Craigslist Chronicles: My Response

There are so many moving pieces to this story. It may take a me a few days to tell it all. I figure we might as well start with my response to a group of fat shamers who have been trolling the Craigslist Rants & Raves section.

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I have promised myself for days that I wasn’t going to respond to any of this. I was happy to ignore your ignorance before you brought my second home into this.

Yes, I am the dancer you (3?) seem to dislike so much. I am grateful for anyone, and everyone, who dance with me. If I’m taking good leads, it’s because I’ve been kind to them and they are kind to me in return. The dance floor here is not a competition. I’m going to assume you are a competitive WCS dancer, which is why you are so focused on my technique.

That’s right, posters, I am dangerous. Dangerously lacking in a give-a-damn for your opinion.

I suppose I am a planet. Planet Awesome. Luckily my gravity is selective, which probably why you’ve never gotten close enough to get to know anything about me. I’m also blessed to not revolve around your bullshit.

My diet is none of your business. My health is no one’s business.

All and all, it’s cool you picked me to take your misogynistic bullshit out on. Maybe the fact that I have already started separating my self-worth from the opinions of others is the reason why I made such a tasty target for your forked tongue. A big girl with confidence, and who does not care what your whispering about in the corner? I bet that is frustrating.

Keep your focus on me, because I can take your shade. (I shine bright.) You are only proving that fat shaming is slowly becoming unacceptable. You’ll have to find some other way to entertain yourself (selves?). May I humbly suggest the COCC classes on interpersonal communication? Or a therapist? I’m sure there’s a monastery far away from my horrific fat rolls that will let you contemplate your outlook on life.
I am incredibly grateful for the statement by the Owner of Maverick’s. I have never felt anything but love and support from the staff and patrons and I feel incredibly grateful to have such a supportive and fun environment to express myself in. If you have ever thought of learning to dance, but have been worried about people being judgmental, please believe Maverick’s is a great place to start. This isolated situation aside, I have never had any problems. The patrons of Maverick’s are far from shallow, and even insinuating such makes me a sad panda.

Continue to come at me. I can take it. I hope out of this disastrous shit show we can grow some understanding. These kinds of things happen every day, to hundreds (thousands) of people. Being bullied and shamed because of how you look is no easy thing. There have been enough studies to show that shaming people for their weight is not a positive catalyst for change. In fact, it can trigger disordered eating habits, which have the potential to be life threatening. I’m strong enough to take these words, and I’m happy to do it if it means you (all of you?) are leaving other big girls alone for awhile.

As for my behavior on the floor. I’m not sure what that is about. But, I know it’s tough for some people to watching a big girl have a good time and even express her sexuality. But, it’s not my job to make you comfortable with my body. It’s my job to be comfortable in my body.

Again, maybe look into that monastery. Because I’m not going to stop dancing for anyone.

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In addition, I am incredibly grateful to all the people who have come to my defense. I don’t want to spend too much time focusing on the negative without spotlighting there has been way more positive things said on the matter. This brings us to our first lesson of the Craigslist Chronicles: No matter how many negative things are said, always know that you have twice as many people who have your back and love you for who you are.