Promoting Social Justice by Addressing and Eliminating Weight Bias in the World and in Ourselves.

Dr. Nancy Ellis Ordway

Anti-fat bias is woven into the very fabric of our culture. It is so pervasive that it is almost unnoticeable even as it causes great harm. With roots in racism, classism and eugenics, weight stigma is a challenge to fairness, equity and social justice. How do we enact the first and second UU principles:

• The inherent worth and dignity of every person
• Justice, equity and compassion in human relations

Before we can address weight-related oppression in society, we must examine our own biases concerning body size, health and personal responsibility. Please join us for a guided discussion about our own implicit beliefs and where they originate, as well as new information to challenge them.

To enhance the learning experience, attendees are encouraged to prepare by reviewing the resources available at https://neomsw.com/the-weight-of-injustice/

Topics will include the relationship between racism and anti-fat bias, awareness of privilege, the predatory financial underpinnings of diet culture, the influence of colonialism and white supremacy, intersectional impacts, public policy, and evidence-based information about health and weight.

Nancy Ellis-Ordway, PhD, LCSW, is a mental health professional with extensive experience in the treatment of eating disorders, body image disturbance, and trauma with special interest in how weight stigma underlies these struggles and many others.