NO FATS, NO FEMS: A Guide to Queer Empathy and Unpacking Prejudice
RIGHTS AVAILABLE: Translation, Film/TV, and all other rights controlled by the bks Agency
RIGHTS SOLD: HarperOne publishes May 19, 2026 in North America and the UK
Mental health expert and queer activist Max Hovey shares the essential modern guide for understanding what divides us and the path to building a better community.
Activist Max Hovey has gained thousands of fans worldwide by challenging unconscious bias and unpacking the stereotypes and ideologies that queer people place on each other—and often on themselves. Combining diverse personal testimonies and the latest research from across the LGBTQIA+ community, this revolutionary guide will explore:
prejudice in queer spaces through discussions of race, class, and identity
the historical evolution of queer thought
internalized homophobia and its role in creating division
body image issues and the path to self-confidence
how to accept non-conformity and handle rejection
self-reflection through understanding different perspectives
ways to promote positivity and acceptance in ourselves and others
what having pride and community really means
Regardless of background or sexual orientation, our final destination is empathy, and Max gives us all the tools needed to get there. The Velvet Rage for a modern audience, No Fats, No Fems is an urgent call to action that offers a roadmap toward stronger community and a much kinder future.
Max Hovey is a London-based writer, creator, and queer activist. He dedicates his platform to sparking discussions about and promoting body acceptance, sex positivity, mental health awareness, and other topics relating to LGBTQIA+ issues. His writing and work have been featured in the Independent, Attitude Magazine, GQ, Bustle, and other outlets. No Fats, No Fems is his first book.
