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.

[1QuirkyKiwi]

Originally Posted by nycfembbw

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?

Kenya (one of my favourite places) and Botswana are fat accepting and encourage their women to be fat…

One of my best friends is South African from Durban; when I went there with her on holiday, I was met with some negativity, but, not a lot.

Crikey! Umm… I know my self confidence and comfort about my body comes from fat positive role models from my Maori and Italian Grandmothers and other fat women within my family. My Maori Grandmother was 5’ 10, weighed 35 stone and was very active and healthy until the day she died. My Italian Grandmother was 5’ 6, weighed about 25 stone and was equally fit and healthy, again until she died. I’m 5’7 and weigh a pleasant amount, yet, I’ve always been active.

My role models refused to be stereotyped by western standards of what a fat person is seen as in their perspectives.

My body is my temple; it may not be the ‘ideal’ of what many may feel is attractive, yet, it’s still mine. It’s taken me on adventures I never dreamed of having. It’s helped keep me fed and with a roof over my head when I worked as an Artist’s model at the GSA in Glasgow. It carried my daughter, nourishing her and keeping her safe.

What has been said to me so often and by Butch’s who usually prefer slender Femmes is; my acceptance of and my comfort with my body and my willingness to enjoy life, despite my size, and not make apologies or excuses for being my size. When people ask why I’m fat, I tell them the truth and that I can’t help my genetics, yet, I can try to keep healthy.

Also, I have a few retorts to fire back should the need arise, lol!

[1QuirkyKiwi]

My brain misplaced this thought... there is (or was. I don't know is it's still the case) a plus size model called Megan Garcia who taught Hatha style Yoga in NYC. She explained how to adapt the Asanas to suit a fat woman's body type and used props as well.

She had a book published called; Mega Yoga.

[1QuirkyKiwi]

I’m sitting here eating a stuffed Avocado and letting my mind musings take a stroll (this can often lead to weird and interesting thoughts and can get me into trouble! LOL!), when I remembered two previous GPs saying that my body shape is that of an Avocado Pear! … It’s between an Apple and a Pear shape. I also remember the huge smile that gave me.

Neither Doctor knew each other, as they were in different countries and when I asked the woman GP who said it, she said that a small percentage of women fall into this category.

If I may ask; are there any other Avocado Pear shapes here?

Are you Pear or Apple shaped?

[aishah]

i'm more hourglass shaped...i'm top and bottom heavy. i carry some weight in my waist but not nearly as much as the rest of me. i love the idea of being avocado shaped! hehe

[1QuirkyKiwi]

Originally Posted by aishah

i'm more hourglass shaped...i'm top and bottom heavy. i carry some weight in my waist but not nearly as much as the rest of me. i love the idea of being avocado shaped! hehe

My arms are thick, but, not fat. I have ample breasts, a waist that is shaped like an hour glass, a round belly and very wide hips with large round thighs.

Thank you for sharing.

[clay]

just stopping by...to admire all the beautiful ladies in here....you are all truly gorgeous...thru and thru..I heart each one of you!!!