Tips from a Fat White Protester
Image Description: A group of people gather in the streets of Amsterdam to protest with signs. A few people can be seen standing at the base of a light post, with one person climbing to the top. Image Credit: Shane Aldendorf via Unsplash.
Editor’s Note: The author shared a previous version of this post in 2020. She has since revised the text and we are republishing it here for its continued relevance. Fat, white protestors who can put their bodies on the line at demonstrations can be integral to the safety of others and social justice movements as a whole.
Author’s Note: I have learned through trial and error at marches, demonstrations, sit-ins, die-ins, and direct actions of all kinds. I wanted to share what I’ve learned so that my fellow non-Black fat people can feel empowered to put their bodies on the line in solidarity with their Black comrades—against police terrorism, systemic racism, and the unjust murders of Black Americans.
Please always consider your personal risk and intersecting marginalization when contemplating participation in any protest or direct action. Fat people are an asset to activism. Let us honor our bodies as the gifts that they are.
Honor your body as a source for civil disobedience.
Center your needs.
Our bodies are magnificent contributions at protests.
Our fat bodies take more effort to move—think of all the wonderful ways we can use this to our advantage at a protest or direct action.
We can block pathways and hold precious land with our fat bodies.
We can shield and protect precious people with our fat bodies.
Police identify people by body type/clothing.
Be aware (as if you could possibly forget) that you don’t have the privilege of blending into the crowd.
Be aware that fatmisic police protocol and infrastructure can endanger your life during arrest.
Let this inform the risk that you take.
Try to go with other fat people.
Comrades in normative bodies may not always consider your body and what is safe for you—so make sure you loudly advocate for yourself and your needs within the group you are with.
Bring:
Change of socks. If you get caught in the rain or doused with water, or even if you sweat through your socks—walking or standing for long periods of time in wet socks will cause bad blistering.
Light first aid/Band-Aids
Water/snacks/meds
Direct action is sweaty. Prepare against crease rashes (yep—it’s a normal self care maintenance thing when you have skin rolls or folds. It’s normal. It’s common. It’s nothing to be ashamed about) by drying with paper towels, using antiperspirant or cornstarch under your breasts/belly. When you get home, shower and treat any rashes with wound cleanser (shout out Bactine spray) or a tea tree oil balm or soap as needed.
In case of hospitalization:
Make a packet containing all medical info, advance directives, and emergency contacts. Put it in a clear sleeve with a humanizing photo of you with loved ones at the front. Learn more about how to make a Connection Kit and humanize yourself to healthcare workers in the Know Your Rights Guide from No Body Is Disposable.
If you get arrested:
Raise hell about being cuffed with your hands in front of your body. Mid-fat, superfat, and infinifat people are especially at risk of positional asphyxia when cuffed with their arms behind them. Be especially vocal about any stress position where your knees are raised (sitting on a low police van bench, for instance). Read a personal account here of what it’s like to be arrested as a fat person.
Remember that there is so much to do beyond the front lines:
Provide jail support (wait to greet released protesters with water, snacks, hugs, and rides home). Provide your home as a central prep and recovery space before and after. Provide childcare. Drop off supplies. Stay near the action and offer your car as a mobile phone charging station.
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