One of the many reasons I admire Amy, is for her ability to challenge some of society’s limiting views, by empowering herself as a fat woman.
The first time I heard her speak about being fat, I heard her confidence in being proud of who she is and the power of being a fat boxer. She talked about how to be more physically powerful as a fat boxer. Before this moment, I only heard people speaking about being fat as shameful.
Besides being a defiant athlete, Amy is a Film Studies Professor at Lawrence University and also a vinyl DJ, Afrekete.
Parnee: The Buff Butch interview of you was really inspiring to me. I so appreciate your honesty of who you are, with no shame. We need more true to life role models like you.
Where did you get the term “defiant athlete” and what does it mean?
Amy: I first saw the term “defiant athlete” used in the fat activist and body positive communities.
A defiant athlete is someone who comes to the gym or the court or playfield even though they may not be expected or welcome. We have a very rigid, ableist, ageist and fatphobic idea of who “counts” as an athlete. A defiant athelete defies the expectations of others and even sometimes themselves to be an athlete.
A defiant athlete is someone who reclaims their own athleticism without waiting until they fit a societal mold. A defiant athlete is someone who works everyday to separate exercise from weight loss. A defiant athlete is a brave warrior.
Parnee: What is your advice to other defiant athletes that need encouragement?
Amy: Don’t let negativity from yourself or others guide what you do in the gym. You chose to be there for a reason whether its health, beauty, fitness or just for the fun of it all. Dont let anybody including yourself, stop you from getting what you came for. A defiant athlete is you. Yes. You. I promise.
Parnee: Thank you so much for being an inspiration to so many, including me.