Cabrini Hosts TLC Reality Star for National Conference on Body Image
On Oct. 26-27, Cabrini University will hold a National Conference on Body Image to examine ways to combat body shaming and champion acceptance.
Whitney Way Thore, TLC reality star and founder of No Body Shame, will provide the keynote on Oct. 27 at 7 p.m.
With panel discussions, presentations, and workshops, the program will encourage attendees to examine body image through diverse perspectives including religion, pop culture, and art.
The two-day conference is hosted by the University’s Department of English and the Gender and Body Studies program. Registration is open to the public.
“Body image is an issue that impacts all of us. From staring at magazine covers in line at the grocery store to scrolling through social media, we are bombarded with the notion that we are insufficient,” said Michelle Filling-Brown, PhD, Chair and Associate Professor of the Department of English at Cabrini and Coordinator of the Gender and Body Studies program. “I am grateful to the KatherineAlexandra Foundation for sponsoring this conference that brings world renowned speakers to our campus to talk about these pressures with students and community members.”
Thore’s viral YouTube series, “A Fat Girl Dancing” thrusted her into the spotlight and sparked a global conversation about body image. Currently, Thore stars in the TLC reality show My Big Fat Fabulous Life, which showcases Whitney’s family and friends, her dance career, and her journey to mental physical and emotional health.
As a body-positive activist and self-love advocate, Whitney founded the No Body Shame Campaign to help men and women of every variety rise above the negativity that society imposes on anyone who is “different” and love and live their lives free of shame.
The conference is supported by the KatherineAlexandra Foundation which promotes an improved quality of life by enhancing the whole person – inside and out.
For registration and program details, visit cabrini.edu/bodyimageconf.
Dr. Michelle Filling-Brown, (l.) Chair of the English Department, welcomes Kate Byard of Exeter University in the UK, to the 2016 National Undergraduate Conference on Body Image. Kate will be presenting on body image in the digital world.