Birds of a Feather

"Birds of a feather flock together," or in French, "Qui se ressemble s'assemble."

The classic image of the svelte Parisienne has been around for a long time and still persists, even though French women have statistically been getting larger over the past couple of decades:  taller, certainly, but with more of them becoming overweight as well. Societal pressures to be thin are still strong here, and living in a culture that places great emphasis on appearance can be a challenge when your body size doesn't fall within the accepted norms.  It can be a relief and a pleasure to connect with other people who understand this, and it's easy to do in both the virtual and real worlds thanks to various plus-size and size-acceptance groups in the area.  Although some people fear that such groups create a ghetto for fat folks and others are embarrassed to go out with a large group of large people, it's a great way to meet people and have fun, learn something, or even become involved in the combat against discrimination based on size.

Here are some of the most well known groups with a strong online presence and large member base in the Paris region.

Allegro Fortissimo
www.allegrofortissimo.com
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Allegro Fortissimo is a nonprofit association actively fighting discrimination against fat people (for example, problems with employment, transport, health care, and getting loans) and promoting self-acceptance, helping them make peace with their bodies and self-image with respect to themselves, the people around them, and society.  AF organizes social events, informational presentations about relevant medical issues, regular aquagym programs, hiking outings, clothing sales, and other activities.  Their website offers discussion forums, updates on the organization's activities, and information about laws, size acceptance, and other related topics.

Pulpe Club
www.pulpeclub.com
Pulpe Club is a site for information, mutual aid, militance, discussion, and conviviality around the subject of being fat--in other words, anything touching on weight issues, physical appearance, and the battle against weight-related discrimation.  The site has articles and other information related to size, discussion forums and live chat, and planned social activities as well as get-togethers organized by members.

Ronde et Jolie
www.rondeetjolie.com
Ronde et Jolie was created in 2001 by a fat admirer as a site for big beautiful women (BBW) and those who love them, with a view toward helping with self-acceptance, self-confidence, and socialization.  There are site-sponsored dances every four months, member-organized activities, new and used clothing online boutiques, personal ads, live chat, and discussion forums.

Vive les Rondes
www.vivelesrondes.com
Vive les Rondes offers a magazine with fashion- and size-related articles and interviews, discussion forums, blogs, vast listings of resources for plus-size clothing, a section for members to buy and sell used clothes, member-organized social activities, and casting opportunities for plus-size models, actors, and guests for theatrical shows, print, TV, and film.

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Images courtesy of David GanSSi, digital artist. You can see more of David's original works at:
http://www.d-ganssi.book.fr/
http://www.ganssi-galerie.book.fr/

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