The Fat Positive Lounge

[nycfem]

This is so interesting! You've stayed in such a variety of different places and cultures. What part of Africa is most fat accepting, do you think? My brother's husband is from South Africa, and I've never been there.

That sucks about how hard it is in the UK. And yet, I admire the self-confidence you clearly possess and unwillingness to accept the fat-shaming and negative stereotypes. How did you manage not to drink the Koolaide?

Originally Posted by 1QuirkyKiwi

Thank you! I’ve noticed a huge change in the past 20 years to the attitudes of fat women in various cultures. If you’d asked me these questions 10 years ago, I would have said unreservedly Polynesia, Africa and Indonesia as the best fat friendly places to travel. Sadly, these cultures are now succumbing to the ‘fat is bad and unhealthy’ mentality. There are still people within these cultures who enjoy and accept us fat ladies, but, it’s being pushed behind doors.

Italy enjoys the womanly figure and is accepting; at least they are where my Nonna is from on the Tuscan/Ligurian border. In Norway, I’ve experienced fat positivity, but, not so much in Sweden…

Russia was my biggest shock! I was treated as though I was a Goddess and worth my weight in gold! (That’s a lot of gold, there! LOL!).

Africa was a dream come true! There, a woman’s belly, bum and thighs are deemed the most seductive and attractive….. The bigger the better! A woman can have enormous breasts, yet, they will not be gawked at in the same way. My thighs and belly were often the source of much admiration…

The truth is, I’ve experienced a fair mix of positive and negative acceptance around the world. What has made the difference is how I’ve handled it and handled myself in response to the negativity and myself as a Fat woman with pride and confidence (without being arrogant).

For me, the worst place is here in the UK. I’ve been met with some of the most hurtful and insulting comments and gestures from just walking down the road, minding my own business.