The 1997 West Coast Fat Women's Gathering will offer an exciting lineup of speakers and performers, guaranteed to enlighten and entertain.The schedule includes...
It all happens November 7-10, 1997, at the Best Western Executive Inn in Fife, Washington (near Seattle). The gathering is produced by SeaFATtle and endorsed by the Fat Feminist Caucus of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance.
- Alice Ansfield, founder and publisher of Radiance magazine, and Judy Freespirit, member of the legendary Fat Underground and chair of the NAAFA Fat Feminist Caucus, on the history of the fat acceptance movement
- Marilyn Wann, editor of FAT!SO?, on the next generation of fat activism
- Certified Health Care Assistant Pam Saari, chemist Martha Koester, and therapist Hallie Condit, on "Debunking Myths Around Fat, Food and Health"
- Deborah Parks Satterfield, actress, writer and founding director of the African American large-size lesbian comedy troupe 4 BIG Girls, on "Mirror Mirror: A Self-Esteem And Body Image Workshop"
- Mara Nesbitt, licensed massage therapist, on "Yoga for Large People"
- Silva Tenenbein, critical semiologist, on "Fat Oppression"
- Professional seamstress and patternmaker Laura Woodruff, on "Sewing and Patternmaking For Fat Bodies"
- Lisa Harold, coordinator of the NAAFA Diabetic SIG, on "Taking The Fear Out Of Diabetes"
- Poet and novelist Susan Stinson, author of Belly Songs and Fat Girl Dances With Rocks, reading from her work
- Filmmaker Lorna Boschman, presenting the world premiere of her feature length docu-comedy "The Seven Day Poodle Diet"
The program will also feature vendors selling clothing, jewelry, accessories and artwork for women of size; a fashion show; private swim parties in the hotel pool; a dance; a talent showcase; a clothing swap; an interactive murder mystery performance; and a chance to meet other women who share concerns about "life in the fat lane."
[Ed.: NAAFA director Sally Smith later commented that "fat kids slip between the cracks all the time."]
