Discursive entanglements, diffractive readings: Weight-loss-surgery narratives of Girth & Mirthers

Building on Barad’s (2007) discursive entanglements, we explore discussions about weight-loss surgery among Girth & Mirthers, a nationwide social club of big gay men ostracized from the larger gay community because of their size. They promote size acceptance, but are suspicious of surgeons promising social normality through gastric bypass. In interviews, they revealed positions regarding weight-loss surgery such as respect for others’ personal choices, soft opposition to invasive surgery, comparison to sadomasochism, and matters of attraction. Their positions coincide somewhat with those of feminist fat activists. Their live-and-let-live attitude can also be understood as a claim of control over one’s own body.