I identify as fat as a way to reclaim the word, to give it a positive power.
BEING FAT ON THE TRAIL comes with stereotypes. People assume I hike to lose weight or that I’m a beginner, and say, “Good for you! You’re almost to the top!” I wonder if they say that to thin people, too? Or people who “look the part” of what a hiker is “supposed” to be? This happens often on popular trails I frequent near Portland, especially hard paths with a lot of elevation gain. It’s frustrating that these assumptions exist, but I don’t need or seek others’ approval. I hike for myself.
The word fat is typically used as a negative slur to shame people with bigger bodies. It’s been used as an insult to harm me my whole life. It’s true, I’m FAT. I identify as fat as a way to reclaim the word, to give it a positive power. When we stop thinking of fat as bad, we look at ourselves and others in a light that allows them to just be people with varying-size bodies.
I founded Fat Girls Hiking in 2015. I was hiking a lot and using social media to share my photos. At the time, there were no outdoor Instagram accounts representing and celebrating people of varying sizes, races, genders, ages, and classes. I wanted to fill some of that gap. What started as an Instagram account quickly turned into a desire to create an outdoor community where we can not only hike together, but also build friendships and support one another.
The mission of Fat Girls Hiking is to provide a space where we can show up as we are and be accepted. We want to take the shame and stigma out of the word fat and empower it. Our motto, “Trails Not Scales,” focuses on self-care.
I’ve had people who had never been hiking come to a group hike and say, “You changed my life.” Encouraging people to show up as they are and accepting them for what they are capable of is empowering!
When we break down the barriers, we make the outdoors more accessible. People often tell me that they get left behind on the trail when hiking with other groups. Fat Girls Hiking leaves no hikers behind. When we include people who hike at differing paces, we create a space that is welcoming to all. When we feel welcomed, we are more likely to participate in that activity, build community around it, and pass on a love of the outdoors to others.
SUMMER
