Taking Up Space: The Roots and Implications of Sizeism | Sessions

In a culture trained by centuries of sexism and racism to objectify women's bodies, to privilege thinness, and to condemn fatness, the importance of celebrating and respecting fat bodies can be difficult for some to grasp. Social systems of sizeism and ableism deny fat bodies equal worth, access, and value. Outdated practices in the healthcare industry invalidate personal autonomy, pathologize, and endanger big bodies. Anti-fat bias in hiring and recruiting can mean missing out on talented candidates who we assume to lack individual willpower or discipline simply because of their size. In this workshop, we explore sizeism and ableism through the intersectional lens of sexism, racism, and classism. We discuss the implications of anti-fat bias in the workplace and learn to create inclusive spaces for bodies of all sizes.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the concepts of sizeism, anti-fat bias, body positivity, and fat activism.
• Examine our experiences and messaging around fatness and fatphobia.
• Explore the systemic roots of sizeism and its implications in the workplace, education, and healthcare.
• Recognize and interrupt microaggressions and bias related to fatphobia.
• Practice with tools and skills to act as an ally to fat persons.