Fat Girl Summer
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Plus size. Chubby. Heavyset. Big.
They all mean one thing: Fat.
I am fat.
I know. That can still be a pretty radical statement when we’re so conditioned to tip toe around the idea of being fat like it’s some terribly embarrassing affliction that must be avoided at all costs. But I see no reason not to claim my fatness when it is the leading characteristic so many people will notice, avoid mentioning, or attack at the first opportunity.
Comedian and author of the book Happy Fat: Taking Up Space in a World That Wants to Shrink You, Sofie Hagen said in an interview last year with Coco Khan of The Guardian, “I want us to reclaim the word fat….I know not everyone likes it…but fat is a neutral word. If you look it up, it doesn’t say good or bad. I want to remove the negative associations,” and buddy, I agree. Fat is not a curse word. Fat is not an insult. Fat is just fat. People throw the word ‘fat’ around like it’s got any weight (excuse the pun) like fat people are supposed to shatter into a million pieces because someone told us….we have fat on our bodies? Like we don’t know? Okay cool.
Trolls and comment doctors will say that because of my fatness I’m promoting a “harmful lifestyle” or that I’m on the fast track to death. That my fat body equates to having an unhealthy body. But if that’s your only argument, it’s not much of one. Why exactly should I be listening to you? Without knowing my daily life, my family history, or how my blood work was at my last doctor’s appointment you’re just regurgitating the same bullshit that has been tossed at fat people for decades. If you’re not gonna bother coming up with new material for your harassment and arguments, perhaps you’re better off not trying to start something to begin with.
So, in an effort to reclaim the word fat and to promote body positivity, body acceptance, and self love, I’m declaring it Fat Girl Summer! Fat Girl Summer means, at least for this one summer, trying to let go of those insecurities surrounding our bodies and accepting and even enjoying the ones we currently have. Wear shorts, crop tops, a bathing suit (one or two piece,) let those arms see the sun…but def remember to wear your body glide cause chafing is such a real thing for anyone with skin that touches during the summer.
Don’t worry, Fat Girl Summer isn’t just for women. Any fat person, regardless of sex or gender, is welcome to join Fat Girl Summer, I’m trying to start a club here….we can get embroidered jackets!
To kick off my own Fat Girl Summer I did a photoshoot in my first ever two piece bathing suit, belly and back rolls out for the world to see. Ya know what? I didn’t burst into flames, I didn’t melt into the earth from embarrassment, and the world kept turning. It was empowering to not give a fuck and to see that, for the most part, no one gives a shit what you do or show with your own body.
Obviously I’m not the first fat person to embrace their body and to put out a rallying cry for others to do the same, celebrities like Tess Holliday, Nicole Byer, and Lizzo have been fighting the good fight for years. But when it comes to the acceptance of fat bodies, I don’t think there’s any such thing as too many voices. Bodies change, they lose and gain weight depending on so many circumstances. Why should we have to hate our bodies just because they take up more space?
So if you’re willing and able, join me in this Fat Girl Summer revolution. Take up space. Don’t hide yourself to make others comfortable. 2020 is already a year of big and important changes, add accepting yourself to the list!
How are you going to participate in Fat Girl Summer? Going to wear something you’ve always wanted but were worried about being judged? Want to participate in an activity you don’t see many fat bodied people doing? What color do you think our jackets should be? Let me know in the comments below!
