Mermaid Community Embraces Diversity

Chè Monique's childhood fascination with Disney's 'The Little Mermaid' evolved into a vibrant career as a professional mermaid. This calling was solidified at the 2012 Capital Pride Parade, inspiring her to embrace the burgeoning merfolk community. These real-life enthusiasts engage in various activities, from underwater performances to advocacy for water conservation, with many identifying as queer.

Monique observed a lack of representation for larger individuals within the merfolk aesthetic, particularly inspired by a fat Latina woman wearing an Ariel shirt. This realization spurred her to establish the Society of Fat Mermaids in 2015. The group actively promotes size inclusivity and diversity, offering both apparel and a supportive network, and has garnered a significant following on social media.

In 2023, Monique's story and the Society's mission gained wider recognition through the Netflix docuseries 'MerPeople,' a look into the half-billion-dollar mermaiding industry. This exposure coincided with the release of the live-action 'The Little Mermaid,' which featured Halle Bailey as Ariel, sparking discussions about representation that Monique actively participated in.

Looking ahead, Monique is preparing to launch 'School for Fish,' an online educational resource aimed at providing mermaiding lessons and facilitating discussions on topics like gender diversity within the field. Her overarching hope is to empower others to pursue their dreams, encouraging them to embrace their authentic selves regardless of external pressures.