If you grew up in the 80s or 90s, chances are you held the character of Momma Grape in your mind as a cautionary tale. “Be fat, sure, but never be as fat as Momma.” We put on our Fat Liberationist caps and delved deeper into this character, and the woman behind the role, the late Darlene Cates. Turns out Cates was a fats rights activist before there even was such a thing. In this context, and upon rewatching the film, it became clear that her performance was a gift to our movement. We challenge you to watch again, while remembering that Cates was an actual fat person (maybe one of the only super fat AFAB performers of her time). We think you’ll see the power behind the real message behind the performance, it is shame, NOT FAT, that keeps Momma removed from society.

This heartfelt artwork, drawn by Chub Rub founder and artist, Candace Frank, is designed to celebrate this amazing fat icon. Stick it where you’ll see it when you need a good dose of body-positivity.