Fat Joy Jubilee Pool Party!

Come on in, the water's fine!

Nothing kicks off summer like a cool dip in a sparkling pool!  But if you've been told to cover up, to take up less space, and just generally to shrink from view, then enjoying the water may have gotten complicated, or downright distressing.  You deserve to experience your amazing body being celebrated and centered instead of censured. 

Whether you come with friends or meet them here, we hope you'll join us for this lil' retreat away from diet-talk and body shame.  Call your childhood bestie and tell her it's time to come play mermaids again. Text Erin from the office to let them know you'll be moral support for swim suit shopping (obviously after checking out Corrine Fay's in-depth research first). We will splash.  We will snack.  We. Will. Summer! 

My name is Chelsea, and while my "day job" for the last seven years has been eating disorder therapy from a Health at Every Size (HAES) framework, recently I've been itching to expand the ways that I can support body liberation beyond my therapy sessions. I started Fat Joy Jubilee as an outworking of my personal and professional journey from internalized fatphobia to the unfolding freedom of body liberation. Now, it is my privilege to create events for other folks in larger bodies to build relationships while embracing abundance in their approach to food, movement, their bodies, and their inherent worth - right now, just as they are.  

FAQ's:

Do I have to be fat or be comfortable using the word "fat" to describe myself to attend an event based on fat joy? 

Your relationship to your body is your own journey, one with many stops, side-quests, and reroutes.  If looking for community with folks in bigger bodies feels important to you, then you're probably in the right place!  If you can commit to honoring the safety and comfort of everybody in every body who attends, including your own, then you are welcome.

Some ways we will attempt to create that safety and comfort include: 

• Avoiding comments about what or how much you are anyone else is eating (unapologetic "yums" are welcome)
• Avoiding body talk about your own or others' bodies (this includes talk of dieting or other intentional attempts at changing body size or shape, comparitive talk of one body vs. another). 
• Avoiding physical contact that isn't overtly consensual
• Taking breaks for yourself/finding someone to check in with if needed!  

Where is the party happening?

We will be enjoying a beautiful, in-ground salt-water pool as guests at a private residence in Scotch Plains, NJ.  Our lovely host hopes that even guests who may have felt uncomfortable swimming in other settings will find the space comfortable, and describes the pool as "very private." While we will be spending all our time soaking up the sun (and reapplying sunscreen liberally!), the venue does offer access to a restroom in the residence.  Per our host, there is a step required to access the pool area; please contact me if you have additional accessibility questions.    

What should I bring?

Please bring towel(s), sun screen, and any other means of protecting yourself from the sun you may wish (sun glasses, hats, swim covers, etc).  While there will be shaded areas, it's still gonna be the hottest part of a June afternoon!  Bringing your own resusable bottle with icy water is HIGHLY encouraged, though we will also have water available.   

What will be provided there?

We'll provide refreshments and soft drinks, but if you wish to bring anything additional, please bring an ingredient card to place next to your dish, as well as any serving utensils needed. We won't have access to a kitchen onsite, so please plan accordingly.  Again, feel free to show up with just yourself and your swim gear!

Are alcohol/other legal recreational substances allowed?

While some folks may decide to make plans for hanging out after the party ends at five, the event itself will be sober-friendly to promote the safety and comfort of all attending.

Getting there:

Parking is available but limited at the venue itself.  For those arriving by train or willing to park offsite, the NJ Transit Fanwood Station is located 1.1 mile from the venue.  We will assist with coordinating car pools, ride shares, and on-site parking after registration.

More Questions?

Contact Chelsea at chelsea@fatjoyjubilee.com.  Visit fatjoyjubilee.com any time to stay up to date on what we're up to!