9:15 AM

Embracing Body Trust: Navigating Fatness in the Age of GLP1s, Diet Culture and Medical Stigma

In a world increasingly influenced by diet culture and medical stigma, embracing Body Trust can be a radical act of self-acceptance, empowerment, activism, and community care. This session will explore the complexities of living in a larger body in the era of GLP1 medications, societal pressures, and pervasive diet culture. Many of us have internalized messages that the only solution to anti-fat bias is weight loss (possibly with the aid of yet another potentially harmful drug). But the real solution is in disrupting oppressive systems that use anti-fat bias to uphold their power. We can do this through both trusting our bodies, and building fat activism and liberation in our communities. 

We will discuss the challenges and opportunities of fostering trust in our bodies, challenging medical bias, and highlight the importance of strengthening communities. Join us for an engaging conversation that aims to empower individuals to navigate these influences with confidence and compassion, while fostering a supportive community that celebrates all bodies.

Presenter(s): Sirius Bonner

Trigger Warnings: Suicide/Self-harm, Mention of specific clothing sizes and/or weights, Medical fat-phobia, intersectional oppression (racism, ableism, sexism, etc)

Track: PBL

11:30 AM

Invited Guest Gabi Dixon

Track: Fat Con Featured Content

12:45 PM

Sexualizing Fatness for Storytelling in Liberation

The representation of fatness in stories is hit or miss. Will it be humanizing or a vehicle for societal fears? Are our characters given voice or do others speak for us? Are we allowed to feel joy, grief, or lust for the purposes of our own storylines, or as plot devices for others?

Stories are immensely powerful, they are how we communicate and make meaning of and from the world. Whether they are stories intended only for ourselves, stories written for entertainment, or stories written to change our world, we can make stories that resonant, embrace, and free us. With a combination of writing exercises, discussion, and presentation, this workshop will explore the role of sexy stories in liberation work, how to use sexuality to build compelling characters, and share space with fabulous fat folks interested in storytelling and eroticism for a better world. Everyone deserves stories that make them feel seen, heard, loved, and desired. This workshop will discuss sexuality and sex using direct and accurate words, and may include swear words. The presenter values accurate and shame-free use of ‘NSFW’ words and believes it important opposition to censorship and stigma of these words. Audiences can bring their own writing device, or the simple notepad provided. They may bring in their own characters and stories or not as they wish, and they may spend exercise time following the exercises in real time, or be able to refer back to the exercises later if they wish. Audience members should come away with a framework for using elements of sexuality or eroticism in story building and an understanding of applications for stories in social change work.

Presenter(s): Zoe Brook

Trigger Warnings: Sexual Content

Track: VPAF

2:00 PM

Fat Trauma: Healing Through Community and Fat Joy

Fat Trauma: Healing through Community and Fat Joy is a powerpoint presentation led by Licensed psychotherapist Kayla Stansberry (@fatpositivetherapist).

The audience will be introduced to the concept of Fat Trauma, exploring both covert and overt trauma experiences while living in the fat body. Kayla will then guide the audience through the healing process, highlighting the importance of validation, community and direct resources. Visuals will be used when exploring community resources.

The audience will have ample time to ask questions regarding Kayla's experience in specializing in fat trauma and working with larger bodied clients. Audience will then be able to explore more community options and create community within the space.

Presenter(s): Kayla Stansberry

Trigger Warnings: Abuse (Physical, Sexual, Emotional)

Track: HCC

4:15 PM 

Freaky Fat Greeting: Love Lust and Liberation for Fat Bodies

Let’s dive into the delightful, daring, and sometimes challenging world of dating, friendships, pleasure, sex, self-love, kink, intimacy, ethical non-monogamy, and relationships as a fabulously fat person. Get ready for a workshop that's as bold as it is empowering, where we shatter stereotypes, celebrate our bodies, and explore the full spectrum of pleasure and connection. We will also discuss the impact of anti-fatness, and its intersection with other forms of oppression, on this important aspect of our lives. Whether you're looking to spice up your love life, deepen your friendships, or embrace your inner kinkster, this session will provide you with the tools, tips, and confidence to navigate it all with flair. Join us for an unforgettable journey where your fatness is celebrated-- but not fetishized, your desires are honored, and your freaky, fat fabulousness is front and center!

Presenter(s): Sirius Bonner

Trigger Warnings: Sexual Content, Abuse (Physical, Sexual, Emotional), Mention of specific clothing sizes and/or weights, SA, intersectional oppression (racism, ableism, sexism, etc)

Track: HCC 

9:15 AM

It's not you, it's the clothes: Debunking myths about plus-size fashion

Why is shopping for plus-size clothing so difficult? Learn why sizing is wildly inconsistent, how technical design choices make or break how something fits, and why it's worth exploring your personal style even if fashion isn't your thing.

Nico Herzetty (they/them) is the founder of Phoria, an online platform focused on helping plus-size and gender-expansive people build more sustainable and ethical wardrobes they love.

Presenter(s): Nico Herzetty

Trigger Warnings: Mention of specific clothing sizes and/or weights

Track: VPAF

10:30 AM

Weight Bias Through a Social Justice Lens: One College’s Journey

Last year as part of their employer's Social Justice Leadership Cohort, which is project-driven, Sara Lucas conducted a survey of employees to explore their experience with weight bias at work. As this is an institution of higher learning, they believe that how employees perceive their own experience of weight bias will directly impact the treatment of students. This presentation will explore the work they did to raise weight inclusivity at one community college in the midwest, and how it can apply across the country.

Presenter(s): Sara Lucas

Trigger Warnings: Mention of specific clothing sizes and/or weights

Track: PBL

12:45 AM

Don't let the start, STOP you! LAUNCH IT! Birthing something new and what it ultimately births in YOU!

Building as you fly, is one of the scariest, yet most rewarding things you can do. Hear how The Plus Strut, the 1st 5K run / walk for plus size women, in North America, was created. It's affectionately known as "the curviest 5K on the planet", serving the majority often seen as the minority...This one's for US!!

Presenter(s): Joy Tribble

Trigger Warnings: none

Track: HCC

2:00 PM

Make Fat Activism (Your) Work: How to use your business as a platform for change

As business owners, the value of making a statement has never been higher.

The rise of independent micro brands and side hustles has given customers a unique new insight into who they're shopping from, allowing them to put their money where their beliefs are. Business owners have a unique opportunity to directly support the causes that matter most to them in public ways. In this workshop we'll explore ways to use your business as a platform for Fat Liberation. We'll discuss methods to center marginalized bodies, how to support customer's discovery of Fat Liberation and the benefits to you as a business owner and as an individual. Participants will walk away with the framework needed to create a real plan for their business.

Presenter(s): Candace Frank

Trigger Warnings: none

Track: PBL

3:30 PM

Fat Liberation and Advocacy in the Workplace

Does your employer have affinity groups or a diversity, equity, and inclusion organization? If so, do they include anti-fatness as part of the discussion? Most don't! Join the discussion and learn how we can advocate for changes in the workplace that support fat liberation. Participants will be invited to learn, share ideas, and build a supportive network with the community.

Presenter(s): Sierra Campbell

Trigger Warnings: Medical anti-fatness and medical trauma

Track: PBL

4:45 PM

Navigating Fatness through an era of Fascism: Finding the tools to survive the next 4 years

Join Fat Con organizers, podcasters, policy builders and more as we take a moment to process what has happened and then take a breath, pull up our bootstraps and make a plan to survive the next four years. Because sometimes the most radical resistance is building joy and community in the face of fear and oppression.

Trigger Warnings: political discussion, racism/facism/alltheisms

Track: PBL/HCC

9:15 AM

Empowering Body LiberationThrough Intersectionality in Fitness and Movement Spaces

This roundtable explores how fat liberation intersects with broader social justice movements, particularly within the fitness industry and movement spaces. We'll discuss critical intersections with racial justice, gender equality, disability rights, and more. Participants will examine the compounding effects of systemic inequalities for fat individuals from marginalized communities, addressing issues like discrimination, health disparities, and the lack of inclusive representation in fitness. Join The Body Liberation Party founders for a thoughtful dialogue on strategies to foster inclusive advocacy and community empowerment, creating spaces that celebrate diverse bodies and promote equity in fitness and movement.

This will be a roundtable discussion with time for Q&A.

Presenter(s): Ivy Baron, Leslie Jordan Garcia, and Syd Young

Trigger Warnings: none

Track: HCC

11:30 AM

Creating a Fat Clothing Store

A roundtable conversation about how to create your ideal in-person shopping experience, facilitated by local pop-up shop owners, Amber and Alyss.  We will discuss the features and amenities needed to provide a joyful shopping experience for your customers and the specific fat accessory and lifestyle items you would like to source.

Presenter(s): Amber Seelig, Alyss Seelig

Trigger Warnings: Mention of specific sizes and/or weight

Track: VPAF

12:45 PM

Bold Boundaries

It’s hard voicing boundaries as a fat person. Boundaries feel vulnerable and no one respects them so what’s the point, right? Wrong! Boundaries are imperative for the safety, community, and liberation of fat bodies. I’m Katie, a mental health therapist providing support around communication and boundaries for fat adults. In the Bold Boundary workshop, I will teach you what a boundary is, provide communication tools for asserting boundaries, and hold space for conversation about your particular boundary needs and challenges. We can explore anything from teaching loved ones how to best support you, to advocating for quality medical care, to respecting yourself enough to follow through on your own boundaries for self-care. Join me and our wonderful Fat Con community as we seek to better understand how to show up fully in our relationships and protect ourselves through communicating boundaries.

Presenter(s): Katie Gilbertson

Trigger Warnings: Part of the workshop will include open dialogue about ways boundaries were not respected for fat individuals. These stories may include topics that can be triggering. Please be aware that this may occur and take care of yourself as needed.

Track: HCC

2:15 PM

Water Sports in a Fat Body

Getting into sports in a fat body can be intimidating enough. Getting into water sports, where you likely need to wear active swimwear (which is in VERY short supply), a wetsuit (non-existent in plus sizes in North America), or technical apparel (that is often not available in plus sizes). On top of that, you may need to find equipment and gear (life jackets/PFDs, SUPs, kayaks, surfboards, etc.) that meet size and weight needs.

In this talk, through the framework of my own journey getting into kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, swimming, and surfing, I will share some of the tips (including gear I use and brands I love) to help other fat folks get into water sports safely.

Presenter(s):Kim Merrikin

Trigger Warnings: Mention of specific clothing sizes and/or weights

Track: HCC

4:45 PM

The Mind/Body Connection: Being a Vessel of Fat Service

Presenter Kaley Keane believes in seeing the whole person and speaking to the whole health of fat bodies that we use in work, play, and in love. Work for others, and for ourselves. Presentation will include learning mindfulness tools and celebrating our bodies and our fatness and our taking up space together.

Presenter(s): Kaley Keane

Trigger Warnings: none

Track: HCC

9:15 AM

Sit Down to Rise Up

Burlesque Dance and sensual movement class finding power in stillness and being seated.

Presenter(s): Arabella Boop

Trigger Warnings: none

Track: VPAF

10:30 AM

The Shape I’m IN - Exploring YOUR shape, different shapes and the physical ways of creating a character

Creators of ALL levels are welcome to this acting/performance based class and are asked to bring an image of a 3 dimensional sculpture or an image of a painting/sketch of a person/animal/thing they would like to embody/explore.

Participants should wear comfortable clothing that they can move in.

Presenter(s): Lady Peacock

Trigger Warnings: none

Track: VPAF

12:00 PM 

Love My Fat Asana

Big bodies need space; big hearts need support; big thoughts need release. This self-love yoga workshop is designed for the big booty beauties to share in movement and thought. It is welcoming to new students and seasoned yogis, with an emphasis on accessibility. Monica DeChaine offers a practice grounded in breathwork, guided with pose variations, and laced with affirmations. It is also a safe space for folx to come and find rest, without obligation to stretch. Attendees are encouraged to bring a journal and a yoga mat.

Presenter(s): Monica DeChaine

Trigger Warnings: Mentions trauma stored in the body

Track: HCC

1:30 PM 

Fat Rope Bondage 101

Is learning knots and intricate rope overwhelming? Have you never seen anyone that looks like you get tied? Have you ever longed to feel rope on your body but don’t know where to start? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this class is for you!

Rope bondage, regardless of your size or abilities, will be broken down in a way that makes it accessible and fun. We will go over different approaches to rope, ways it can be applied to the body, movement in rope, connection with your partner (or yourself!), and how to put it all together to have an actual scene that will be enjoyable for everyone involved. This class is for both pairs and solo participants.

Presenter(s): Viking

Trigger Warnings: sexual content, mention of specific sizes/weights

Track: VPAF

2:45 PM

Seated Pilates for Fat Bodies

If you think Pilates wasn’t created with your body in mind, you would be absolutely correct. However, this isn’t your traditional Pilates class: we decide what works for our bodies and design the exercises to fit us, not the other way around. We will explore seated versions of Pilates with options for EVERY BODY! We all deserve to explore movement in a safe space. Whether you’re Pilates Curious or a long time practitioner you will leave with exercise options that will support your unique needs!

Presenter(s): Ivy Baron

Trigger Warnings: none

Track: HCC

4:15 PM

All Bodies Strong Powerlifting Demo

Join fat-owned and operated All Bodies Strong from Portland Oregon for a demonstration of powerlifting with all the equipment. 

Presenter(s): Christina Malone & Will Lay

Trigger Warnings: none

Track: HCC

6:15 PM

Hot sex for Fat Folx: Toys, Furniture and Positions for Fat Babes

From toys to furniture to positions, join this colorful presentation and demonstration for laughs and libido as presenter Chrystal Bougon guides participants on a titillating journey of fat and sexy discovery. 

Presenter(s): Chrystal Bougon

Trigger Warnings: sexual content 

Track: 

7:30 PM

Take Up Space (A suspension rope bondage demo and performance)

Trusting someone to handle your body with care and confidence so you can let yourself lean in and let go is not something one is inclined to do while fat. Rope bondage is for every body and through a live demonstration of rope suspension, you will not only witness the power and strength of taking up space, but you will see how beautiful it is to fly as a fat person and unapologetically take up space.

Presenter(s):Viking

Trigger Warnings: sexual content, mention of specific sizes/weights

Track: VPAF

2:30 - 4:30 PM

Fat Merbabe Pool Party hosted by Chè Monique

Bring your swimming floaties and roll your tails up to the Embassy Suites’ amazing heated pool for 2 solid hours of FAT MERBABE JOY. Closed to anyone not a Fat Con attendee, live your best mermaid life while OFFICIAL FAT MERMAID Che monique presides and Laura Brooks Photography gets some sweet underwater photos of all of our fabulousness. This party is not to be missed!

11:15 AM

Daily Snack Drop

1:00 PM

Keynote Speaker - Mermaid Chè Monique

Trigger Warnings: none

Track: Fat Con Featured Content

3:30 PM 

Keynote Speaker Andrea Kelly

Trigger Warnings: None

Track: Fat Con Featured Content

10:00 AM 

Make MORE Fat Friends

If speed friending was too fast, join us for a little more leisurely friend making session!

11:15 AM 

Trans and Non-Binary Fatties

This friend making social hour is for sharing your super powers! 

12:30 PM 

Social Media Babes

Instagram? TikTok? If you’ve got a following (or want one) find like minded people here!

1:45 PM

BIPOCs Unite!

Friending powers activate!

3:00 PM 

Large and Infinifat Friends!

If anyone is going to get it, it's these folx. 

4:15 PM 

Fats over 40 make Friends!

Life doesn’t end at 40. Make more friends, Party longer!