How to be bearable to fat people outdoors. Be friendly, not patronizing.

In my most confident and happiest moments, I identify mainly as two things: fat and outdoorsy.  However, I can sometimes question the second part of that identity when being patronized by others while recreating outdoors. 

First, let’s all get on the same page about how I am using patronizing here.

Patronizing is to treat (someone) in a way that is apparently kind or helpful but that betrays a feeling of superiority. (Oxford dictionary)

When we say patronizing phrases to fatventurers in outdoor recreation, I think most of us are trying to be kind and encouraging and not intending to cause harm.  And also, defending our intentions without critically thinking about our impact is the root of dingleberry-dom.  Let’s work together to not be dingleberries to fat people outdoors. Hurray!

Below is a chart of examples of common phrases said to plus-size people outdoors. The chart includes an explanation of how these phrases may cause harm as well examples of uplifting and empowering rephrasing. 

To summarize this post.  The best way to avoid adding to the microaggressions plus-size people encounter in outdoor recreation are just to stick to simple greetings. A smile and the phrase “Great day for a hike” or “Have a nice day” goes a long way to encourage everyone on the trails. 

I recognize that I do not speak for all fat bodies outdoors and some of y’all might find these common phrases that I find to be rooted in anti-fat bias totally acceptable for you. Awesome for you. The purpose of this post is not to shame but to share knowledge on how to increase joy and inclusion for all bodies outdoors. 

Here is some further reading on the subject that we recommend.

All body shapes and sizes should be welcome outdoors—Wilderness Outdoors Nicole Segnini

I Don’t Hike to Lose Weight. I Hike Because I Love it—Outside Magazine Jenny Bruso

Hiking While Fat—Fat Girls Hiking Ginamarie Simpson

Are you in a larger body and have stories about situations where the outdoors felt unsafe, unwelcome, inaccessible or less joyful for you because of anti-fat bias? We are looking for guest bloggers and fellow fatventurers to highlight in our Fat Bearable series. If so, please share them with me at Arwen@wndroutdoors.com