I Stand Against Weight Bullying

A few months ago, the NOLOSE people of color caucus posted this letter: http://www.nolose.org/activism/POC.php I agree with all of the concerns it expresses. I deeply regret the ways that the “I Stand” project repeated racism and white privilege. I apologize for fucking up and for the impact that has had on individuals and on fat community. My response to the Georgia ads failed to address the racism and classism that those ads perpetuated. I failed to center the voices and experiences and leadership of people of color, in responding to the ads. By relying on my social networks and failing to do outreach beforehand, I failed to ensure that the resulting mix of “I Stand” photos were as diverse as they should have been. I wholeheartedly appreciate all of the people who trusted me and shared their photos and their messages. It’s powerful when you speak out for justice! While I take responsibility for the failings in this project, I hope you will also consider how your life activities and projects (whatever they are) may well be repeating similarly excluding dynamics and I hope you work to change that. I hope we all want a world where all of us can enjoy all of our identities together. I have been educating myself about the intersectionality of oppressions and the need for solidarity, and will continue to do so. The NOLOSE organization and the NOLOSE people of color caucus are working on these issues in powerful ways: www.nolose.org. Here’s another resource you might find useful: Anti-Racism Resource Group for Size Activists (https://www.facebook.com/groups/wardg/?ref=ts). Thanks tons! - Marilyn Wann