This is an open letter to our community about our recommitment to DEI and why it’s more important than ever.
Diversity isn’t a trend. It’s a commitment and one that we don’t take lightly. Over the past few years, we’ve watched major corporations quietly walk back their DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) commitments. Brands like Amazon, Target, and others have scaled down or eliminated diversity programs, programs they once proudly touted. These decisions send a clear message about whose voices and experiences matter most in their bottom line. Here’s a timeline of all the major companies rolling back DEI programs.
Like most radical movements, fat liberation began with marginalized folx who were sick of being mistreated and stood for themselves. In 1967, there was a protest in New York’s Central Park called the Fat In. 500 people ate, burned diet books, and were publicly and unapologetically fat. The fight for fat equality continues, and unfortunately, people often forget that size inclusion is the I in DEI. When resources are pulled from some marginalized groups, they are eventually pulled from all marginalized groups.
Let’s Talk About Target
Let’s start with the facts: In response to the murder of George Floyd Target launched Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) in 2021 and pledged to invest $2 billion in Black-owned businesses by the end of 2025. In the following years, the retailer continued to make financial pledges to Communities of Color. Although we couldn’t substantiate Target’s total contribution to date, in January of 2025 the retailer announced they’d be rolling back all of its DEI programs, including REACH.
Target stores have a large presence in urban areas, which is one of the reasons why Black Americans made up roughly 8.9% of consumer spending at Target. This is also why it made sense for Target to collaborate with more urban communities and center their needs.
Public reaction to the DEI rollbacks have been swift. Yet, despite public demand, many corporations are choosing profit over people. We refuse to follow suit, this is our recommitment to DEI.
Why We’re Doubling Down on DEI
Diversity isn’t just a buzzword, it’s the foundation of strong, inclusive communities. Representation matters. Access matters. A commitment to centering marginalized voices isn’t optional, it’s necessary.
Fat Girls Traveling Tours offers inclusive and immersive tours that allow our travelers to connect locally and globally. We’re dedicated to collaborating with local travel partners and tourism brands to create more sustainable and equitable travel opportunities for our clients.
One of our travel partners, Intrepid Travel, made a commitment to expand their DEI initiatives. As consultants for their Ethical Marketing Guidelines, we are proud to be a small part of the big changes Intrepid is making.
As a travel brand built by and for plus-size women, we know firsthand what it means to be excluded. We also know that when diverse voices are uplifted, everyone benefits. That’s why, as brands step away from DEI, we’re stepping up our recommitment to DEI.
Here’s what that looks like moving forward:
1. We’re Divesting from Brands That Abandon DEI
Effective immediately, The Fat Girls Guide will no longer promote, work with, or create new affiliate links for Amazon and other companies that have chosen to abandon their DEI commitments. Our dollars have power, and we’re choosing to reinvest in businesses that actively support inclusion, equity, and representation.
2. We Will Continue to Amplify Black-Owned Businesses & Diverse Creators
As a Black-owned business, marginalized communities have always been at the heart of our platform. We will continue to celebrate Black History every month, and highlight Black-owned businesses, creators, and travelers who are actively working towards making the world more inclusive.
3. We Will Continue to Advocate for the Queer Community
The Fat Girls Guide has always been a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. We will continue to speak out against discriminatory policies, uplift queer voices, and ensure our platform remains a space of true belonging.
4. We Will Continue to Speak on Abortion Rights & Women’s Health
Women’s bodies are constantly under attack. We refuse to be silent about abortion rights, reproductive healthcare, and the systemic barriers that impact access. Our platform will continue to be a resource for information, advocacy, and action.
5. We Will Continue to Empower Women to Speak Out
We are a collective of women who have always and will always advocate for women’s rights. Whether it’s in travel, healthcare, politics, or everyday life, we will continue to encourage women to share their stories, demand better, and take up space, unapologetically.
What You Can Do
If you believe in true inclusivity, here’s how you can take action:
- Support businesses that prioritize diversity. Look for Black-owned brands, queer-owned businesses, and companies with genuine DEI initiatives and those making a recommitment to DEI
- Vote with your dollar. Divest from brands that don’t align with your values and reinvest in those that do.
- Hold brands accountable. If a company you love has abandoned its DEI commitments, tell them why it matters to you.
- Continue the conversation. Share this post, uplift marginalized voices, and make it clear that diversity isn’t optional.
Here at The Fat Girls Guide, we’re not just celebrating Women’s History Month, we’re recommitting to the work of making history. Diversity isn’t a marketing strategy. It’s a necessity. And we won’t stop fighting for it.
Let us know in the comments how you are holding brands accountable.
