Dating While Plus-Size? "Swipefat" Is The Podcast You Didn't Realize You Needed

A few months ago, while aimlessly scrolling through my TikTok feed, I stumbled upon a charming plus-size woman enjoying a glass of wine and critiquing the stark absence of body diversity on ABC’s The Bachelor. She expressed her frustration, noting that despite being a fan since the series’ inception, she had never seen anyone who resembled her on the show. Her argument highlighted how the lack of representation perpetuates the belief that larger women are unworthy of love and happy endings.

Not only was her message powerful, but it was her warm and engaging personality that prompted me to learn more. I discovered that the Swipefat TikTok account belongs to local body-positive influencer Jenna Hart and her self-proclaimed “fat best friend,” lifestyle coach Mia Torres. Together, they host the podcast “Swipefat,” which delves into the intricate world of dating as a plus-size person.

To be truthful, dating hasn’t been a major focus for me. After all, I’ve been happily married for years and met my husband when I was just eighteen. He was my first boyfriend, and our relationship blossomed without the need for extensive dating. Yet, there was something about Jenna and Mia’s TikTok that felt inviting and relatable. Intrigued, I quickly turned to Apple Podcasts to check out “Swipefat.” Despite having no personal experience with dating apps, I found myself completely engaged and nodding along, as their discussions resonated with my experiences as a plus-size woman, regardless of my marital status. I even felt a twinge of jealousy that they get to share their friendship in person while I could only listen from afar. Jenna and Mia are the kind of honest and humorous “fat best friends” I wish I had in real life.

Fortunately, Jenna and Mia took the time to chat with us about their podcast, bodies, friendship, and the dating landscape in 2021.

On Jenna’s motivation for that viral TikTok about The Bachelor:

“We’re beginning to see more representation in media, but reality TV still lacks diversity in body types. That’s not realistic. It’s crucial to see yourself reflected in these scenarios. Ultimately, we all crave happiness and love. If you can’t envision yourself in those fairytale moments on TV, it’s harder to picture them in your own life,” Jenna explained.

On cultivating confidence in larger bodies:

“I’ve been plus-size my entire life. Coming from a background in radio, I faced significant bullying that deeply affected me,” Mia shared. “I lost weight, but that didn’t solve my unhappiness. I realized that my health and worth aren’t defined by my size and began to focus on self-love, which changed everything.”

“I wasn’t always confident,” Jenna admitted. “I’ve always known I had a vibrant personality, so I thought, ‘it’s okay if I don’t have everything.’ My body positivity journey started with Instagram; it’s rare to find a plus-size food blogger who openly shares their body and love for food!” The encouragement she received spurred her on. “I was a late bloomer in body positivity, starting in my thirties!” Jenna chuckled.

On their preference for the term “fat”:

“Describing someone as ‘fat’ is just as valid as calling someone ‘thin.’ It’s been stigmatized because we associate it with laziness or poor health. That stigma needs to change. Being fat doesn’t determine your health status,” Jenna stated. “Our straight-sized friends were often upset when we named the podcast ‘Swipefat.’”

Mia laughed, adding, “Even our parents were taken aback!”

On dating as a plus-size person:

“Dating is challenging for everyone, but being plus-size adds another hurdle. We feel the need to include disclaimers on our profiles or warn potential partners about our bodies, even when we show them exactly how we look,” Mia noted. “We overthink our photos to avoid being labeled a catfish, and it’s disheartening to see disappointment on someone’s face when they meet you. There are also those who fetishize your body. It’s a lot to navigate.”

Jenna sighed, “It can be overwhelming.”

On how rejection can help ease the fear of it:

“Rejection is a part of life. Once you face it, you realize it’s not as devastating as you feared. It takes time to develop a thick skin, for sure. Now, we both seek mutual respect in our interactions. We need to remember that it’s a two-way street,” Jenna explained.

Tips for dating as a plus-size individual:

Just dive in. Mia advises, “Even if you feel anxious, you have to start somewhere. The anticipation is often worse than the reality. Know your worth—you’re beautiful, attractive, and have so much more to offer than just your appearance.”
Create your profile with friends. “Make it a fun night with wine! It really boosts your confidence,” Mia suggests.
Use authentic photos! “Choose images that showcase your confidence while still looking like you,” Jenna emphasizes. “Being honest helps you feel more comfortable when the date arrives.”

In addition to their podcast, Jenna and Mia also star in a FreebieTV series called “Dating in the Modern Age,” which offers insight into their experiences finding connections as plus-size women during a pandemic. They also manage a private Facebook group for plus-size individuals navigating the dating scene. “Girls share their first-date outfits and seek advice, which is wonderful,” Jenna said with a smile.

Many people lack a supportive plus-size friend. The “Swipefat” podcast and community aim to validate those feelings and experiences. “Just because you’re plus-size doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a meaningful relationship,” Mia reassured.

You can tune in to “SwipeFat” on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

If you’re interested in exploring more about home insemination, check out this insightful article on home insemination kits from our other blog. For reliable information on pregnancy and insemination, visit the CDC’s pregnancy resource page.

Summary:

“Swipefat” is a podcast that explores the unique challenges of dating while plus-size, hosted by Jenna Hart and Mia Torres. Their candid discussions cover representation in media, self-acceptance, and practical dating tips for plus-size individuals. By fostering a community for those navigating the dating world, Jenna and Mia empower listeners to embrace their worth and seek meaningful connections.