Make a Splash! A Fabulous Fat Pool Party

Bust out your cutest suit and bask in the summer sun with a few dozen gorgeous fat folks at a pool party created just for us! Splash, swim, and luxuriate in the coolness of a totally private pool, make new friends and bring your own, and indulge in summery snacks and cold drinks. It’s a no-judgment zone where you can be at home in your whole body.

(Remember the pool party scene in Shrill? We loved it so much we decided to make it happen!)

We are The Pincus Center for Inclusive Treatment & Education, a queer-inclusive, sex-positive, and body-affirming therapy and wellness practice; and Plush DMV, a movement that aims to support and motivate the celebration and empowerment of plus size people. This spring, we’ve joined forces to present social and educational events that help people of size make friends, get dates, befriend our bodies, and have more fun.

The party’s happening in the backyard of a private residence with a very large in-ground pool and plenty of room to socialize. There will be refreshments (snacks and soft drinks) on the back porch. Bring your own towels, coverups, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A shuttle will be provided from the nearest Metro. You’ll get the address in your confirmation email.

Queer, trans, and polyamorous/nonmonogamous folks of all genders are encouraged to attend! And yes– your straight-sized partners and friends are welcome as long as they understand that this space centers the comfort and safety of fat folks. 18+ please– while this is pretty innocent fun, we want to make a space for adults to enjoy adult company.

Let the sun shine on your skin and let’s revel in having a place to enjoy summer fun together!

Now let’s answer some of your burning questions:

Am I fat enough to attend?

We’re not here to gatekeep your identity. If you feel drawn to being part of the fat community, we welcome you.

Will there be alcohol?

No. For safety purposes and to support our sober friends, this is (ironically) a dry event. We’re steering clear of alcohol, W**d, and other substances at this party.

Is there a place to change?

Yes, there is an enclosed changing area beside the pool area.

Is the space physically accessible?

The pool area outdoors is completely accessible. The bathroom inside is up a few back porch steps.

I’m older– will I feel out of place among a bunch of young folks?

No! We expect a very wide range of ages attending. Two of your hosts are well over 40.

Can I bring my own food or drink, or bring some to share?

Bringing refreshments is totally welcome. Please bring any serving dishes or utensils that you need for it, and bring an ingredient card/label to inform those with allergy and dietary restrictions. (Also, make sure you take your things home at the end unless they’re disposable!) Please DO NOT bring anything that requires prep in the kitchen.

How do I get shuttled from the Metro?

Full instructions for getting there will be in your reminder emails, don’t worry!

Can I bring pool toys or other outdoor toys/games?

Sure! Just make sure you take them all home with you, and have a way to inflate your own pool toys. Please don’t bring fireworks, other fire toys, or anything that could pollute the pool water.

How can I help ensure that this feels like a safe, welcoming space for everyone?

Great question, thanks for asking! A couple tips:

• Avoid talking about diets, intentional weight loss, weight loss surgery, or similar topics that could be triggering to others.
• Try not to engage in negative self-talk about your body, how you look in a swimsuit, or how much you’re eating. We want to keep the vibe upbeat and stay neutral about our bodies and eating habits today!
• Give your pronouns when you introduce yourself to a new friend, and make sure you remember and use theirs.
• Don’t touch anyone without their clear and enthusiastic consent unless they need to be saved from drowning.
• Be careful how you’re complimenting other people– flirting is great, but fetishizing people isn’t.
• If you’re bringing a straight-sized partner or friend with you, please talk to them about what it means to center the comfort and safety of fat folks and make sure they’ve read these tips.

The Pincus Center for Inclusive Treatment and Education specializes in working with queer, transgender/nonbinary, kinky, and ethically non-monogamous/polyamorous people. We value sex positivity (including asexuality), body positivity and fat liberation, and racial justice.

Plush DMV is a movement that aims to support and motivate the celebration and empowerment of plus size people by building a local fat positive community. If you’ve been looking for an inclusive, fat positive safe space for fat folks to meet, network & make friends in the DC area, join us at our in-person events!

Host or Publisher Tamara Pincus