5 favorite findings from historic NAAFA newsletters

[Image description: A photo of the front page of the March-April, 1997 edition of the NAAFA Newsletter.]

By Ivy Archer, NAAFA Summer Archival Intern

I am a recent graduate from the University of Central Oklahoma, and I had the pleasure of working with NAAFA as their Archival Intern this summer. I grew more attracted to archives when conducting my student research on the history of the Fat Liberation Movement. It felt powerful to see documented history for a movement most are unaware of. It was common for me to hear surprise in inquirers' voices after being asked to explain my research; often stating how this was new information to them. Fat History gives me a glimpse of the past and shows how people like me found community and acceptance within them. 

For six weeks, I spent several hours a week documenting details from the earliest NAAFA Newsletters. I noted key names, demographics, typographical changes, and the progression of NAAFA as an organization. Because the newsletters were so packed, I only made it through NAAFA’s first few years. Here are some fun things I found out from that time.

Ivy’s 5 Favorite Findings

1. The first NAAFA Newsletter was published in October 1970. 

The first newsletter edition set the scene for the organization as an information-oriented community filled with engagement from the editors and the founder and president, William J. Fabrey. 

2. “Fat Acceptance” vs “Fat Liberation”

“Fat Acceptance” was more commonly used to describe what some would think of as the early Fat Liberation Movement. Some modern scholars claim that one cannot have liberation without acceptance, which is why the phrasing still carries relevance. 

3. Entertainer and fashion designer Nancy Austin was given an honorary lifetime membership to NAAFA. 

Nancy was featured in the March-April 1971 issue as a pioneer for her work as an actress, singer, and clothing designer. Nancy starred in several Vegas revues and later had parts in movies and television shows set in Las Vegas.  Her iconic slogan for Nancy Austin Originals was, “No One Under 16 Allowed- Dress Size, That is!” Her dress size labeling system went from “Petite” (16-20) to “Duchess” (54-60), even proclaiming they would make pants for those over size 60 at retail price. 

4. NAAFA Date 

NAAFA pitched a dating service for its members in 1971. There are not a lot of details in the early newsletters following that indicate success from this service. (Editor’s note: Bill Fabrey tells us that NAAFA’s dating service ran from 1970 through the late 1980’s. Some members and NAAFA leaders thought NAAFA should not be in the business of matchmaking, but others found it to be a helpful way to make connections for friendship and romance. NAAFA Date was a significant fundraiser for the organization, and it is believed to have led to at least 30 marriages.) 

5. NAAFA’s Calendar Collaboration with “Hilda” 

A fat and cheery pin-up character named Hilda was created by Duane Bryers in a variety of watercolor pictures. She was featured in calendars and through partnership with NAAFA, Hilda appeared in the 1972 calendar.

If fat history inspires you, please take a look at the NAAFA Newsletter from NAAFA’s early decades. The 1970-1989 newsletters are gathered as the NAAFA Chronicles at naafa.org/chronicles.

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