Unconference Schedule
Day 1: Listening, Learning, and Sharing
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM Welcome & Unconference Opening
- Explanation of Unconference Format and Setting the Tone
- Community agreements
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM Lightning Talks (5 min. talk/5 min. Q&A per speaker) – Short, impactful presentations from ASDAH members and other aligned community members/co-conspirators
2:00 PM – 2:15 PM Break
2:15 PM – 3:45 PM Session 1: Discuss Real-World Scenarios in Fat Healthcare (Graphic)
This will be an interactive session we will use to work through scenarios medical/health professionals, fat advocates and activists, as well as other aligned community members experience. We will take into account the ways those who are oppressed and marginalized are affected in these situations. (No breakouts)
- Scenario 1: “No Room for Me” – Medical Spaces Should Work for Every Body Explore how to navigate and advocate for accessible exam rooms, weight-inclusive furniture, appropriate gown sizes, and alternative ways to gather health information when standard tools and spaces fail fat patients—especially those who are superfat, infinifat, disabled, or multiply marginalized.
- Scenario 2: “Just Take the Shot?” Navigating GLP-1 Conversations with Consent, Context, and Care Let’s discuss the power dynamics in GLP-1 prescribing, from it being “just a suggestion” to intense pressure that’s actually harmful and traumatizing. Share ways that you have supported fat patients to learn more about agency, consent, and informed decision-making, especially Black, Brown, queer, and trans community members.
- Scenario 3: “Is This What You Think Fat Looks Like?” Give Examples of Weight-Stigmatizing Messaging in Media How can health professionals design affirming and representative messaging that uplifts fat folks represented at varied intersections? How can fat people, the desired audience, move the needle to identify and challenge the coded (and not-so-coded) anti-fatness embedded in healthcare marketing, social media, and other forms of outreach?
3:45 PM – 4:00 PM Break
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Session 2: Open Space Conversations
Conference attendees can choose to move through breakout rooms to discuss listed topics. All are welcome to share from their own perspective. For example, health professionals can ask fat patients and activists how they can help with regard to these topics and fat community members and activists can share what they need. Affinity rooms (Black, superfat+, LGBTQIA+) will also be available. (8 total breakouts)
- How to integrate social justice into everyday practice
- Addressing weight-based gaslighting
- Navigating workplace pushback against fat-inclusive care
- DEI regression and fat justice – how to navigate systemic backlash in medical spaces
- Radical rest for fat bodies – how rest MUST be a part of fat-affirming care
5:15 PM – 6:00 PM Session 3: Collective Brainstorm – Future of ASDAH Programming and Community Building
We’ll close out day one, open up the meeting for reflection about the day’s sessions, and talk about what to expect for day two. Questions attendees will be able to answer include:
- What do members want most from ASDAH moving forward?
- What kind of things feel urgent or necessary to you?
- What kind of educational, member-specific, and community-specific programming would be most helpful to you?
- Feel free to share any ideas you have.
Day 2: Deep Dives & Making it Happen
12:00 PM – 12:15 PM Check-in & Reflection on Day 1
12:15 PM – 2:00 PM Lightning Talks (5 min. talk/5 min. Q&A per speaker)
Another round of short, impactful presentations from ASDAH members and other aligned community members/co-conspirators (Graphic) I’ll share more info on hosting in zoom for presenters as I have it.
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM Break/Rest/Chill Time
Step away, read a book, chat with a friend, or just close your eyes. There will be relaxing music playing.
3:15 – 5:00 PM Breakouts for Topical Discussions
Attendees can again choose to move through breakout rooms to discuss listed topics. All are welcome once again to share from their own perspective. Affinity rooms (Black, superfat+, LGBTQIA+) will be available again. The purpose of this session is to determine some actionable outcomes.Groups will nominate a participant to report back on their discussion in the next session. (7 total breakouts)
Discussion topics:
- Share some fat-Affirming medical practices you’ve implemented or experienced.
- We’ve all heard horror stories around patient advocacy, but what has actually worked for you?
- How do you implement HAES® in your work?
- Discuss intersectional approaches to care.
5:00 – 5:45 Report Backs & Q&A
Representatives from each breakout will share any relevant points discovered during the discussion. The whole group can share in the discussion and ask questions as the Unconference comes to an end. Anyone is welcome to share key takeaways, ideas, and personal commitments to act on what they’ve learned.
5:45 – 6:00 Conference Close, Special Thanks, and Call to Action