Annalise and I have been collaborating on a shared dream of seeing fat fashion represented proudly and loudly in Northwest Arkansas through a NWA Fat Fashion Show. We have already connected with several interested NWA small businesses and designers in hopes that local creatives focusing on sustainable and inclusive style would be at the core of this event.

As two queer, fat people, we want to create an experience for all bodies – including all genders, all sexualities, all abilities – all kinds of self-expression to see a version of themselves walking the runway. This event may also include music by local artists, multimedia (interviews with fat folx about their experiences), or pop-ups from local businesses and designers looking to connect with the fat community in NWA.

We want this event to scream from the rooftops that not only are fat people fashionable, but our voices deserve to be heard, our opinions need to be at the table, and community and connection are accessible and available to us. We see Medium’s values and their alignment to ours and know it would be the right fit to create an event that is safe for all.