Mermaid Chè Monique (she/her), one of the stars of the Netflix documentary “MerPeople,” shares how each time she puts her tail on, she’s defying stereotypes of what it is to be fat and Black. She’s the founder of the Society of Fat Mermaids and developing an online school for folks interested in learning about mermaiding. She practices living from a place of joy and gives tips for how we can also.  Mermaid Chè Monique is a DC area based mermaid performer, model and MERtivational speaker. She is the founder of Society of Fat Mermaids, a size inclusive clothing line and celebratory community. Chè is a leader in the mer world who encourages education and inclusivity through work such as her online panel discussions, serving as an advisor for the Mermaid at Any Age community and online movements such at #MerfolkForBlackLives. Education and water safety are very important to Chè who is building out an online learning platform called, School for Fish. Chè Monique is also a NAUI Mermaid Instructor and partners with the Rising Tide Effect to spread messages on water safety.  Please connect with Chè Monique through her website and Instagram as well as the Society of Fat Mermaids Instagram.  This episode’s poem is called “Country of Water ” written by Mahogany L. Browne. Connect with Fat Joy on the website, Instagram, subscribe to the Fat Joy newsletter, and watch full video episodes on YouTube.  Want to share some fattie love? Please rate this podcast and give it a joyful review.  Our thanks to Chris Jones and AR Media for keeping this podcast looking and sounding joyful.