The Fat Positive Lounge

[nycfem]

There are certain words or phrases that I find oppressive and fat-negative. They are words that I may nod along with but am cringing inside. They are words that I even use at times when talking to people because I know it's their language. Here's my list. Do you have a list of words or phrases that you find to be fat negative?

1) "Overweight." Over WHAT weight? Some ideal determined by insurance companies and patriarchal doctors?

2) "War on Obesity." This is so literally negative and easily morphs into "war on fat people." How about something positive, especially for a phrase that is so often applied to children, like, "Team for Healthiness."

3) "Obese" and "Morbidly obese." When I hear these words, I immediately think of how cold and clinical they are. They are never a compliment, and that says a lot.

And how about fat positive words that we love hearing? Here's my list, and I'd love to know yours:

1) fat (direct, can be used negatively but also down-to-earth)

2) full-figured (feels direct and respectful- of course, as all fat phrases in our culture, can be used negatively)

3) voluptuous (sensual, complimentary, a "feel good" word)

[Gemme]

Rubenesque!!!!!

[Soft*Silver]

many of the women who I am coming in contact with this store, are not advocates for their size. They are blown away by my self acceptance and many flat out loathe themselves. If I used the word fat, I would lose them as customers. But ...I also know, like any change, it needs to be done or the word will continue to hurt them. Its one of those topics I want to do during one of my workshops/get togethers...The Power of Words.

Lots of people are using Curvy. Luscious plushious is a fav saying of mine. Hell, most of my customers cant see themselves as sexy. Some dont want to. Others do. (Lots to sift thru with that)

I dont call myself full figured because I always related that to someone with a fuller bustline, which I dont have. Not that I mind! I dont have the backaches like some of my full figured friends and relatives have!

I use the word overweight and dont feel guilty about it. Its what I was raised with as the polite word to use. It feels good to me and well, I am me and I use whats good for me, as long as I dont hurt anyone in the process of it.

[Soft*Silver]

recently I posted a sexy photo of a plus sized woman in red fishnets and red heels. One of my customers posted "ewww"....

wow, was i slapped in the face with her reality! She doesnt see herself as sexy at all, nor does she see sexy in any plus woman!

shocking to me..this is giving me quite the education! I am going to hold a plus size photo contest locally and one of the categories will be "Sexy"...I cant wait for the reactions, photos, etc!

[Licious]

I have struggled with weight issues most of my life. I am not prone to being thin, though less heavy some times than others. And I have that issue of not feeling so lovely when I am larger. Oddly, I see other large femmes as lovely and large butches as handsome, just hard on myself when have extra weight. I came here because I like the positivity and appreciate the thread. Thank you.

[Licious]

Excuse the double post. I wanted to say, last night I was checking out of CVS and two nice gay boys behind me in line, and saw them buying Vogue and saw Adele on the cover. How great is that! She's so purdy!

[LeftWriteFemme]

Originally Posted by Licious

Excuse the double post. I wanted to say, last night I was checking out of CVS and two nice gay boys behind me in line, and saw them buying Vogue and saw Adele on the cover. How great is that! She's so purdy!

I just couldn't resist posting this. If you watch to the end she talks about flashing a whole bunch of folks on the street.....very funny, I love how relaxed and herself she is!