2. Taking Up Space: The Roots and Implications of Sizeism

Sessions

Concurrent Session, ENX CHRO, ENX HR Leaders, ENX Mid-Market
Taking Up Space: The Roots and Implications of Sizeism
N227, North Building - Level 2 (MPCC)
In-Person and Virtual Tuesday 06/25/2024 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM   Add to calendar
Competencies: Business (Behavioral), Interpersonal (Behavioral), Leadership (Behavioral), People (Technical) | Intended Audience: Early Career, Mid-Level, Senior-Level, Executive-level
Workplace Application:
Attendees will have practical tools and skills to recognize systemic examples of sizeism, interrupt microaggressions and anti-fat biases, and be better allies to fat people in their workplaces and beyond. 

Seating Instructions: Seating is first-come, first-served. Reserved seating options are available for accessibility and accommodations. For detailed accessibility information, visit INFO > FAQs in the app.

In a culture trained by centuries of sexism and racism to objectify women's bodies, to privilege thinness, and to condemn fatness, the importance of celebrating and respecting fat bodies can be difficult for some to grasp. Social systems of sizeism and ableism deny fat bodies equal worth, access, and value. Outdated practices in the healthcare industry invalidate personal autonomy, pathologize, and endanger big bodies. Anti-fat bias in hiring and recruiting can mean missing out on talented candidates who we assume to lack individual willpower or discipline simply because of their size. In this workshop, we explore sizeism and ableism through the intersectional lens of sexism, racism, and classism. We discuss the implications of anti-fat bias in the workplace and learn to create inclusive spaces for bodies of all sizes.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the concepts of sizeism, anti-fat bias, body positivity, and fat activism.
  • Examine our experiences and messaging around fatness and fatphobia.
  • Explore the systemic roots of sizeism and its implications in the workplace, education, and healthcare.
  • Recognize and interrupt microaggressions and bias related to fatphobia.
  • Practice with tools and skills to act as an ally to fat persons.

Direct Link to Session Materials: If the speaker provides session materials, you can access them via the app, web format or at https://presentations.shrm.org/.

Live Streaming and Recording: Unless marked 'in person only,' all sessions are live-streamed on the app or web format and available for replay 30 days after the event.

Acknowledgment of Technical Issues: While rare, technical issues may occur during sessions. We appreciate your patience as we quickly address them.

Accessibility & Accommodations Information: For detailed accessibility & accommodations information, visit INFO > FAQs in the app.

Kaitlin Desselle, MS Photo
Presenter:
Kaitlin Desselle, MS, Vice President of Business Development,
Strategic Diversity Initiatives
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