Aussies have bigger bodies, with more than 67% of adults being considered “plus-sized”. This begs the question— where are the bigger bodies in our media, on our clothing racks, and on store mannequins?
Demi Lynch, a Brisbane based journalist, content creator, activist, and keynote speaker shows up unapologetically across her socials to focus on topics that are taboo— but absolutely shouldn’t be.
With a passion for social justice, nothing is off limits for Lynch, including bringing “FAT liberation to the forefront” of the conversation.
We asked Demi about founding her platforms, how to be better allies, and what change she’d love to see in the Aussie fashion space.
White Rabbit Social’s Q&A With Demi Lynch
Why did you start creating content for Faternise and Kaleidoscope News, and how do the two platforms differ?
“I initially started Kaleidoscope News at as a late night show at a Brisbane community radio station. The focus was elevating female and non-binary artists, and talking about feminist news stories.
This eventually turned into a podcast and online news platform.
In regards to Faternise, I always had an interest in fat liberation so I thought why not create a space where I can focus solely on fat news, fat fashion and fat activism.”
Is there a “right way” to refer to bigger bodies, curvy, and plus-sized people? Does anything fall really tone deaf that’s still commonplace in the language we’re using?
“I personally try to use the word ‘fat’ to help destigmatize the word. ‘Fat’ isn’t a bad word, being ‘fat’ isn’t a bad thing, saying it shouldn’t be looked at from a negative perspective.
I do understand not everyone is comfortable using this word. It takes many years of unlearning to rid the weight of such a disputed word.”
How can we be better allies in the language and behaviour we use towards people of different sizes?
“Try to diversify your social media feeds and the content you consume. This helps normalise seeing various body, shapes and sizes in your day to day life.
Educate yourself – whether it be through fat activists, fat liberation podcasts or books – put in the work.”
What Australian fashion brands cater to bigger bodies really well? Can you name your personal favourites?
“We Are Golden Hour wearegoldenhour.com.au – I’m obsessed with their matching sets, I always get compliments when I wear my Chloe shirt and pants set. I live and breathe in this set.”
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“DOWK dowk.com.au – Their dresses are an instant mood booster for anyone and everyone.”
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Demi has also featured a number of other plus sized fashion brands on her page. We suggest following so you don’t miss them!
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Have you felt a recent pull back in progress for body positivity and ED awareness?
“Absolutely! It now feels uncool to be body positive, or show any smidge of body acceptance. I feel like we’ve gone back 10 years!”
Aussies on average have bigger bodies- but you wouldn’t know it from the media. What changes would you love to see in the Australian fashion industry?
“I still don’t understand why brands don’t expand their size range. Why don’t they want our fat dollars? Are they really that concerned about seeing fat people in their stores and wearing their clothes?
Australia has so many beautiful luxurious brands out there but most don’t even stock above a size 16-18, sometimes even a 14.
Fat people have money to spend on clothes just like everyone else, you’re losing money by not catering to us because we love fashion just as much as everyone else does.”
Find Demi across her socials, liked below:
- Faternise on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/faternise/
- Kaleidoscope on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kaleidoscopenews/
- Demi’s speaker profile https://www.saxton.com.au/speakers/demi-lynch
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