Black. Fat. Femme: Revealing the Power of Visibly Queer Voices in Media and Learning to Love Yourself

by Jonathan P. Higgins

A celebration of (and how to find your own) queer intersectional identity through the lens of media

In Black. Fat. Revealing the Power of Visibly Queer Voices (in Media) and Learning to Love Yourself, educator and media critic Dr. Jonathan P. Higgins—aka Doctor Jon Paul—delivers an honest and extraordinary new take on how the author, and other Black Fat Femmes like them, have come to find and understand their identity.

You'll learn about how standing at the intersection of multiple identities, communities, and causes shapes people and how they see the world. You'll also discover how public figures like Andre Leon Talley and Latrice Royale have helped people learn who they are and what is possible in life.



An examination of the importance of real representation in the media for marginalized people

Discussions of the pioneers who fought so hard to be authentically who they are, both onscreen and off

Explorations of how and why Black Fat Femme people have been left out and erased from LGBTQ+ conversations

Perfect for anyone with an interest in unique voices and truly singular perspectives, Black. Fat. Femme. is a one-of-a-kind book that will help you see the world with entirely new eyes.

Genres: Nonfiction, Queer, LGBT, Memoir

240 pages, Hardcover

Published March 25, 2025

Reviews

[Brielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t familiar with Jonathan Higgins before this book, but the description caught my attention and I wanted to hear the message they had to share. I listened to the audiobook and was so glad the author narrated it themselves. It felt like a personal conversation with a close friend, making the experience even more impactful.

I really appreciated how Higgins broke down the lack of media visibility for those who don’t fit the so-called "ideal" appearance in the queer community. They also highlighted the stark differences when certain queer identities are represented in media, which gave me a new perspective on things I had seen but never fully processed.

Even though I’m not the book’s title demographic, I found so much of Jonathan’s story and insights relatable and inspiring. This is a book anyone can appreciate—especially those who have struggled with self-acceptance, recognizing their worth, or embracing their authentic selves.

Thank you NetGalley & RBmedia for this ARC!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black. Fat. Femme.
Revealing The Power of Queer Voices in Media and Learning to Love Yourself

I Picked Up This Book Because: Curiosity.

Media Type: Audiobook
Source: Netgalley
Dates Read: 4/10/25 - 4/13/25
Rating: 4 Stars
Narrator(s): Jonathan P Higgins

I like where Dr Higgins is going in this book. This would probably make for a fascinating discussion in book club. My only complaint is the excessive use of the word “perform”.

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a therapist who often recommends books for empowerment, self-discovery, and healing, Black. Fat. Femme. by Dr. Jonathan P. Higgins is an essential read. This memoir and cultural analysis beautifully blends personal storytelling with critical reflections on race, gender expression, and body image, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community. Dr. Higgins invites readers into their deeply personal journey of self-acceptance while honoring the Black Fat Femme icons who shaped and inspired them when representation was scarce.

Dr. Higgins examines the intersections of racism, fatphobia, and femmephobia—issues that remain prevalent within and beyond queer spaces. They write movingly about growing up in a culture that (still) polices Black boys into rigid performances of masculinity and the emotional toll this created. For clients struggling with self-image, gender expression, or internalized oppression, this book can offer powerful validation and reflection.

Dr. Higgins's reflections on figures like Andre Leon Talley and Luther Vandross highlight the importance of visibility and the pain that often accompanies public scrutiny. Their account of being raised by a strong single mother who modeled self-respect provides an empowering narrative for those seeking to break cycles of shame and self-doubt.

A particularly resonant moment comes from a conversation with their therapist: "Why are you always ready to jump into the ring? When are you going to be the person who runs the fight?"—a question that challenges readers - and me - to rethink how they advocate for themselves.

This book champions the right to exist unapologetically at the intersections of Blackness, fatness, and femininity. It offers a necessary mirror for those who have felt unseen while serving as a powerful resource for personal growth, reflection, and deeper conversations around representation and self-love. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a heartfelt and thought-provoking read that centers healing and identity.

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was like a breath of fresh air to read a book that highlights the intersectionality of the black,fat, and femme experiences. Dr. Jonathan P. Higgins did a great job narrating their story in a way that felt so relatable, yet expressed their own unique experience. It was almost as if I was talking to my bestie or cousin and we were having a very real conversation about it. Granted, I enjoy the BFF podcast that them and Jordan Daniel host every week, but it was nice to actually read about their story.

The intersectionality of race,culture and gender is very real and often something we do not talk about as a whole. This a book great for those navigating intersectionality and their personal identity, for those who struggle to feel accepted in spaces that are supposed to feel safe and most importantly, learning how to love yourself when it feels like everything is against you.

The level of resilience and healing the book brings is comforting and finally a space to feel seen in the black, fat, femme experience. ESPECIALLY in the world we live in today.

A wonderful cozy read that is easy to follow. Definitely recommend!

[Tori DeFazio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I was absolutely blown away by Jonathan P. Higgins' novel, Black. Fat. Femme. Higgins takes us on their personal journey and inability to find comfort and safety due to their intersectionality of identities (black, fat, femme, growing up in faith- Jehovah Witness). Part education and part memoir we learn about the reality of the black, fat, femme experience through Higgins life. Higgins really and truly gives flowers to the black fat femmes before them. I learned a lot from this book and recommend it to anyone who has experienced bullying from family members, rejection due to their identities, and is working on embracing their unique self! Another highlight in this novel was Higgins explaining how so many learn about the gay experience/culture from primarily white, fit, gay media representations! Highly recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook Black. Fat. Femme.

[Felisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

So glad I came back to this. The audiobook narrated my the author is great and moves at a fast pace. 

It's also about recognizing the power in being a Black fat femme. You've had it in you all along, so did our ancestors and trans and nonbinary siblings. We have been and will always be the blueprint. 


Their voice about the lack of Black queer representation and Black fat femme rep while growing up and today is an important one. There were so many parts I will take with me, including this quote from their therapist: 

"My therapist would later share: 'Radical self-love is taking care of yourself. It's not just knowing that your have the right to be loved, but more, it's letting go of the idea that you have to be perfect in order to have the love that you think you deserve'"

Content Warnings

Graphic: Fatphobia, Homophobia, Racism

Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Eating disorder, Suicidal thoughts

Minor: Abandonment

[Ja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Higgins examines the cross intersectionality of being black, fat, and femme in this analysis and critique of the stereotypes in media and social commentary. Higgins' shares a little bit about their own personal life story, reflecting on their experiences growing up and the threat of toxic hyper masculinity that was expected of them from the male adults in their life. Higgins critiques the lack of representation in media, even in shows that are expected to celebrate diversity like RuPaul's Drag Race. But over time, those barriers are being broken down, albeit extremely slowly. Like anything obstacle in society, we must continually reflect and look for ways to break down these barriers so that more stories can be told that reflect the diversity of people who are actually watching and engaging with these shows.

It's a quick and inspiring read that's worth your time.

[August Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonathan P. Higgins gives us a journey through their life and how being a black fat femme person has given them hardships and how not having representation in media can also shape what other people think of you at a glance. It's always one thing to be marginalized in one way but having a trifecta of diversity can make it very difficult to find your place and ppl who accept you.
I picked this book up as someone who's white, fat, and trans. As someone who's also fat and non-binary I loved hearing about their journey to accepting themself.
I wasn't familiar with Jonathan Higgins before this book but it was a very good read and I'm definitely gonna be following their socials and looking forward to more of their work!
4/5⭐

[Charlie - disableddaydreamer | itsbarbieparis (looking for mutuals) · Rating 4 out of 5]

thank you to netgalley, author jonathan p higgens ed. d, and publisher, rbmedia for this audiobook copy of black. fat. femme. what a delight, thank you!
all opinions are my own, regardless and always.
this book was honest, while empowering at the same time with practical discussions and expressions of life lessons learned, and a path forward.
this was a good read and should find its way to your bookshelf. the insight, eloquent storytelling and empowering message is needed right now.
this was release march 25, 2025, meaning it’s out now!
i highly recommend the audiobook which was clear and comforting.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Early enjoyed this memoir and not knowing anything about the author prior to this this was still a really enjoyable and interesting read. as a fellow fat person there are some things that I could relate to and some that were totally new ideas to me with the cross-section of race and fatness and queerness.

I will say that this book really relies on you having some sort of media cultural knowledge from the early 2000s. and while some of it I also consumed as media and so I understood the references some of it I was unfamiliar with and so is harder for me to fully connect to those concepts.

overall, definitely one I will be recommending

[Kayleigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't familiar with Jonathan P. Higgins before the book and honestly, am not even familiar with Ru Pauls Drag Race, which has significant impact on the storyline, but always appreciate the opportunity to hear a new message.
This whole book felt like a conversation over pasta and wine, and I really enjoyed that part. I enjoyed the life lessons learned and honest self critiques that came along with it.
The audiobook was clear and well-paced. Definitely an easy read.

[Marietere T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adored this. Loved this. So much.

Like I had such a great fun time listening to this and learning more about gender identity. SO great. I have no more opinion, just that. Love.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be in every high school and college library.

[Jess M. Samuels · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonathan’s memoir is heartfelt and deeply personal, filled with vulnerability and pride. His reflections on identity and the powerful impact of role models—especially those who reflected even a small piece of his experience—really resonated. You can feel the importance of representation on every page. It's moving to see Jonathan step into that space himself: proudly Black, femme, and fat, offering visibility for those who’ve felt unseen. Memoirs are always tough to rate, but this one deserves a solid four stars.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a close to my heart for me as I have the honor of knowing the author personally (a first for me!) Watching the book writing & publishing process they went through made having this book on my shelf made it so much more special. This book was a glimpse into Dr. JonPaul’s life experiences just as the title suggests. The use of media as representation of what is beauty - especially in the early 2000s - did hit home for me as a young Latina trying to “fit in” to society’s beauty standards & being far from what was being presented. This is just the beginning of their authorship & I can’t wait to see what comes next!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonathan discusses the intersectionality of gender, fatness, race and identity in this book. I appreciated the way they connected media to how many people learn to identify themselves. It is sometimes the 1st time someone can connect with someone that feels, sees or acts like them. I really connected with a lot of the experiences they had with growing up fat in society and how anti-fatness shows up in the family. I also really loved how much Jonathan celebrated joy and love and those that helped them discover who they are. It was a powerful and beautiful book and one that I hope you pick up.