ASDAH Conference 2024
Celebrating 20 Years of ASDAH
Virtual | Friday & Saturday | June 7-8, 2024
The 2024 ASDAH Conference was held June 7 & 8, 2024 with resounding support and participation from the community. This serves as an archive of the sessions and sponsors who made this conference possible.
Keynote Speakers
Beyond the Weight: It was never about your health.
In this candid and thought provoking presentation, Michelle shares her journey on how she went from struggling with low self esteem, disordered eating, addicted to diet pills, and depression to facing her fears and successfully reinventing her life. She poignantly illustrates how she learned to cultivate a positive body image as a fat, Black, queer woman navigating life in a world that wishes she didn’t exist. Michelle’s insights and heart felt story of resilience will leave you inspired, empowered and uplifted.
Michelle Osbourne is a queer body image activist, speaker, content creator and entrepreneur that works from an anti-racist, anti-oppression, intersectional feminist framework. She can often be heard speaking on topics such as body image activism, marginalized women issues, self-confidence and 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. She was named one of Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s Black Changemakers and has worked with organizations such as Prime Video, INTERAC, Bolden USA, Dove and SiriusXM. She’s also been featured in magazines including, Today’s Parent and has been frequently interviewed on radio, podcasts and television. Michelle owns her own communications studio Michelle Osbourne & Co. and is a literacy professional with over 15 years working in the communications industry. With her work, Michelle’s mission is to create safe spaces where all identifying women can feel heard and empowered, be inspired, and learn so they can unapologetically live their best lives. Michelle resides in Québec, Canada with her partner and 7-year-old daughter. Click here to see a snapshot of her portfolio.
Sponsored by Inclusive Eating Disorder Education
Chairs, Stares, and Healthcare Fares: Navigating the Costs and Challenges of Superfat Disability
This presentation delves into the unique challenges and triumphs of navigating life as a superfat and physically disabled individual. We will explore the financial burdens of acquiring accessible equipment, the emotional toll of fluctuating energy and pain levels, and the impact of internalized and external ableism and fatphobia. Attendees will gain insights into the journey of obtaining suitable mobility devices and practical strategies for advocating for better healthcare coverage. Shilo will share stories of challenges, wins and the important role of mutual aid, community and interdependence.
Shilo George, MS (she/they), a Southern Cheyenne-Arapaho and Irish/Scottish international speaker, is the owner of Łush Kumtux Tumtum Consulting, which means “a great awakening of the heart and spirit” in the Chinuk Wawa trade language. With over twenty-five years of experience as a social worker and community educator, Shilo’s work focuses on trauma-informed practices that align with and support anti-racist and anti-oppression efforts within organizations and communities. Their values are deeply rooted in Native cultural and spiritual practices, and she draws inspiration, perseverance, and drive from her communities. Shilo holds a Bachelor of Science in Art Practices and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Policy from Portland State University.
Regrettably, Dr. Sami Schalk has had to cancel their appearance due to unforeseen circumstances. In the aftermath of experiencing police violence, Sami has found it necessary to prioritize her healing and well-being. This decision has not been made lightly, and we extend our full support and understanding to Sami during this difficult time.
Evening Entertainment
Will I Ever Have (Fat) Sex Again? Q&A + Reading
Sofie Hagen takes questions and reads from her new book, Will I Ever Have Sex Again? and talks about why we’re not having the sex we want and how body image and fatness can play into this.
Sofie Hagen is a multi-award-winning London-based Danish comedian, author, podcaster, and content creator.
In 2015, Sofie won the Best Newcomer award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for her debut show Bubblewrap. She followed this up with the critically acclaimed sell out shows Shimmer Shatter in 2016, Dead Baby Frog in 2017, The Bumswing in 2019 and Fat Jokes in 2022.
Sofie published her debut book “Happy Fat” in 2019 and is the creator and host of the wildly successful podcast Who Hurt You?, co-host of BBC Sounds Original true crime podcast Bad People alongside Dr. Julia Shaw and has hosted several other successful podcasts. She has grown a huge social media following to compliment her podcast audience and is a much in demand speaker and comedian.
2024 Conference Schedule
Thursday, June 6, 2024
10am-12pm PT / 12-2pm CT / 1-3pm ET / 6-8pm BST / 3-5am AET
Included with all conference registrations!
Since the Fat Liberation movement began in the 1960s, fat activists have provided critical analyses about how weight is used in accessing, and the provision of, healthcare. This critique developed into what would eventually be called the Health at Every Size® Principles, drawing thousands of healthcare professionals to reconsider what is accepted as care for fat people.
The Health at Every Size® approach to healthcare is based on four Health at Every Size® Principles, recently revised and released earlier this year. The Health at Every Size® Framework of Care provides a path for healthcare providers to learn about ethical and effective care for fat people. This two-hour session will introduce the four principles and ten components of the framework to serve as the foundation of Health at Every Size®-aligned care.
This session is great for folks brand new to Health at Every Size® and more seasoned providers and advocates who want to stay up-to-date with the latest about Health at Every Size®.
Presented by ani & Angel of the ASDAH Team
Friday, June 7, 2024
9:30am PT / 11:30am CT / 12:30pm ET / 5:30pm BST / 2:30am AET
Kick off the conference with opening remarks from the ASDAH Team and special performance by Vanessa Rochelle Lewis.
Vanessa will share a 10 minute joyful and moving performance of fat liberatory literature and storytelling.
Beyond the Weight: It was never about your health.
9:45am PT / 11:45am CT / 12:45pm ET / 5:45pm BST / 2:45am AET
In this candid and thought provoking presentation, Michelle shares her journey on how she went from struggling with low self esteem, disordered eating, addicted to diet pills, and depression to facing her fears and successfully reinventing her life. She poignantly illustrates how she learned to cultivate a positive body image as a fat, Black, queer woman navigating life in a world that wishes she didn’t exist. Michelle’s insights and heart felt story of resilience will leave you inspired, empowered and uplifted.
About the Speaker | Michelle Osbourne is a queer body image activist, speaker, content creator and entrepreneur that works from an anti-racist, anti-oppression, intersectional feminist framework. She can often be heard speaking on topics such as body image activism, marginalized women issues, self-confidence and 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. She was named one of Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s Black Changemakers and has worked with organizations such as Prime Video, INTERAC, Bolden USA, Dove and SiriusXM. She’s also been featured in magazines including, Today’s Parent and has been frequently interviewed on radio, podcasts and television. Michelle owns her own communications studio Michelle Osbourne & Co. and is a literacy professional with over 15 years working in the communications industry. With her work, Michelle’s mission is to create safe spaces where all identifying women can feel heard and empowered, be inspired, and learn so they can unapologetically live their best lives. Michelle resides in Québec, Canada with her partner and 7-year-old daughter. Click here to see a snapshot of her portfolio.
HAES®️ Architects and Advocates Commemorate ASDAH’s 20-Year Journey
11:15am PT / 1:15pm CT / 2:15pm ET / 7:15pm BST / 4:15am AET
HAES®️ architects and former community leaders who had a pivotal role in creation and leadership of ASDAH and who have been instrumental in implementing the revolutionary concept of Health at Every Size® (HAES®️) come together to participate in this Oral History Project Conference Session. This ongoing project aims to capture the rich experiences, insights, and stories of the activists who played a crucial role in the establishment and evolution of ASDAH and the HAES®️ movement. Their firsthand accounts will provide invaluable perspectives and inspire current and future generations.
Facilitated by | Angel Austin, ASDAH Advocacy & Community Leader
Panelists | Deb Burgard, Tigress Osborne, and Lisa Marie Alatorre
12:45pm PT / 2:45pm CT / 3:45pm ET / 8:45pm BST / 5:45am AET
This workshop explores the intersection of mental health, body image, and size inclusivity. We will discuss the complexities of providing compassionate health care for individuals in large bodies, emphasizing the importance of promoting body acceptance, combating weight stigma, and fostering a holistic approach to well-being. We will examine how size bias creates barriers to health care and in the therapeutic relationship. Lastly, we will discuss best practices for collaborating and coordinating care to offer support for transformational healing.
Presented by | Breah Robinson, LCSW, Founder of Embodied Care Wellness Center
About the Speaker | Breah Robinson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and is the Founder and CEO of Embodied Care Wellness Center, a premier private practice and integrative wellness community.
Breah’s work is central to supporting women to gain access to care and resources to improve their well-being and elevate their quality of life. She specializes in body image trauma and eating disorders specific to Black women and is a healer, activist, and advocate.
Motivated by her own personal journey of liberation, Breah has developed a framework to support women reclaim their bodies and heal their relationship with food. She founded The Embodied Care Collaborative Network and The Embodied Therapist Training Institute to help educate other therapists and health and wellness providers on how to address body image and eating disorders in a trauma informed and culturally responsive way.
Breah is a proud graduate of Bennett College and The University of Illinois at Chicago. She is certified in Somatic Therapy, EMDR trained, and is a Certified Integrative Health practitioner.
Will I Ever Have (Fat) Sex Again? Q&A + Reading
3pm PT / 5pm CT / 6pm ET / 11pm BST / 8am AET
Sofie Hagen takes questions and reads from her new book, Will I Ever Have Sex Again? and talks about why we’re not having the sex we want and how body image and fatness can play into this.
About the Speaker | Sofie Hagen is a multi-award-winning London-based Danish comedian, author, podcaster, and content creator.
In 2015, Sofie won the Best Newcomer award at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for her debut show Bubblewrap. She followed this up with the critically acclaimed sell out shows Shimmer Shatter in 2016, Dead Baby Frog in 2017, The Bumswing in 2019 and Fat Jokes in 2022.
Sofie published her debut book “Happy Fat” in 2019 and is the creator and host of the wildly successful podcast Who Hurt You?, co-host of BBC Sounds Original true crime podcast Bad People alongside Dr. Julia Shaw and has hosted several other successful podcasts. She has grown a huge social media following to compliment her podcast audience and is a much in demand speaker and comedian
Saturday, June 8, 2024
9am PT / 11am CT / 12pm ET / 5pm BST / 2am AET
Marking the halfway point of the conference, join us for a warm welcome and opening remarks from the ASDAH Team to start the second day of the ASDAH 2024 Conference.
9:15am PT / 11:15am CT / 12:15pm ET / 5:15pm BST / 2:15am AET
Helping people in larger bodies reclaim movement, find fat joy, and incorporate fat self care into their daily lives. Learn about the Medical Industrial Complex, racism, and health abolition and how to create strategies for compassionate and empathetic care for fat people that does not involve weight loss.
Presented by | Kanoelani Patterson
About the Speaker | Kanoelani (She, Her, Hers) is 42 years old Black/Hawaiian and Fat woman living in Lawton, Oklahoma. Fat-positive powerlifter and athlete and also is co-author in the anthology called “Deconstructing the Fitness Industrial Complex; How to resist, disrupt and reclaim what it means to be fit in American Culture” edited by Justice Williams, M.A. “Roc” Rochon and Lawrence Koval. She currently holds a Master’s degree in social work (MSW) & is a licensed masters social worker (LMSW) and under clinical supervision in social work in the state of Oklahoma. Kanoelani specializes in working with children, adolescents & families & addiction. She practices from an anti-diet/ anti oppressive/decolonial framework & believes you can be active without striving for intentional weight loss. She believes no one is broken or damaged but that the systems of oppression try to break us into submission.
10:30am PT / 12:30pm CT / 1:30pm ET / 6:30pm BST / 3:30am AET
The Mindful Oasis portion is a break to take what you need! We will host several zoom breakout rooms including:
- Networking This space will be for folks who want to connect with like-minded professionals. If requested, we can also make profession-specific rooms such as Academia Networking, Dietitians Networking, etc.
- Connection This space is for anyone looking to connect in a non-professional capacity. A great place to make more fat friends and friends who don’t diet talk!
- BIPOC Fat Folks Space This space is exclusively for folks who are both Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color and fat.
- Music Room A place to connect around music and co-create a music playlist together via Spotify.
*This session is not recorded.
Chairs, Stares, and Healthcare Fares: Navigating the Costs and Challenges of Superfat Disability
11:45am PT / 1:45pm CT / 2:45pm ET / 7:45pm BST / 4:45am AET
This presentation delves into the unique challenges and triumphs of navigating life as a superfat and physically disabled individual. We will explore the financial burdens of acquiring accessible equipment, the emotional toll of fluctuating energy and pain levels, and the impact of internalized and external ableism and fatphobia. Attendees will
gain insights into the journey of obtaining suitable mobility devices and practical strategies for advocating for better healthcare coverage. Shilo will share stories of challenges, wins and the important role of mutual aid, community and interdependence.
About the Speaker | Shilo George, MS (she/they), a Southern Cheyenne-Arapaho and Irish/Scottish international speaker, is the owner of Łush Kumtux Tumtum Consulting, which means “a great awakening of the heart and spirit” in the Chinuk Wawa trade language. With over twenty-five years of experience as a social worker and community educator, Shilo’s work focuses on trauma-informed practices that align with and support anti-racist and anti-oppression efforts within organizations and communities. Their values are deeply rooted in Native cultural and spiritual practices, and she draws inspiration, perseverance, and drive from her communities. Shilo holds a Bachelor of Science in Art Practices and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Policy from Portland State University.
Regrettably, Dr. Sami Schalk has had to cancel their appearance due to unforeseen circumstances. In the aftermath of experiencing police violence, Sami has found it necessary to prioritize her healing and well-being. This decision has not been made lightly, and we extend our full support and understanding to Sami during this difficult time.Dr.
12:45pm PT / 2:45pm CT / 3:45pm ET / 8:45pm BST / 5:45am AET
Wrap up two days of incredible insights with the ASDAH Team and enjoy a special performance by Ifasina Clear. Through the power of movement, Ifasina invites us to explore themes of resilience, liberation, and collective healing.
1:30pm PT / 3:30pm CT / 4:30pm ET / 9:30pm BST / 6:30am AET
Join Angel and ani from the ASDAH team to process, discuss, and unwind from the conference in community.
*This session is not recorded.
2024 Conference Sponsors
Inclusive Eating Disorder Education is the proud sponsor of the Opening Keynote with Michelle Osbourne
