beautiful, fat, Black women, femmes and thems, you are seen, heard and loved. #MyWordsHaveWeight, and so do yours. Never feel that your body is a hindrance. You and your body are a blessing, and you deserve everything good this world, and the next one over, has to offer.
