Aubrey Gordon

Aubrey Gordon is a New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, and activist whose work has influenced public conversations around fatness, anti-fat bias, and wellness culture. Gordon began writing an essay series anonymously under the pseudonym Your Fat Friend, addressing discrimination and anti-fat bias. The original post that initiated her writing and activism was a letter to a thin friend, aiming to highlight the differences between their experiences. Gordon maintained anonymity for safety reasons after receiving threats and revealed her identity prior to publishing her first book.

Before focusing on writing, Gordon spent 12 years as a community organizer, contributing to the passage of pro-LGBTQ laws, including efforts that made Oregon the second state to require insurers to cover healthcare for trans people. She also led a nonprofit organization that supported voter registration and advocated for the rights of immigrants, voters, and the 2SLGBTQ+ community. This background in grassroots organizing informs her approach to writing and activism, emphasizing systemic change.

Gordon is the author of "What We Don't Talk About When We Talk About Fat" and "You Just Need to Lose Weight" and 19 Other Myths About Fat People, both of which address fat liberation, weight stigma, and health. She cohosts the podcast "Maintenance Phase" with journalist Michael Hobbes, where they debunk myths and misinformation surrounding health, nutrition, and wellness trends. The podcast has reached a wide audience and achieved top rankings in the health and fitness category on Apple Podcasts.

Her work explores scientific research and methodology around fatness, as well as her personal experiences. Gordon is a columnist with SELF Magazine, where she writes about health, weight stigma, and fatness. Her writing has also appeared in Health Magazine, Vox, Gay Mag, The New York Times, Literary Hub, and Glamour, establishing her as a leading voice in fat liberation and health equity.

A documentary about Gordon's life, also titled "Your Fat Friend" and directed by Jeanie Finlay, premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival. The film follows her journey from an anonymous blogger to a bestselling author and podcaster. Through her books, podcast, columns, and documentary, Gordon has built an international platform that challenges audiences to examine assumptions about bodies, health, and human dignity.