Critical Geographies of Fatness at the Fattylympics
Dr Bethan Evans took part in a community event organised by two fat activists in East London, Charlotte Cooper, Government of Ireland PhD Scholar at the University of Limerick (Irish Social Sciences Platform), and Kay Hyatt. The Fattylympics satirised the Olympics and provided a space for protest that combined fat activism, queer activism and disability activism. The event was an afternoon of non-competitive fun and games that was free and accessible to all. To find out more about what went on, this account from the organisers summarises the event. Bethan’s involvement relates to her ongoing research on critical geographies of fatness. Along with Rachel Colls (Durham University), Bethan organised a stall which invited people to ‘bling’ gym knickers. Bethan has previously published research on the aspects of school PE which act as barriers to girls’ participation and enjoyment of sport, gym knickers (and an emphasis on competitive sport) being big issues, along with the association of physical activity and sport with ideas about the ‘ideal’, sporting body. The stall offered an opportunity to re-claim and make ridiculous, an item of clothing which for many is associated with feelings of embarrassment and discomfort. This was in keeping with the spirit of the whole event which offered the opportunity for protest through joy, silliness, creativity and the celebration of bodies of all sizes, shapes and abilities.