The NAAFA Community Voices Blog has a new Editor!
Photo is of a fat, white woman in her early 40’s sitting on a building stoop. The image is cut off at mid-chest. She is facing to the left, but looking at the camera, smiling slightly, with her mouth closed. Her hair is dark brown with light highlights, and falls below her shoulders. She has brown eyes and is wearing a green top. The background features a tree and exterior of a brownstone.
We're excited to introduce you to Janet Conroy-Quirk, who is taking on the role of Blog Editor of the NAAFA Community Voices Blog. Janet will work with our communications team to grow readership and build relationships with new writers.
“I’ve been a lot of different sizes in my 42 years of life. At each point, weight stigma has influenced how people engage with me in professional, social, and personal settings. The effects of those conversations, comments, and actions are real and traumatic.
I describe myself as a social worker, writer, editor, actress, speaker, advocate, and activist. But I’m also someone in need of a community that values and empowers me. Aren’t we all?
I’m honored to join the NAAFA community, particularly in this role. I believe that the process of sharing stories allows us to leave a piece of ourselves in the minds of others, and spark further reflection and discussion. I look forward to helping others share their stories.
Thank you, NAAFA, for this opportunity.” - Janet Conroy-Quirk, MSW
Janet Conroy-Quirk (she/her) is a journalist and co-owner of National Plus Guide, a fat-positive resource/community. As a social worker, Janet worked with underserved populations in New York City for over 15 years. She then pursued acting, and holds multiple stage and film credits. She believes strongly in fat representation in the arts. Janet has also been very active in supporting proposed anti-weight discrimination legislation in Massachusetts. She has provided testimony about her experience with weight stigma and size-based mistreatment.
Welcome Janet!
To contact us about submitting a posting, go to naafa.org/comm-voices-guest-blog-form.