By Jillian A. Bogater, QueerZineLit publisher
Sometimes Knoll Larkin has trouble finding people he can relate to.
"I already feel on the fringe: I identify as fat, trans, kinky..." Larkin said. "I'm a minority in a minority group."
But these labels aren't roadblocks for Larkin, who works as health services coordinator at Affirmations, a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community center in Ferndale, Mich. Instead, he took these identities and put them into action. The result is "Size Matters: A Dialogue for LGBT Communities of Size," which took place June 14, at Affirmations.
"Size is a big issue in the LGBT community, but people don't really want to talk about it," Larkin said. "There are rigid standards people lace on their bodies."
"It's taboo to find a fat person attractive. But believe me, there are lots of people who do find us attractive."
The program included panelist and community members who shared personal experiences as people of size, and encourage dialogue on how to strengthen the community. Larkin said he hopes to continue with additional workshops focusing on body image that will be open to people of all sizes, including admirers and allies.