ASDAH
ASDAH is an international non-profit organization supported by individual members and donors who are committed to the Health At Every Size® Principles.
The Association for Size Diversity and Health (ASDAH) affirms a holistic definition of health, which cannot be characterized as simply the absence of physical or mental illness, limitation, or disease. Rather, health exists on a continuum that varies with time and circumstance for each individual. Health should be conceived as a resource or capacity available to all regardless of health condition
What are you reading this summer? We're reading:
Black Disability Politics by Dr. Sami Schalk offers deep insights to ensure our work is for all fat people, and particularly those most harmed by medical anti-fat bias. Having an understanding of Black disability politics is necessary to support fat, Black, disabled people who are far more likely to need healthcare services. Yet anti-fat bias, racism, and ableism entrenched in the Medical Industrial Complex makes this site one of those most harmful for us. (PS Join us for Black Disability Politics book club TODAY! It'll be a great discussion even if you haven't finished (or started) the book: asdah.org/events)
Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert brings us to camp! As always, Hibbert takes on the topic of mental health with nuance and compassion in this Young Adult RomCom that makes for a perfect summer read.
I'll Be the One by Lyla Lee follows bisexual, fat, Korean-American Skye as she attempts to break into the world of K-pop as a performer while navigating the expectations of family and friends. Another Young Adult book that makes for excellent beach reading.
For Her Consideration by Amy Spalding follows a fat, reclusive copywriter in the world of Hollywood as she begins working for, then befriending a famous actress. Bring the chemistry and sparks in this adult romance on your summer trip for a lovely read.
Black Disability Politics provides important insights to advocating for care systems that work for everyone, including and especially Black, fat, disabled people who are some of the most harmed people in the Medical Industrial Complex. Join us for book club on Wed 7/24 at 1pm OR 8pm ET: asdah.org/events
Join us in deepening our commitment to liberation. Black Disability Politics book club is next week! asdah.org/events
Black Disability Politics illuminates a liberatory framework that has been at play since at least civil rights movement. Join us in reading Black Disability Politics to see how the Black Panther and the National Black Women's Health Imperative put the framework into practice and what we've learned from it. Remember, fat lib isn't liberatory unless it includes (and centers!) fat, Black, disabled folks.
Check it out at asdah.org/events
We had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Virginia Sole-Smith on her Burnt Toast podcast. During the episode entitled, Health Is Not What Makes You A Good Person." Exploring the new Health At Every Size®️ with Angel Austin and ani Janzen, of ASDAH", we discussed our revised Principles and the new Health at Every Size®️ Framework of Care.
Listen now: https://virginiasolesmith.substack.com/p/welcome-to-the-new-health-at-every-size
The final day to register for the 2024 ASDAH Annual Conference is June 8! It's the last opportunity to secure your spot, so don’t miss out on this chance to engage in insightful discussions and expand your network within the ASDAH community. It's also important to remember that even if you couldn't attend the entire conference, you will still have access to the conference recordings because you registered. Grab your spot now! Visit asdah.org/conference!
Special thanks go to EDRDPRO for being one of our sponsors this year! Your support means so much to this conference and to this community.
The 2024 ASDAH Annual Conference will officially kick off TOMORROW, Friday, June 7th.
While registration will remain open through June 8th, we encourage you to join us for the live sessions to experience the conference together. Your active participation adds vibrancy and depth to our discussions, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
However, if you're unable to attend the live sessions, fret not! All conference recordings will be accessible to registered attendees, ensuring you won't miss out on valuable insights and discussions.
Mark your calendar, visit asdah.org/conference to register today, and let's make this conference a memorable experience together!
We invite you to join us for a special conference debrief session, after the conclusion of the ASDAH 2024 Annual Conference on Saturday, June 8 at 4:30 PM ET. This session will provide an opportunity for us to come together, share insights, discuss key takeaways, and reflect on the enriching experiences we had during the conference.
We hope that you will engage with us in meaningful dialogue, celebrate our successes, and explore opportunities for future growth and collaboration. Register now at asdah.org/conference so you won't miss it.
We're having a flash sale for registrations to the upcoming ASDAH Annual Conference!
Flash Sale Details:
Date: Monday, June 3 at 12 PM ET to Tuesday, June 4, 12 PM ET
Discount: Get $79 off registration price at every level.
We're less than ONE WEEK AWAY from the conference! Don't miss this limited-time opportunity to secure your spot at a discounted rate! Please note that the sale price is only applicable for registrations occurring during the sale times. Sale is not retroactive.
Register now at asdah.org/conference to join us for an unforgettable experience, but hurry so that you can take advantage of this sale because it's only for a very limited time!
Therapist Leah Robinson will be presenting a session on Day 1 of the conference entitled, "Embodied Life: Mental Health Considerations in Size Inclusive Care". This is such an important topic. You'll definitely want to be present.
Register now before it slips your mind! asdah.org/conference
We are beyond grateful to Inclusive Eating Disorder Education for sponsoring our Keynote Speaker, Michelle Osbourne, for our conference this year. We are thankful for the work they do and for their support in making our conference a success! http://asdah.org/conference
There's still time to become a sponsor for the ASDAH 2024 Annual Conference!
Choose a tier that fits your budget. Whether you're interested in the Bronze Confetti Tier, sponsoring our keynote speaker, or even our evening entertainer, there's an option for you!Send an email to [email protected] to become a sponsor and if you haven’t already registered, feel free to do so by visiting asdah.org/conference.
The time is almost here! We are just over a week away from the 2024 ASDAH Annual Conference and we wanted to share the schedule over the two days that we'll be together, in addition to our pre-conference session. Mark your calendars and make sure don't miss a session so that you can engage in thought-provoking discussions, gain valuable insights, and connect with fellow advocates and experts in the field. Even if you can't attend, your registration also gets you access to recordings that will be available after the conference. We look forward to welcoming you to the ASDAH 2024 Annual Conference! Register TODAY at asdah.org/conference.
The hilarious and irreverent Sofie Hagen will be reading from their newly released book, "Will I Ever Have S*x Again?", on the evening of June 7.
Your Conference registration gives you your own front row seat for this one-of-a-kind comedic reading/performance. You can't miss this! Sign up for the conference now! asdah.org/conference
We are absolutely thrilled to introduce our new closing keynote speaker for the ASDAH 2024 Annual Conference: Shilo George, MS (she/they)! Join us as Shilo shares invaluable insights into navigating life as a superfat and physically disabled individual. From advocating for accessible equipment to combating ableism and fatphobia, their presentation promises to be one you just don't want to miss. Get ready, head to asdah.org/conference, and register now.
We are looking forward to Michelle Osbourne encouraging and inspiring us when she delivers the keynote address to open the 2024 ASDAH Annual Conference in just under TWO WEEKS!
Will you be there?
It's not too late to register! You still have time. Just head over to asdah.org/conference!
Register now to join us for a special HAES® 101 Pre-Conference Session as we gear up for the 2024 ASDAH Annual Conference!
Learn more about our revised Principles and the New Health at Every Size® (HAES®) Framework of Care on June 6 from 1-3 PM ET. Whether you're new to the movement or a seasoned advocate, this session offers valuable insights and practical guidance for promoting well-being and compassionate care for people of all sizes! Head on over to asdah.org/conference to register.
Don't miss out on the chance to attend the 2024 ASDAH Annual Conference with our scholarship opportunities!
Thanks to the generosity of our Accomplice ticket holders, we were thrilled to offer over 50 scholarships last year. If you're passionate about the Health At Every Size® (HAES®) movement but face financial barriers, this is your opportunity to join us for a weekend of growth, connection, and celebration, worry-free.
We believe in making our conference accessible to all, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the knowledge, resources, and community support it offers. Apply now and be part of our inclusive and empowering event! Visit https://asdah.org/conference-scholarship/.
Take a pause, a deep breath, and immerse yourself in this special session. "Mindful Oasis" offers a freeform space where relaxation and community thrive. No speakers, no agenda — just an open invitation to unwind, connect, and explore your creativity.
There's no pressure to conform to any particular activity—simply follow your instincts and embrace the moment as it unfolds. Whether you actively engage with others, enjoy your favorite activity, or just prefer to soak in the collective energy, "Mindful Oasis" is yours to savor at your own pace.
Let's cultivate mindfulness, creativity, and camaraderie together. Join us as we recharge, rejuvenate, and foster meaningful connections beyond the boundaries of this session.
Register now for this restorative experience! Visit asdah,org/conference.
We look forward to your presence at our enlightening ASDAH Oral History Panel Session. You won’t want to miss it. Visit asdah.org/conference to secure your spot now!
Before the panel discussion, we will be presenting the ASDAH Visionary Award to the amazing and beloved Lynn McAfee!
A pioneering force in fat liberation, Lynn has fearlessly advocated for size acceptance since the late 60s. As the former head of the Medical Advocacy Project of the Council on Size & Weight Discrimination, Lynn's insights are invaluable. From confronting the pharmaceutical and diet industries to advocating for truth in advertising, her impact is profound!
Learn about the the rich history of ASDAH and HAES® with our first esteemed panelist Tigress Osborn.
Tigress (she her) is the Executive Director of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance (NAAFA). She brings a wealth of experience and insight to the panel. A dedicated advocate, Tigress's work spans activism, education, and legislation. Her commitment to fat liberation since 2008 is inspiring.
We are also happy to have Lisa Marie Alatorre (she/her) is a community organizer, educator, and writer advocating for care, healing, and transformation. Lisa Marie's expertise and dedication have greatly influenced ASDAH's work since 2014 and we are so grateful.
Last but not least, we are happy to present Deb Burgard PhD, FAED, a psychologist, fat activist, and pioneer of the Health at Every Size® (HAES®) movement. Deb has been integral to ASDAH since its early days, contributing significantly to our journey.
Join us as we explore key themes such as founding vision, milestone achievements, challenges, and the future direction of ASDAH. This session will offer profound insights and personal reflections on the impact of our work.
Register now to attend this informative session! asdah.org/conference
You don’t want to miss these amazing performances during our conference this year!
Vanessa Rochelle Lewis (Fae/Femme) will share with us on Friday, June 7. Vanessa is an esteemed figure in fat liberatory literature and storytelling. Vanessa's remarkable journey as a fat, neurospicy, Black, agender, q***r femme writer, facilitator, educator, and performer, has led them to found The Reclaim UGLY Movement and publish "Reclaiming UGLY! A Radically Joyful Guide To Unlearn Oppression and Uplift, Glorify, and Love Yourself."
TaMeicka "Ifasina" Clear (them/him) will conclude our conference with a celebration of embodied joyful movement, cultural expression, and spiritual connection. Prepare to be moved and inspired as Ifasina shares a performance that will uplifts our spirits. Through the power of movement, Ifasina will invite us to explore themes of resilience, liberation, and collective healing. Don't miss this opportunity to witness Ifasina's extraordinary talent and experience firsthand.
Register now at asdah.org/conference to be part of this unforgettable experience!
Join us for this exciting and informative conference session presented by Kanoelani Patterson , LMSW MSW U/S. entitled, "Fat People & Movement: How Fat People Can Move & Reclaim their Fat Joy." Learn compassionate strategies for fat-positive care and discover the joy of movement, regardless of size. Let's embrace and reclaim fat movement together! Register today at asdah.org/conference.
Don't miss the session entitled, "Embodied Life: Mental Health Considerations in Size Inclusive Care," led by Breah Robinson, (she/her - ), LCSW, at ASDAH's 2024 Annual Conference. Learn strategies to promote body acceptance and resilience through a compassionate, trauma-informed lens. Join us to explore holistic care that prioritizes well-being beyond weight-centric goals. Register now at asdah.org/conference.
It’s your last call! Get ready to tap into your creativity and join us for "Embrace and Empower: A Creative Community Healing Art Event" presented by ASDAH! Mark your calendars for May 18th at 1 PM ET and embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Craft your vision board, share your truth, and connect with a supportive community of like-minded individuals. Register now at asdah.org/events and let's create magic together!
Calling all storytellers, dreamers, and creators! Don't miss out on "Embrace and Empower: A Creative Community Healing Art Event" presented by ASDAH. Join us virtually on May 18th at 1 PM ET for an empowering two-hour journey of self-discovery and connection. Craft your personal vision board, share your journey in respectful sharing circles, and connect with a supportive community ready to uplift and inspire. Secure your spot now at asdah.org/events!
This Friday! Don’t forget to register at asdah.org/events
When a disease blamed on weight intersects with weight-biased health professionals, it’s unsurprising that care is impacted for the worse. Unpacking our own weight bias is only the first step in offering better care for fat patients with diabetes. Research and recommendations about diabetes is riddled with bias, creating major barriers to compassionate care. Learn more about weight bias in diabetes care and an alternative for better diabetes care for our fat patients.
Join ASDAH and Esther Tambe, MS, RD, CDN, CDCES (.the.rd) on May 10th from 12-1:15pm ET to learn more. Register today at asdah.org/events
This free community event is your opportunity to create a personal vision board that represents your experiences, aspirations, and what it means to you to take up space in the world. This event is about you as a creator and storyteller. There are no speakers, so everyone has the freedom to express and share openly.
What to Expect:
• Create A Vision Board: We will offer intriguing prompts and you can use arts and crafts materials for physical boards or software tools like Canva for digital creations.
• Sharing Circles: After crafting your vision boards, you’ll have the chance to share your creation and the stories behind them with fellow participants in a respectful and embracing setting.
• Community Connection: Create with others who are on their paths to self-love and empowerment. Share, listen, and support as we all grow together.
Head over to asdah.org/events to register now! We can't wait to create with you.