Writer Evette Dionne
"The ocean is my favorite place to be. It makes me feel closer to God, so I just spent a lot of time communing in the ocean"
From Vogue:
"Evette Dionne—the writer whose first memoir, Weightless: Making Space for my Resilient Body and Soul, debuted on December 6—is all too used to talking about societally encouraged body-shaming; she did it for years as the editor of Bitch magazine, which ceased operations this summer after several decades’ worth of meaningfully engaging with questioning the long-ago-established thinner-is-better status quo. Still, Dionne’s careful recounting of her own story in Weightless adds particular expertise and nuance to the topic of fat identity—and in a far more permanent form.
Dionne’s book tells the story of a lifetime spent trying to get free of the stereotypes (both internalized and externalized) that are so often associated with being a fat Black woman, writing that her body has historically been “one that others map their expectations on, but it has never let me down.” Reading the story of her lifelong work around self-acceptance and body peace is an emotional yet energizing experience that may well encourage the reader still putting off that major life event until they’ve lost [x] pounds to reconsider."
Evette shares her self-care tips, which include visiting the Four Seasons spa, dancing to “Cuff it,” and peacefully sitting among the waves.
Last book you read...
The Lesbiana’s Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes. I deeply enjoyed this book!
Last thing that left you inspired...
I recently watched Taraji P. Henson’s appearance on Angie Martinez’s “IRL” podcast. She was talking about expecting the ways of the world to make her happy. She should be happy with her career, her relationships, her friendships, but instead, she was out of touch with what happiness meant to her. It was deeply sad, but her willingness to recognize that she is not happy and work toward getting back to center really inspired me. She was honest with the audience and, most importantly, with herself.
Last moment of self-care...
I was exhausted a few weeks ago, but I knew I had a lot of things to get done. Instead of pushing through though, I communicated my tiredness to those waiting on different assignments from me, set new deadlines, and went immediately to bed.
Last big splurge...
At the beginning of each new year, I spend the day at the Four Seasons spa getting my face cleaned, my body scrubbed and massaged, and my back re-aligned. It definitely costs me a pretty penny, but it is worth it.
Last song you danced to…
I have not stopped listening to “Renaissance” since it was released. The last song I danced to was “Cuff It.”
Last place you traveled...
I traveled to Tulum, Mexico, in February 2021. It was an amazing, soul-stirring experience. The ocean is my favorite place to be. It makes me feel closer to God, so I just spent a lot of time communing in the ocean — snorkeling, sitting among the waves, and just being. I also ate a lot of delicious food and rested until my heart was content to return home.