Hunger

The medical industry and its professionals often fail people of size. Doctors focus on weight before addressing other medical concerns, even if weight has nothing to do with why a patient has sought care. Medical facilities are not always made to accommodate fat bodies, with Gay’s nurses exacerbating the problem by displaying disapproval or pity whenever she is weighed. She avoids seeing medical practitioners as much as possible for this very reason.

In October 2014, Gay experienced a medical crisis when she fainted in her apartment and awoke to a broken ankle. She was forced to call emergency services and was hospitalized due to needing surgery. Lack of communication (and the situation itself being out of Gay’s control) left her feeling frightened and alone. Yet, this experience was also a turning point for her. Gay’s family descended upon the hospital to see her when they could, and she was reminded of how much they care about her: “When I broke my ankle, love was no longer an abstraction” (283). She has since come to terms with being vulnerable and openly expressing vulnerability—as this is but one step toward healing. Though Gay continues to deal with the everyday effects of trauma, she now understands that “gentleness” is not always “the calm before the storm” (283).