Episode 2: Fat Girls In Black Bodies with Dr. Joy Cox

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Dr. Joy Cox is a body justice advocate who uses her skill set in research and leadership to foster social change through the promotion of fat acceptance, diversity and inclusion.

 Guest Bio:

Dr. Joy Cox is a body justice advocate using her skill set in research and leadership to foster social change through the promotion of fat acceptance, diversity and inclusion.

With 37 years living as a fat, Black cisgendered woman and 7+ years of professional experience under her belt, Dr. Cox draws on her own experiences and academic skill set to amplify the voices of those most marginalized in society, bringing attention to matters of intersectionality addressing race, body size, accessibility, and "health." Dr. Cox is the owner and operator of the Fresh Out the Cocoon brand, a member of the advisory board for ASDAH, and a supportive force behind the scenes for organizations looking to incorporate diversity and inclusion into their practices. Joy has been featured on several podcasts and media productions such as Food Pysch with Christy Harrison, Nalgona Positivity Pride with Gloria Lucas, Fat Women of Color with Ivy Felicia, and Huffington Post's piece, "Everything You Know About Obesity is Wrong."

She is the voice of an overcomer, looking to propel others into a place of freedom designed by their desires. Dr. Cox is a mover and shaker, undeterred by obstacles and fueled by hope.  

In this episode we discuss:

  • The ways that stories of fatphobia are “muzzled” in academia and in mainstream spheres

  • Why she uses the word fat vs. obese, overweight, curvy, or voluptuous

  • The fat shaming she experience within her family and community

  • The problem with healthism and why it is harmful to us

  • How Joy has unlearned toxic messages about health and beauty and the work it takes to heal from those messages

Important Resources:

Jabbieapp.com, the community wellness app co-founded by Joy

Joy’s website: Freshoutthecoccoon.com

Joy’s new book: Fat Girls in Black Bodies

Connect with Joy on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Read the transcript for this show HERE.