02/04/2023
Long post: I’ve been riding the high from ’s for the last month. Truly an unforgettable weekend full of love and support— and the team were so thoughtful the entire time. Looking through photos from the Saturday night showcase, it came to mind that EVERY performer had about the same number of performance photos to choose from. So many times, fat performers are erased or diminished from documentation of shows…it’s a quiet erasure but we see it and feel it. We are valid and worthy of documentation! We sell out huge theaters, get standing ovations, and have all the same skills and talent as our non-fat counterparts. We deserve celebration, adoration, and uplifting.
During Black History Month and every other day of the year, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the work of fat Black femmes. The reason the body positivity and fat liberation movements exist is due to the work of Black femmes. We as white women and femmes have consistently co-opted and repackaged the movements, pushing Black femmes to the margins over and over. said it during our post-show performer hang, without Black femmes leading and supporting this community, it would look very different.
I’m eternally grateful for the burlesque community and those that have paved the way for all fat performers to thrive. Now go !!
(Also peep the NYC crew representing!! Double also, and holding me during curtain call was one of the most special moments of my life!!)