A motion toward large independence is “fat, glad, and healed.”

November 24, 2023

Freelance photographer Jackie Molloy recently attended the Philly FatCon, a gathering where people can observe their body. She talks about her weekend’s private thoughts.

I knew I was in the right place as soon as I exited the airplane.

There were other persons who resembled me and had curvy bodies that took up space. From the major area, where people were mingling and shopping throughout the industry, I could hear the voices and laughing.

Vendor Ashley Obenstine, who runs 'Obeillustration,' sells their work to attendees at Philly FatCon on Oct. 28. Obenstine was one of the vendors in the marketplace that included people selling art, jewelry, clothing and more.

For NPR, Jackie Molloy

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For NPR, Jackie Molloy

At Philly FatCon on October 28, the owner of” Obeillustration,” Vendor Ashley Obenstine, sells their creations to visitors. One of the sellers in the marketplace, which also included sellers of apparel, jewelry, and other items, was Obenstine.

There was artwork depicting chubby systems with belt bellies and visible stretch marks. larger-bodied people celebrating themselves on” I am system targets” blockchains.

There were racks of colorful clothing that began in length XL and rose from it. A comfort if you are over a length 16, clothing that people could really consider on and take home with them.

Latina song Elle Baez performs pop-soul songs at Philly FatCon with a focus on self-love and body positivity.

For NPR, Jackie Molloy

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For NPR, Jackie Molloy

Latina song Elle Baez performs pop-soul songs at Philly FatCon with a focus on self-love and body positivity.

At Philly FatCon, a fat-focused event where attendees can appear as they are and celebrate their body, I had just arrived.

Adrienne Ray, Kenyetta Harris, and Donnelle Jageman came up with the agreement in response to the second monthly Plus Swap, a plus-size clothes exchange based in Philadelphia that was established in 2021.

Alexis Krase, owner of Plus BKLYN, looks through a rack of clothes of the brand Lobo Mau at Philly FatCon last month. Krase was also a speaker at the event, as part of the 'Fat & Fashionable' panel.

For NPR, Jackie Molloy

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For NPR, Jackie Molloy

At Philly FatCon last month, Alexis Krase, user of Plus BKLYN, perused a plate of clothing from the line Lobo Mau. As a member of the” Fat & Fashionable” section, Krake also spoke at the occasion.

Celebrities, experts, and brands participated in panels this trip where they shared their personal experiences and offered guidance on a variety of subjects, including fashion and overcoming fatphobia.

There were heath classes that covered everything from dance courses like Twerk- lesque and” Free the Jiggle” to breath and move yoga. The teachers were all larger than average and made the groups adaptable for those who required it.

Queen Nzinga, who taught the Twerk-lesque group, has been a dance her whole life and was told that, despite her talent, she was too fat. This comment was met with nods of understanding from both parties. Currently, Queen performs comic as” Philly’s Twerk Queen.”

During the breathe and flow yoga class at Philly FatCon in October, Queen Nzinga (center ) was present. Breathing exercises were introduced in the group, and Laura Zales, the trainer, talked to the students about taking up space.

For NPR, Jackie Molloy

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For NPR, Jackie Molloy

During the breathe and flow yoga class at Philly FatCon in October, Queen Nzinga (center ) was present. Breathing exercises were introduced in the group, and Laura Zales, the trainer, talked to the students about taking up space.

” This is how I discovered how to heal myself. I’ve always believed that I am less than because of my pounds. I believed it to be a flaw, but it was actually my strength, Queen said.

She blasted City Women in her class and instructed students to stir anything they could. People cheered each other on as they strutted across the floor, connecting not only with themselves but also with their bodies, creating a lively power in the space.

The majority of the heath groups at Philly FatCon were attended by Assétou Xango. Xango claimed that they enjoyed having fun and being around large systems that were moving.

For NPR, Jackie Molloy

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For NPR, Jackie Molloy

The majority of the heath groups at Philly FatCon were attended by Assétou Xango. Xango claimed that they enjoyed having fun and being around large systems that were moving.

Queen told us,” We do n’t have places like this where we can just sit fat in a room.” ” We are the “normal systems,” they say. America is overweight. And people adore fat people, but that is n’t widely known enough. There is a flip side to being overweight where folks live loudly.

Attendees high-five each other at the end of the 'free the jiggle' wellness class taught by Jessie Diaz-Herrera at Philly FatCon on last month.

For NPR, Jackie Molloy

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For NPR, Jackie Molloy

At the conclusion of the “free the jiggle” healthcare course taught by Jessie Diaz- Herrera at Philly FatCon next month, participantshigh-five one another.

fostering constructive debates about obesity

The CDC estimates that nearly 40 % of Americans are overweight, but I hardly ever see myself or my society mentioned outside of conversations about weight loss.

Roohi Choudhry, an attendee at Philly FatCon, said she didn't always use the word 'fat' for herself and that it took her years to seek fat liberation. Now, she's ready to.

For NPR, Jackie Molloy

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For NPR, Jackie Molloy

Guest at Philly FatCon Roohi Choudhry claimed that she did n’t always use the word “fat” to describe herself and that it took her years to find fat freedom. Then she’s prepared to.

Just 48 articles about obesity had been written or published by conventional information sources between December 1, 2021, and November 30, 2022, according to a quantitative assessment of one month of national media coverage by the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance. Only 24 articles discussed large liberation or justice in any way.

The widespread misconceptions and prejudices that people have about people who live in larger bodies are a result of that kind of policy.

Carmen Guzman-Francesco (center ) performs during the Twerk-Lesque class at Philly FatCon. The class's instructor, Queen Nzinga, performed City Women.

For NPR, Jackie Molloy

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For NPR, Jackie Molloy

Carmen Guzman-Francesco (center ) performs during the Twerk-Lesque class at Philly FatCon. The class’s instructor, Queen Nzinga, performed City Women.

However, the truth is that there are many obese people who live violently and freely, and occasions like the one in Philadelphia keep happening, providing a secure setting for the celebration of larger people.

A portrait of Tareva Alston who attended Philly Fat Con. Alston

For NPR, Jackie Molloy

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For NPR, Jackie Molloy

Tareva Alston, who attended Philly Fat Con, is depicted in a photograph. ” Loved the event, it was enjoyable, and the area was on place,” said Alston. She said that because people in everyday life do n’t relate to you, you need people who can. For you to discuss the experiences you’re having in life, you need a society.

Participants and visitors at the convention discussed the unfavorable remarks made both in man and online.

These comments are attributed to Megan Ixim, a fat activist who sees them on Instagram and says they do n’t understand why fat people exist instead of hating themselves.

Last month, attendees took part in the breath and stream yoga class at Philly FatCon. Instructor Laura Zales discussed appropriate weight distribution and taking up space during the conference. Age, dimensions, and sex were among the attendees.

For NPR, Jackie Molloy

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For NPR, Jackie Molloy

Last month, attendees took part in the breath and stream yoga class at Philly FatCon. Instructor Laura Zales discussed appropriate weight distribution and taking up space during the conference. Age, dimensions, and sex were among the attendees.

The event was centered on the themes of body acceptance and body positivity, but it also acknowledged that these themes are part of a wider spectrum because some people do n’t feel at home in their bodies and are forced to embark on journeys of liberation and self-discovery in an effort to get there.

imageLeft: Jennifer Rogers, another visitor, described the event as “amazing” and said it was” so relief to know you can visit a place and get supported, appreciated, and loved.” Right: Last month, oblique painting was on show at Philly FatCon. srcset = “https: //npr” Brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3236748/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5700×4191 +0+0/resize1760x1294! /quality/90/? url=https %3A %2F%2.Fmedia politico. In order to diptych- 3_custom_- e2ca26c30237dea9d5bd881a11825eeb0a72b1c4, org %2Fassets %2.F2023 %22F11 %2f10 %2 ,Fphillyfatcon jpg 2x “width =”880” “height=”647″ loading =”lazy” src= “https: //npr” brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/895ce47/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5700×4191+0+1/resize/880×647! /quality/90/? url=https3A %2F%3Fmedia radio. Diptych- e2ca26c30237dea9d5bd881a11825eeb0a72b1c4 org %2Fassets %2.Fimg %22F2013 % 2 F11 %2f10 %3Fphillyfatcon jpg ‘ >

For NPR, Jackie Molloy

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For NPR, Jackie Molloy

Left: Another visitor, Jennifer Rogers, described the event as “amazing” and thought it was” sorely relieving to understand you may come to a place and be supported, appreciated, and loved.” Straight: Obeillustration artwork on display last month at Philly FatCon.

Folks I met that told me what about this event surprised them the most.

32-year-old Assétou Xango reflected on their own internalized fat bias and said,” I was confronted with my own inner narrative about fat bodies and what I thought they can and ca n’t do, what they are able and unable to wear. It’s difficult to avoid having internalized fatphobia when you’ve been typecast in a sure way for just existing because many people who live in large systems do.

Participating in the Twerk-lesque group is Assétou Xango. Participants at the convention had a choice of five heath classes.

For NPR, Jackie Molloy

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For NPR, Jackie Molloy

Participating in the Twerk-lesque group is Assétou Xango. Participants at the convention had a choice of five heath classes.

The agreement even included a market with dozens of vendors who were fat-friendly.

It was wonderful to see so many products, including plus-size women’s earrings and postcard paintings, that resembled me.

The third annual Plus Swap + Shop, where individuals bring clothes they hardly ever use and business them for recycling, was held on the final day of the agreement.

Cáer Smith brought clothing she doesn't wear in the hopes others would repurpose them at the Plus Size Swap + Shop at Philly Fat Con. She also picked up a swim dress, a brown silky button down and a black velvet dress from the swap.

For NPR, Jackie Molloy

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For NPR, Jackie Molloy

At the Plus Size Swap + Shop at Philly Fat Con, Cáer Smith brought clothing that she does n’t wear in the hopes that others would use it. From the switch, she also took a swimsuit, colored shiny button-down, and black velvet dress.

People who have chubby body have been denied the opportunity to shop in person for years. It is nearly impossible to shop for clothing in person or in dressing rooms because diverse brands scarcely carry extended sizes in stores.

Participants commented on how nice it was to really try things on and have a wide variety of options available for people of their size.

At the next quarterly Plus Size Swap + Shop event held last month during Philly FatCon, attendees browse through clothes. The columns were categorized by length, with sizes ranging from Xl-6X to 14-32. To join, participants had to take 5 to 20 products of good condition clothing.

For NPR, Jackie Molloy

/

For NPR, Jackie Molloy

At the next quarterly Plus Size Swap + Shop event held last month during Philly FatCon, attendees browse through clothes. The columns were categorized by length, with sizes ranging from Xl-6X to 14-32. To join, participants had to take 5 to 20 products of good condition clothing.

The changing rooms were welcoming and trustworthy, really like going shopping with a friend. Carmen Guzman-Francesco claimed to have received six products from the transfer, including a pricey costume that she is excited to wear.

This was incredible. There are some things that fit me that are n’t my friends’ or mom’s hand-downs.

Six items were given to Carmen Guzman-Francesco as part of the Philly FatCon garments exchange, including a pricey suit.

For NPR, Jackie Molloy

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For NPR, Jackie Molloy

Six items were given to Carmen Guzman-Francesco as part of the Philly FatCon garments exchange, including a pricey suit.

This was the first large protocol I had ever attended, and it was unique in Philadelphia.

With cranes, a ramp, and sturdy metal chair to support people in attendance, the founders made an effort to make the event, which was held at Temple University, as visible as possible. However, some felt there was n’t enough room in the board room.

imageMaking Our Own Communities: Large Women in Black Bodies. srcset = “https: //npr” Brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cf2a83b/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000×2664+0 + 0 / resize 1760×1172! /quality/90/? url=https3A %2F %3Fmedia. radio. Phillyfatcon is located at hr 041_custom- b571dc06e24ea74f75da5d1b63ffe3326a16d cf7.org %2Fassets %2.Fimg %22F09 % 2 Fjmm. jpg 2x” width =”880″ height=”586″ loading =”lazy” src= “https: //npr” Brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/163f767/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4000×2664+0 + 0 / resize880x586! /quality/90/? url=https %3A %2F%2.Fmedia politico. Phillyfatcon, hr 041_custom- b571dc06e24ea74f75da5d1b63ffe3326a16d cf7, org %2Fassets %2.F2023 %22F09 % 2 Fjmm. jpeg”>

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For NPR, Jackie Molloy

The author of Overweight Girls in Black Bodies: Developing Communities of Our Own, Joy Cox, gives a presentation to the audience.

” However, the cycle continues; even at occasions that are specifically focused on taking up space, it costs more money for us to do so!” Donnelle Jageman explains.

They hope to find a larger room the following year and book available and size-inclusive equipment.

imageLeft: Emily Broniszewski, a Philly FatCon visitor, said,” It’s crucial for us to be seen.” ” We make up the majority of the people, yet for some reason we are despised.” Right: Muntaha ‘ Muntti’ Khalid, who went to Philly FatCon with Victoria Hagan, a friend. srcset = “https: //npr” Brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/a6b9a66/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5700×4200+1+0/resize/1760×1296! /quality/90/? url=https %3A %2F%2.Fmedia radio. 2Fassets %2Fimg %3F2023 %2F11 %2 ,F10 %2, and Fphillyfatcon- diptych, org %5Facet %4Fcce3b3f31377b43c12a2aff5ed43. jpg 2x “width =”880″ height=”648″ loading =”lazy” src= “https: //npr” Brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/cedcc84/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5700×4200+0+00/resize/880×648! /quality/90/? url=https3A %2F%3Fmedia radio. 7afffc5dbd4fce3b31377b43c12a2aff5ed43, diptych- 2_custom, org %2Fassets %2.Fimg %22F2023 % 2 F11 %2Mphillyfatcon tiff”>

For NPR, Jackie Molloy

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For NPR, Jackie Molloy

Left:” Emily Broniszewski, a Philly FatCon visitor, said,” It’s important for us to be seen.” Despite the fact that we make up the majority of the community, we are despised for some reason. Right: Muntaha Muntti Khalid, who accompanied her companion Victoria Hagan to Philly FatCon.

Someone who lives in a larger figure is aware of how frightening it can be to be one of the overweight people in the world because false assumptions are frequently made about you and your health and because they are frequent goals of harassment, intimidation, and discrimination.

Every state already allows discrimination against overweight people at work.

The largest city to outlaw discrimination based on a person’s height and weight in employment, accommodation, and public accommodations was New York City earlier this year. The fresh legislation goes into effect on November 22.

Last month, an attendee stores at the Philly FatCon market. Panels, healthcare classes, and a platform of suppliers and event partners were all included in the agreement, which was hosted by Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

For NPR, Jackie Molloy

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For NPR, Jackie Molloy

Last month, an attendee stores at the Philly FatCon market. Panels, healthcare classes, and a platform of suppliers and event partners were all included in the agreement, which was hosted by Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Another Philly Fat Con participant, Emily Broniszewski, told me the occasion was “amazing, you’re thus protected from being bullied.” Oh, no one here is making fun of me, you’re saying.

I believe that’s all we really want as large people—a place to feel valued and free to come as we are.

Victoria Hagan, an attendee at Philly FatCon, shows off her McDonald's-themed nails.

For NPR, Jackie Molloy

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For NPR, Jackie Molloy

At Philly FatCon, Victoria Hagan displays her McDonald ‘s-themed nails.

Victoria Hagan might have best described the experience as follows:” As someone who has been overweight my entire life—since I was 7—waking up and realizing I’m going to an event where I do n’t have to question feeling safe and not feeling judged was very special.

At Philly FatCon last month, Queen Nzinga is the instructor of a Twerk-lesque group. Participants at the convention had a choice of five heath classes.

For NPR, Jackie Molloy

/

For NPR, Jackie Molloy

At Philly FatCon last month, Queen Nzinga is the instructor of a Twerk-lesque group. Participants at the convention had a choice of five heath classes.

Freelance photographer and writer Jackie Molloy resides in New York City. Visit @jackiemolloyphoto to observe her on Instagram.

This piece was pictures edited by Keren Carrión, a visuals director and producer at NPR.

This piece was wording edited by NPR writer Zach Thompson.

2023 Rights Politico Visit https ://www.npr.org to see more.

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