4th Annual Fat Float

Remember the pool party scene in Shrill? We loved it so much we had to make it happen. The Fat Float is an intentional pool party where fat, queer and trans bodies are celebrated! This is a gender-inclusive, adult-only (18+) event created by body-affirming professionals and activists.

Tickets are required to attend, with a suggested offering of $11 per person. But don't worry, we don't want cost to be a barrier to anyone attending. If you can't afford that, pay what you can - no questions asked. If you can afford more, pay what you can to help someone else attend. Your contribution will help cover the cost of the pool rental, lifeguard wages, non-alcoholic drinks, decorations, pool floats and games.

WHAT TO EXPECT: The outdoor pool at YMCA Camp Arrowhead is reserved for our private event on Saturday August 30th at 6:00 PM. The SplashPad will also be on and available.

There are approximately 20 chairs on the pool deck (some with arms, some without) and plenty of space to spread out a towel/blanket or bring your own chair. There are parking spaces at the foot of the hill in the two adjacent parking lots.

We'll have a playlist going that you're welcome to contribute to on Spotify. A link to that will be sent out in an email closer to the event.

New this year is @createdbytrishajessica will be the event photographer! Trish is a photographer and body positive advocate who used photo shoots to overcome her own body image challenges. Now she helps others feel confident and empowered through her lens. Wrist bands will be provided to folks who are not interested in having their photo taken and posted on social media.

WHAT TO BRING: Whatever you need to feel comfortable! We suggest bringing your hot bod #allbodiesaregoodbodies, your swimsuit, a towel, and sunscreen. You're also welcome to bring a chair or blanket, and a fun floatie. Bring a photo of a fat ancestor or a fat role model for our Fat Ancestry board. No pets, no drugs or alcohol, no glass especially on the pool deck. Bring some snacks, some drinks. Anything you need to be comfortable.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTES: There is a large hill from the parking lot to the pool. A drop-off loop is available in front of the facility. There are no stairs to the pool area or the changing areas. Pool entrances include railings and steps in the shallow end and ladders in the deep end, and an ADA-compliant pool lift that staff operate. Changing areas are labeled 'men' and 'women,' but we encourage folks to use the area that is most gender-affirming. A family changing room and single-stall bathroom are available.

COVID: As a community event, we expect that everyone will make choices that are in the best interest of the community including:

• Stay home if you are not feeling well or are sick. If the cost of your ticket was a hardship, and you are worried about missing out due to finances, please reach out to us, and we will refund you.
• Test before you go! Stay home if you test positive.
• Spread out! Keeping your distance keeps us safer.
• Seek fresh, moving air
• Ask for what you need from your fellow community members

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT: We recognize the impact of a non-profit corporation utilizing Indigenous names for camps and acknowledge that this property is located on the unceded land of the Onondowaga (Seneca) people. We will be collecting funds to support a local Indigenous group and will announce this information soon.

COMMUNITY GUIDELINES: *Thanks to @DivaDarling for this language

• Avoid talking about diets, intentional weight loss, weight loss surgery or similar topics that could be triggering to others.
• Avoid engaging in negative self-talk about your body, how you look in a swimsuit, or how much you're eating. We want to have fun and stay neutral about our bodies and eating habits.
• If you feel comfortable, share your pronouns when you introduce yourself to a new friend, and make sure you remember and use theirs.
• Don't touch anyone without their clear consent unless they need to be saved from drowning.
• Be careful how you're complimenting other people - flirting is great, but fetishizing people isn't.
• If you're bringing a straight-sized partner or friend with you, please talk to them about what it means to center the comfort and safety of fat folks and make sure they've read these tips.

In other words, avoid:

• Diet/Weight Talk
• Body Policing (criticizing appearances)
• Food shaming (judging food options or eating habits)
• Health or concerning trolling (keep your health advice to yourself)
• Gender policing (reinforcing gender roles)
• Ableism (discrimination against people with disabilities)
• Racist beauty standards.
• Racism
• Transphobia
• Fatphobia
• Homophobia

Read more about the history of fat swims and our values here.

Questions? Email fatcamproc@gmail.com. Fat Camp ROC is lead by Jenna Weintraub, Sexuality Educator and Body Appreciation Coach.