What a terrific writer T.C. Martin is! I read this like unfolding and sucking on a candy, savoring it. What makes it an exceptional read is 1) the actual storytelling and language. 2) T.C. is honest, and confident; one feels it from the start. That confidence of self, mixed w making naked their vulnerability and both being seen and seeing themselves, is a enticing combo.
I realized, reading it, that I have rarely read a memoir by someone fat that manages to turn a cool outer lens on the world and a gentler one on their interior self. What I’m saying is that self-hating is largely absent here, though its painful emotional residue is sensed as past chapters of self thatTC has moved through, learned from, is steadily discardjng, to claim a more loved self. To claim their desire as a very large desiring gay man. That narrator voice/perspective read so fresh.
I didn’t rush through my reading. I slowed down. Savored. thought: Oh, he’s a really good writer.
A real talent. Younger, fresh, gentle, bold voice. Powerful.
What a great read. When being a marginalized person, it’s hard to tell sometimes what categorize as love or fetishization when you are so young. “ I want to be loved on the ground..”
feeling very seen this morning. and it felt very healing to read this: "I want to be loved here on the ground, as I am—not for what convenience I provide or what my body may become. I will be held this way, or I will hold myself."
I will be thinking about this for a long time. Thank you for sharing your work!
The way TC manages the undercurrent emotions of this essay is so compelling. The entire thing is perfect, but god—the final line levels me. Thank you so much for this incredible, thoughtful piece. Going to reread this one again and again.
Just gonna brag here and say T.C. is one of my former students. I could not be prouder.
Thank you, Roxane! The class was a joy, and this very essay began long ago as a kernel in one of my workshop submissions. Full circle moment.
What a terrific writer T.C. Martin is! I read this like unfolding and sucking on a candy, savoring it. What makes it an exceptional read is 1) the actual storytelling and language. 2) T.C. is honest, and confident; one feels it from the start. That confidence of self, mixed w making naked their vulnerability and both being seen and seeing themselves, is a enticing combo.
I realized, reading it, that I have rarely read a memoir by someone fat that manages to turn a cool outer lens on the world and a gentler one on their interior self. What I’m saying is that self-hating is largely absent here, though its painful emotional residue is sensed as past chapters of self thatTC has moved through, learned from, is steadily discardjng, to claim a more loved self. To claim their desire as a very large desiring gay man. That narrator voice/perspective read so fresh.
I didn’t rush through my reading. I slowed down. Savored. thought: Oh, he’s a really good writer.
A real talent. Younger, fresh, gentle, bold voice. Powerful.
Thank you and congrats TC!
What a great read. When being a marginalized person, it’s hard to tell sometimes what categorize as love or fetishization when you are so young. “ I want to be loved on the ground..”
This was both beautiful and painful to read as someone who relates all to well to his experiences, thoughts and insecurities. Deeply moving.
So, so, so good. Thanks for sharing your words, TC
feeling very seen this morning. and it felt very healing to read this: "I want to be loved here on the ground, as I am—not for what convenience I provide or what my body may become. I will be held this way, or I will hold myself."
I will be thinking about this for a long time. Thank you for sharing your work!
Just. Thank you.
This was incredible and necessary and as a fat queer person relatable on every level!
Beautifully written essay!
The way TC manages the undercurrent emotions of this essay is so compelling. The entire thing is perfect, but god—the final line levels me. Thank you so much for this incredible, thoughtful piece. Going to reread this one again and again.
Helluva writer!!
Sometimes just a few of the wrong words out of someone is really all we need to know: NO. Not this one.
So much to ponder.
Thanx
Thank you for this.
Beautiful 💛
Thank you for this writing T.C. Thank you!