My Top 5 Fat Positive Experiences of the Summer
August was Fat Liberation Month, and now that we’ve entered September, I thought I’d take a moment to celebrate my fat positive experiences of the summer! In no particular order…
5. I went CAMPING!
I brought my big, tall, queen-size air mattress and put it in my big, tall, four-person tent. I wanted to be comfortable. I wanted to be able to get out of bed fairly painlessly. I wanted to have plenty of room to stand up. What a glorious, glorious weekend in nature! People of all sizes deserve to have access to nature in this way.
4. I sold LOTS of fat positive art!!
I participated in two hoppin’ art fairs this summer and had a freakin’ BLAST. There is simply nothing that compares to seeing the faces of people who feel seen and celebrated by my creations. It majorly fills my cup and I can’t wait for more!
3. I advocated for my needs!
I can recall multiple occasions this summer where the chairs in restaurants and cafes I visited were evil, bruse-inducing contraptions. I asked for something better every time. I just keep getting better at not internalizing the anti-fat bias I encounter in the world. In other words, if people want my business, they’re gonna have to make me comfortable. It’s not MY fault if your chairs suck.
2. I started teaching in-person yoga classes just for fat folks in Chicago!
I’m now teaching a weekly class called Joyful Yoga for Bigger Bodies in Lincoln Park (at Bella Valore Wellness), and I’m teaching periodic classes with Big Bodied Baddies. Fat community is so good, y’all. I love moving my body in community with other fat people, and I love creating a fitness/wellness space that is free from diet culture BS!!
1. I participated in a Diet Book Burn
A friend of mine who’s an anti-diet dietitian has been taking diet books from little outdoor libraries around the city, collecting them to prevent others from picking them up and being harmed by them. She was about to move into a new apartment so rather than bring them with her, she decided it was time for them to go. Man…it sure was cathartic!!
Advancing fat liberation happens in big and small ways, and so much more is needed from all of us. I’m so grateful for the activists who came before me and paved the way so that I could live without shame, find community, heal from my eating disorder, receive unbiased medical care (sometimes), and so much more. The work is far from over. And taking a moment to celebrate wins and progress is essential!
