The weight of stigma: Charlie and the fragility of bodies in the age of lightness

Abstract

This study examines the intersectionality between obesity and homosexuality, focusing on how the intersectional stigmatisation of these identities produces distinct experiences of exclusion, vulnerability, and systemic discrimination. Through a qualitative and reflexive narrative approach, the research explores the lived experiences of Charlie, a fat homosexual man, to illustrate how fatphobia and homophobia converge to reinforce social, structural, and symbolic marginalisation. Within the LGBTQ+ community, obesity is not merely a health concern but also a marker of exclusion that shapes access to social support, affects self-esteem, and influences affective and sexual relationships in a culture that prioritises thin and muscular bodies as desirable. This study highlights the impact of stigma on physical activity participation and healthcare access, emphasising how discriminatory discourses discourage engagement in sports and medical settings. Methodologically, the research adopts a narrative paradigm, using storytelling both as an analytical tool and as a form of representation. The findings indicate that the dual stigma of obesity and homosexuality intensifies mental health challenges, social isolation, and internalised shame, perpetuating cycles of marginalisation. The study advocates for inclusive policies in exercise and healthcare contexts, and for structural change that challenges discriminatory norms and supports body and sexual diversity.