weight bias in the workplace

Lipedema Awareness: Just Keep Talking

November 20, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette 2 Comments

As Dorie the Fish would say “Just Keep Swimming”, in my case in order to spread awareness about Lipedema, I’ll “Just Keep Talking”, sharing my experiences and stories. Today yet another opportunity was presented to me, it was quite a whirlwind afternoon. At about 11:30 this morning I received an e-mail from James at the Obesity Action Coalition asking if I’d be interested in participating in a BBC show looking for people to share their story of living with obesity at 1:30 PM. I immediately replied, “Yes”…then I inquired about some details like “what’s the actual topic of the show?”, “who else was participating?”. Within minutes a staff member from BBC called me to give me more details, and to ask more information about me and my experiences with obesity. Oh and he asked if I had access to Skype, sure I do!

The show was BBC World Have Your Say and the segment was in regards to the story of Kevin Chenais, 22-year-old man from France who was stranded in Chicago because British Airways said that at 500lbs he was too fat to fly. Virgin Atlantic stepped up and flew Chenais to London, where he then encountered another travel issue. I was very familiar with the story, and relieved to hear he was finally getting help to get home.

There I sat in my bed, in my nightshirt, hair in ponytail, glasses on.

Skype means video, right? Ugh, I can’t talk about obesity from BED…what would people think? Probably nothing worse than they already think, but anyway I quickly got dressed, brushed my hair, and put some make-up on. Then another BBC staffer contacted me via Skype to test my connection and I found out it was going to be a radio show. Whew.

I was instructed that the host would start the conversation but that they wanted the participants to just keeping talking in reply to each other, no waiting on the host to call on me for my opinion just chime right in with my comments. “Is that something you’d be comfortable doing?” That’s something I do all the time!

So I had the pleasure of chatting with two new friends, Becky and Misty, both bloggers who, like me, embrace the word FAT.

Here is the link to our conversation on World Have Your Say: (our segment begins At 31:20)

http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/…/whys/whys_20131120-1910a.mp3

My Story in Psychology Today

November 11, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette 6 Comments

My story is profiled in the current issue of Psychology Today (December 2013), as part of the article Do I Make You Uncomfortable?

This is the article for which I had My Abnormal Photo Shoot. In late August, I replied to a Facebook notice shared by the Obesity Action Coalition. Being a member of the OAC has provided many opportunities to share my story, and thus spread awareness about lipedema and lymphedema.

Does my fat make you uncomfortable?

According to the article that is YOUR issue, not mine. I knew this already, but I admit I misunderstood the article concept as originally told to me: “story about the experiences of those with physical differences—and how, on both a societal and individual level, we can overcome negative or prejudiced responses.” I thought the article was going to focus on those of us on the receiving end of the negative and prejudiced responses. Through my own sessions with a psychologist, I learned I cannot change other people’s behaviors, I can only control my own reaction. To my pleasant surprise the article’s focus is on the response people have when they see a person with a physical difference. It is a refreshing change for the discussion to address why some people have such adverse reactions to ME, since it is usually just accepted that it’s normal for people to act in such ways towards people who are abnormal. And yet, it’s not normal. Not everyone who sees me has a negative or prejudiced response, if that was the case I would not have so many supportive friends. So what does prompt the negative response?

Protective Prejudice

The theory discussed in the article is that people’s negative and prejudices reactions towards physical difference is rooted in an immune response and survival instinct protecting against disease. Interesting idea for sure! And does go along with the idea that people project their own insecurities towards me. The personal stories shared tell of instances for which we have experiences negative reactions based on our appears, mine included the now famous “check out them cankles” incident. It is inspiring that the other individual profiled in the story have the same positive attitude and outlook as I do and the hope that by sharing our stories we can help others.

Research suggesting that prejudice is a flexible trait abounds — and simply being aware that it’s not fixed can significantly reduce discriminatory behavior. Accepting that we all hold negative associates and becoming aware of the one we automatically make are also critical steps in the process of counteracting our biases. So, too, is encouraging people to talk about their negative perceptions.

My abnormal appearance is beneficial in life, it serves as a screening process. If people do not want to get to know me because of my looks, their loss. Now sure, it hurt when I experienced weight bias in the workplace but obviously that was not a company whose values align with mine.

Leave me a comment:

Have you read the full article? Share your thoughts.

Does my appearance make you uncomfortable?

Have you ever experienced a negative or prejudiced reaction to your appearance?

Living with Lipedema: Why Me?

November 7, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette 2 Comments

Living with lipedema, as with the management of any chronic condition, presents physical, mental, and emotional challenges.

Physically, my arms and legs are heavy and extremely sensitive, the excess weight causes pressure and pain in my joints and tires me out very easily.

Mentally, I struggle with the reality of having a progressive condition to which little is know, and to which few effective treatment options exist and are not readily accessible or require insurance appeals to get covered.

Emotionally, I live in fear of when my next bought of cellulitis will occur. I am judged and stereotyped based on my appearance. I have been discriminated against in the workplace, and been denied proper medical treatment because of weight bias and stigma.

I often ask WHY ME?

A few months ago I made a pretty risky life decision, but one I felt was best for my overall health. I have returned to college and revived this blog and focus more on advocacy. Sharing my story publicly opens me up to comments and feedback, I have been warned the internet is can be a not so nice place. I know this…but I also know that awareness needed and I must continue speak up.

But WHY ME?

A college friend sent me this message a few day ago that answered that question:

“Though you’ve always had a voice, we are both great talkers. I believe you have truly and finally found YOUR voice. I think you’ve landed and are doing exactly what you should be doing. Perhaps you were given your conditions so that you can use your ability to talk-and unabashed ability to speak your mind so that those who aren’t as vocal (and I mean that in a great way) have someone on their side to encourage them to speak up when things go wrong.”

Top 5 Reasons YOU Should Attend OAC’s #YWM2013

June 13, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette 3 Comments

This year the Obesity Action Coalition is hosting the 2nd Annual Your Weight Matters National Convention, August 15-18 in Phoenix, AZ. I guarantee it will be a life changing weekend! In an attempt to convince you, I have listed my Top 5 Reasons You Should Attend #YWM2013.

#5 – YOU will MOVE during the fitness classes. A variety of fitness classes will be offered during the conference so if you already have an exercise routine the trip will not interrupt your activities. If you have yet to find a workout you enjoy this is the PERFECT opportunity to TRY new exercises in an accepting environment. Last year I attended the Yoga class, to my surprise I already OWNED the instructors DVD, I had just never attempted it. Now that I have participated in the class I am more confident in doing the moves correctly at home. Perhaps you are not quite ready for a structured fitness class or “hello, I don’t exercise on ‘vacation'”, that’s o.k. you will still MOVE during the Sunday morning Walk From Obesity.

If you are not able to participate in the Walk From Obesity, please support my participation by making a donation in my name.

#4 – YOU will MEET people just like YOU. No matter where you are on your journey to health there are others who are right there, or have been there. I have been to several weight related conferences in the past 9 years and have met many wonderful people, and made several friends like my pals Eggface and MeltingMama, and yet at each new event I attend I meet and make new friends. Do not be afraid about “being alone” at the event, I assure you, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. We are all in this together, and we are stronger when we join our voices and stories with the OAC. Plus you never know when some weird chick who eats ketchup on her boiled egg asks if she can sit with you at breakfast. <— That was me making a new friend, Asha.

#3 – YOU will EAT Lunch with the Experts. Last year I made the mistake of not signing up for Lunch with the Experts, I thought lunch time might be a good time to give my lipedema legs some rest. I quickly realized what I was missing out on, and was able to sign up for an open lunch spot on site at the conference. So if in doubt I suggest SIGN UP NOW…many Lunch with the Experts sessions are already FULL. This lunch gives you the chance to discuss important topics in a small (approx 10) group setting with an expert in the field. Click on the image to view the #YWM2013 Agenda with a list of Lunch with the Experts topics:

#2 – YOU will DANCE. Yes, you will! As I mentioned in #5, this is your chance to try new things in an open, accepting, non-judgement environment. Friday night’s Welcoming Event with be a! So use your imagination to come up with a really awesome costume, or just come as you are. Just be there, and shake your groove thing! And see if I can keep my title as reigning costume winner! I won as Honey Boo Boo last year, complete with Go Go Juice and Glitzy!

#1 – YOU will ADVOCATE for Obesity! I strongly encourage you to attend the Advocacy Training. It was by far my favorite part of attending the Inaugural Your Weight Matters Conference in Dallas, TX. Even if you are not able to participate in the Advocacy Training you are still advocating just by attending the #YWM2013. Sharing your story with others, empowering yourself to pursue your health goals, fighting against weight bias and stigma are all important pieces of advocacy. Advocacy against weight stigma and bias is one of the main reasons I joined the Obesity Action Coalition. You can read my story, The Part I Want: Advocate in the Your Weight Matters Magazine 2013. Watch my personal testimonial about the Inaugural YWM Conference.

But most of all ATTEND #YMW2013 because YOUR Weight Matters!!!!

If my Top 5 Reasons successfully convinced you to register for #YWM2013 Convention, contact the OAC in writing at convention@obesityaction.org and tell them Sarah from Born2lbFat referred you so I can be entered into the YWM2013 Recruitment CHALLENGE. Thank you in advance!!!!

OAC Members Matter – The Part I Want: Advocate

April 22, 2013 by Sarah Bramblette 7 Comments

Read the article online – The Part I Want: Advocate

I’m a centerfold! Well close enough for me! A couple of months ago I had the honor of being asked to write an article for the new OAC Members Matter section of Your Weight Matters Magazine. Anyone who knows me in person knows I am not shy about telling my story, or any story really. However, I was unprepared for the emotional journey writing this article took me. The hardest challenge was editing down a focus, as I have been obese all my life, I have many stories to share. After talking through ideas with Kristy Kuna with OAC, we decided on the issue that really spurred my involvement with the Obesity Action Coalition: Weight Bias in the Workplace. Unfortunately, I have experienced weight bias in the workplace twice in my life, yet each time I have taken what at first was a negative experience and turned it into a positive outcome.

A subscription to Your Weight Matters Magazine is included with an OAC Membership, so I encourage you to join today!