Read WÆSTM
A new independent publication exploring fat liberation, anti-fat bias, and the politics of living in a fat body.
WÆSTM is a digital publication by ReGrowth — a space for essays, reporting, poetry, visual work, and critical thought rooted in fat justice. We’re building something that centres fat voices, takes ideas seriously, and refuses to water down the politics.
We’re not live yet, but we’re close. Here’s what’s coming.
ISSUE 1: UPROOT
The First issue is coming
Launching May 2026
What to Expect
Our debut issue will set the tone for everything WÆSTM is about: sharp analysis, lived experience, creative risk, and unapologetic fat politics.
We’re commissioning essays, personal narratives, poetry, and visual work from fat creators, especially those facing intersecting systems of oppression.
Future Themes
Each issue of WÆSTM will explore a theme through multiple lenses. Here’s what we’re planning.
fat bodies in public space
Architecture, transport, seating, and the built environment as tools of exclusion, alongside visibility and representation.
Medical Bias & Fat Health
Diagnostic overshadowing, weight-based denial of care, and reclaiming bodily autonomy.
Fat Childhood & Education
BMI report cards, PE trauma, school uniforms, parenting and what fat-affirming education could be.
Desire & Intimacy
Dating while fat, fetishisation, kink, desirability politics, and the radical act of fat pleasure.
Economic justice
Hiring discrimination, workplace hostility, dress codes, and the financial cost of being fat.
FAT CULTURE & ART
Media, art, fashion, the artist and the muse, beauty and representation.
Themes are subject to change based on community input and contributor proposals. Have an idea? Get in touch.
We want to hear from you
WÆSTM is built by and for fat people. We’re looking for writers, poets, artists, illustrators, photographers, and thinkers who want to contribute to our first and future issues.
We especially encourage submissions from fat people of colour, Indigenous, disabled, trans, and working-class creators. You don’t need to be a “professional writer” — we care about your voice, your ideas, and your craft.
Interested? Send us a message with your idea, a writing sample (if you have one), and a short bio.
Help us Make WÆSTM Happen
Running a publication takes resources. Your donation helps us pay contributors fairly, keep the publication finacially accessible, and build something that lasts.
Every contribution, no matter the size, goes directly toward commissioning work, accessibility features, and keeping WÆSTM independent.
Your donation funds
Fair pay for fat creators and contributors
Your donation funds
Accessibility: captions, transcripts, alt text, screen reader support
Your donation funds
Keeping WÆSTM independent — no corporate sponsors
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