Thank you, I really appreciate you taking the time to say this. A big reason I wrote the piece was exactly that frustration. We talk a lot about freedom and acceptance, but way too often ignore who’s being harmed or quietly pushed out in the process. Fatphobia especially gets brushed off or minimized, even though it’s loud and constant for the people on the receiving end.
I also agree with you on the “we’re the best” blind spot. If we can’t be honest about the ways naturist spaces sometimes fail people, then we’re just protecting the idea of naturism instead of the humans in it.
And thanks for the recommendation to visit Wreck Beach. That weekday and before-4pm advice feels very specific for a reason 😄 Thanks again for the thoughtful comment.
Crowley’s “Loxie and Zoot” and “The Bare Pit” webcomics have great representation of all shapes sizes colors ages and abilities.
Something that helps me stop my generic “obesity is not good for anyone’s health” thoughts from influencing how I look at or speak to others is by elevating the joy I can find in ANYONE being vulnerable and honest and genuine, whether they’re clothed or not, and whether I’m in a conversation with them or across the room/on the other side of the venue, whatever.
My wife is obese, and I still think she’s gorgeous. I love HER. However I feel about her weight or her age or her height, those are just numbers, aspects of her physical self, but her *being*, her self and soul…those are the most important things about her and about all of us.
We don’t know anyone’s full life story, so when we see someone and when we get to know them, we should love them for who they are. Do (and say) unto others, what what!
I really appreciate this, honestly. That idea of focusing on the joy of someone being open and genuine instead of getting stuck in body judgments really hits home for me. It’s such a healthier way to see people, especially in spaces that are supposed to be about freedom and honesty.
And what you shared about your wife is beautiful. Loving the whole person, not just a body or a number, is exactly the point. Bodies are just one small part of who we are. The being you mentioned, that’s what actually matters, and that’s what makes people truly gorgeous.
Thank you, I really appreciate you taking the time to say this. A big reason I wrote the piece was exactly that frustration. We talk a lot about freedom and acceptance, but way too often ignore who’s being harmed or quietly pushed out in the process. Fatphobia especially gets brushed off or minimized, even though it’s loud and constant for the people on the receiving end.
I also agree with you on the “we’re the best” blind spot. If we can’t be honest about the ways naturist spaces sometimes fail people, then we’re just protecting the idea of naturism instead of the humans in it.
And thanks for the recommendation to visit Wreck Beach. That weekday and before-4pm advice feels very specific for a reason 😄 Thanks again for the thoughtful comment.
Crowley’s “Loxie and Zoot” and “The Bare Pit” webcomics have great representation of all shapes sizes colors ages and abilities.
Something that helps me stop my generic “obesity is not good for anyone’s health” thoughts from influencing how I look at or speak to others is by elevating the joy I can find in ANYONE being vulnerable and honest and genuine, whether they’re clothed or not, and whether I’m in a conversation with them or across the room/on the other side of the venue, whatever.
My wife is obese, and I still think she’s gorgeous. I love HER. However I feel about her weight or her age or her height, those are just numbers, aspects of her physical self, but her *being*, her self and soul…those are the most important things about her and about all of us.
We don’t know anyone’s full life story, so when we see someone and when we get to know them, we should love them for who they are. Do (and say) unto others, what what!
I really appreciate this, honestly. That idea of focusing on the joy of someone being open and genuine instead of getting stuck in body judgments really hits home for me. It’s such a healthier way to see people, especially in spaces that are supposed to be about freedom and honesty.
And what you shared about your wife is beautiful. Loving the whole person, not just a body or a number, is exactly the point. Bodies are just one small part of who we are. The being you mentioned, that’s what actually matters, and that’s what makes people truly gorgeous.