Nightclubs for the plus-size begin to weigh in

[ccharles000]

LONG BEACH, Calif.— Move over, it's Saturday night at Club Bounce and people are bouncing onto the dance floor in a big, big way.

These are big, big people, all dressed to the nines and many tipping the scales at 250, maybe 300 pounds.

That's because this expansive nightclub a couple blocks from the Pacific Ocean, with its flashing lights, friendly atmosphere and wall-rattling hip-hop sounds, caters specifically to fat people.

That's right, fat people. Not just any fat people, either, but fat people who are proud to call themselves fat people. People who joke that they are part of the new Fat is Phat movement.

"Self-conscious? No! Not at all," laughs Monique Lopez, a curvaceous woman of 23 as she arrives in a tight, black dress and heels. "I was like, 'I'm going to Club Bounce tonight. I'm going to wear my shortest skirt.'" (Which she did.)

The movement for equal rights for plus-sized people is nothing new of course. The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, with chapters around the country, was founded 40 years ago. A nonprofit group, it advocates that everyone be treated equally regardless of size, arguing that we don't live in a one-size-fits-all world.

But what has been slower coming, fat advocates say, are places like Club Bounce, where people who might have some trouble getting past the velvet ropes at other night spots because of their size are made to feel like they fit right in.

http://www.rr.com/news/topic/article/rr/1110/9320873/Nightclubs_for_the_plus-size_begin_to_weigh_in

[dana_b]

1. good for them

a place where they can feel comfortable - sounds good.

[Warpy]

3. It's an untapped market

Those velvet rope places were notoriously hard on all of us who didn't conform to the beautiful people stereotype for one reason or another.

I love the name, too.

[glen123098]

2. I went to a nightclub once in my life.

I was the fattest person there. I felt so bad and had to go home.

[Warpy]

5. I didn't like them, either

and I could more or less blend. They were full of people chainsmoking ostentatiously while looking out of the corners of their eyes to make sure they were being noticed.

Not my bag, either.

I'm sorry they made you feel like a bug on a plate. Just know that you probably weren't alone feeling uncomfortable in the club scene.

[whathehell]

10. Doesn't that suck?

I know the feeling...I USED to be svelte in that other lifetime of Youth.

At middle age, I started putting on the pounds, and even though I'm not "huge"...or "hugh" in DU terms...I started taking dancing lessons and my "teacher" is not only 30 years younger than me but he is built like a very tall Pencil...I'm not kidding.

P.S. Welcome to DU!

[keroro gunsou]

20. first time i went clubbing

i was the biggest person there, awash in all teh pretty people. no one treated me differently, though they did find that my sketchbook and copics were somewhat off-putting. I was drawing the people as i sat there nursing a drinking and listening to a very bad dj who really needed to be introduced to the chemical brothers.

[Texasgal]

4. The picture at the link

does not look like a bunch of overweight people, they look normal to me?

[Matariki]

6. I guess that's 'fat' in Southern California?

sigh.

[Indy Lurker]

7. visit their website for more photos

http://www.clubbounce.net/photos.htm

[Le Taz Hot]

61. I'm sorry, I see these as lovely, vibrant young women

who just want to have a good time. OK, as a geezer, I want to communicate with "peeking nipple" that she is lovely without the added show but other than that, party on!

[snagglepuss]

13. Speaking as someone who is overweight, those girls are definitely overweight,

No one is giganticus but they are packing.

[msongs]

8. which is cheaper, paying to go to a nightclub and dance/drink or joining a gym? Either way these

people are getting some exercise, which is good.

Msongs

[Missy Vixen]

9. I think it's great

It's also nice to have somewhere to go to get away from those who think anyone over a size 4 is subhuman.

Too bad we can't have a "Club Bounce" here, huh? :eyes:

[Johonny]

11. they closed the one by me

the crowd was generally rowdy and the cops got called one to many times I guess.

[ccharles000]

12. kick

[K8-EEE]

14. Why do so many of them dress like hookers?

I mean come on.....I know that the "politically correct" thing is "good for them" but honestly the photos to me are just sad. People go out to clubs for attention anyway I guess but these girls are seemingly SCREAMING for attention.

[Curtland1015]

15. Meh. It's half the fun for most people that go to clubs, getting all dolled up.

I can't stand going to them myself, and I don't enjoy getting dressed up even when I HAVE TO... but some people enjoy it. More power to them I guess.

[bevoette]

16. her 'girls' are screaming something alright (nm)

[bevoette]

17. but really...they no more look like hookers than thin women do

hoochie is hoochie, size 2 or size 22 :shrug:

[K8-EEE]

78. There's such a thing as looking sexy AND classy, but not in this place!

Not seeing a lot of "fashion" going on here and I really don't know why that is. We all know fashionable, sexy larger women. Possibly they have a little too much self-respect going on for this scene and can hold their own fine where ever and not have to go to this place.

And do you ever really see Tammy Faye makeup like that outside this place??

[DemBones DemBones]

18. Because that's the image men like?

If you look at the four women in the photo above, the only thing "hookerish" is that they're showing a good bit of cleavage, but it's difficult for large-breasted women *not* to show a good bit of cleavage, particularly the way dresses are designed for plus-size women, or any size woman, for that matter. Clothing designers create some strange and unflattering clothes for women.

[trumad]

19. Sorry---I don't care how politically incorrect this is---but I just have to...

[Texasgal]

21. why is that?

is it because they aren't a size TWO?

[Curtland1015]

22. I'm not answering for him, but I'll tell you what creeps ME out about it...

...those giant fake fingernails. I've always hated those things.

:scared:

[K8-EEE]

77. Ugh the fingernails, the baaad greasy pink makeup

That's baaaaaaad.......come on does anybody seriously go for that look??? The sad thing is there's a nice looking girl under all that crap.

[trumad]

23. because her fashion is fucking hideous...

Size two's can look just as bad.

[Texasgal]

24. Uh huh.

I believe you.

[trumad]

26. Well---this might be politically incorrect as well...

but I don't a flying fuck if you believe me.

[Le Taz Hot]

30. Lots of people like to dress up and go out.

It's not my idea attractive, but then again, it doesn't have to be. The point is, I think overweight people long to go out and strut their stuff just like anyone else. If an establishment wants to provide a comfortable venue in which to do that I say more power to 'em.

[PVnRT]

73. I know, why aren't they wearing burqas like good, moral women?

[varelse]

25. Interesting statistic here

The club, with a capacity of 400, attracts relatively equal numbers of men and women, although Garbo says about three-quarters of the women tend to be heavy, while only about a quarter of the men are.

[K8-EEE]

29. REALITY CHECK: The men are showing up to get laid.

And they think the overweight women have low self-esteem and are an easy mark. I have a dear friend who got burnt in this whole "chubby chaser" club scene (not this one but a different "meet up" every month.) Her self esteem was in the toilet after gaining weight and her husband had walked out on her, he was an ass and she was better off without him. But then she finds these "men who love BBW's" sub culture and got taken advantage of and hurt big time.

Beware to anybody looking for "a relationship" or "to feel good about themselves" in creepy bar scenes of any description, but sorry I think this whole scene is just sad.

[Le Taz Hot]

31. Huh?

Or it could be that there are LOTS of men out there who don't appreciate bony stick figures. Oh, and news flash! A good portion of men go to clubs to get laid, regardless of "theme." Your comments apply to all people, not just those who are overweight.

[guitar man]

46. exactly

I've been married to a big and bouncy woman for almost 18 years. Yes, there are men who really do like big women, where else are you going to find a natural HH cup size? :P

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

53. In Reality, The Poster Above's Explanation Is Far More Likely.

Of course there are many men who either don't mind or are downright attracted to plus sized women. But men, in general, are also pigs. And as such, many would absolutely go to this club with mindset that it would be easier to get laid through meeting someone there than at another club (due to their OWN lack of esteem).

And of course you're right in stating that probably most men go to clubs to get laid. But there also is a perception in reality that large women are 'easier', so to speak, than thin women.

[pipi_k]

59. It's true, but I still understand what the other person meant...

Many guys believe that overweight (or looks-deprived) women might be more "desperate" than thinner or prettier girls/women.

If any of that type of guy was there with that belief, I hope they went home alone. I hope those fat girls (I can call them that because I am one) told those asses to piss off.

And maybe they did.

:7

[K8-EEE]

79. Yes this is what happened to my friend Lori,

This guy chatted her up like Oh you're so beautiful and then called her REALLY AWFUL NAMES, DEROGATORY NAMES the first time she wasn't at his beck and call sexually.....he seemed to enjoy hurting her and continued to be a regular at the once-monthly "BBW" mixers. She is still struggling with self-esteem issues between her ex-husband and that asshole.

My advice to people interested in these would be to go several times and get the gossip on the guys who are regulars. Had she done that she would have known he had followed the same pattern with several other women there.

I really really don't think going to these awful meet markets no matter what your weight is a way to "feel good about yourself," for most people. And yes this is weirder than a regular bar since it's built around one physical characteristic and attracts a lot of scammers and gigolo types.

[varelse]

84. the only nightclubs I've ever been to were gay or bi

I had an awesome time at those places, although the nightclub scene isn't really for me. I'd never have even considered looking for even a serious friendship in such a setting, though.

The only *good* reason to go to a nightclub is to have fun and flaunt what you've got.

[Missy Vixen]

52. Then don't go

>And they think the overweight women have low self-esteem and are an easy mark.<

Oh, yeah. Fat women will sleep with anyone desperate enough to have them. :sarcasm: After all, they can't possibly hope to attract the attention of anyone who's not.

>but sorry I think this whole scene is just sad.<

Yup. That's right. God forbid that any woman dress herself up and take herself out for an evening of dancing and fun. After all, she's not desirable. She's not allowed to have any fun, is she? :sarcasm:

It's amazing that the rest of us have the self-esteem to get out of bed in the morning after reading some of the BS this site spews towards anyone that's not svelte. :eyes:

[treestar]

58. The men are fat too, but apparently that's not a problem

No reason for them to have low self esteem over it. :sarcasm:

[K8-EEE]

80. Just to get real.....

It's MUCH harder in our society to be a fat woman than a fat man. Not saying it's fair but that's the absolute truth and I think that's why eating disorders affect women disproportionately and the billion dollar weight loss industry spends so much more money courting women than men.

[treestar]

57. Maybe the women are too

I find it interesting in post-victorian culture that women are still "taken advantage of" rather than "getting" something.

[Missy Vixen]

63. Absolutely

After all, the invitation can be extended, and one can always say "no".

At the risk of being a total sexist, I'm sure there isn't a man in the history of the world that's been used for sex. :eyes:

[guitar man]

68. +100

:applause:

Exactly, maybe some of those women want some mind-bending sex too, it's not a crime after all ;)

[ecstatic]

65. Reality check: The men in any club are showing up to get laid

A skinny woman can be "used" just like a fat woman can be. And there are men who genuinely prefer overweight women, btw.

[varelse]

83. Alternative explanation: most men don't see their extra fat as detracting from their apparent value

and they're right.

[rd_kent]

64. Its a "target rich environment"........

[elshiva]

27. K&R ccharles000.

:loveya: You are so awesome! :hug:

[AnnieBW]

28. Oh, if I was young and single...

I'd go to this club in a heartbeat. I was always the "fat wing-woman" who wound up going home alone at the end of the night. Or hanging out with the loser friends of the guys that my friends picked up. Joke's on them, though. I found a good guy - NOT at a club. One that appreciates me for who I am.

[Missy Vixen]

54. Annie, I'd be there with you

Interestingly enough, when I was still single, I was the one who was getting the attention. Let's just say I love to dance. ;-)

[Name removed]

32. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[EOTE]

34. Most people don't find morons attractive either.

So be happy that some do. Just sayin'.

[ddeclue]

36. Speak for yourself.

[EOTE]

37. I'm speaking for the majority. That's why I said MOST.

Most people don't like to be around judgmental idiots. Lucky for you, some people have a complete lack of self esteem and take what they can get.

[ddeclue]

40. You're blabbing for yourself friend. Get over yourself.

It's simple: exercise MORE. Eat LESS.


STOP making excuses.

[EOTE]

41. It's oh so simple, friend. Simply gain 50 IQ points.

Then you can happily consider yourself of mediocre intelligence. Listen, you need to stop making excuses. Being stupid may be an excuse, but being ignorant is not. Spend some time at a library, watch a documentary. Anything to get that extremely under utilized brain of yours some work. I know you've most likely got a mind numbing job you work at and probably don't feel like exercising that puny muscle in your head all that much when you get home, but a mere 45 minutes of a mental work out per day will do wonders.

And here's another thing that may blow your mind, you have no idea what I look like. I, however, have more than enough evidence that you're a moron. So please, do the world a favor and better yourself.

STOP making excuses.

[ddeclue]

42. SAT score 1410/1600 - Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering Georgia Tech

If I gained 50 more IQ points I'd be doing better than Einstein.

You can stop talking already because you've lost pal. Now go to the gym and lose some weight.

[EOTE]

43. Hah, I knew you'd go on the defensive.

Look moron, on the internet, your personal "stats" mean nothing. If you'd like mine, I got a 1480 on my SATs (800 math) and am a member of Mensa. I'm also 6'5" and weigh 250 lbs. That's the "don't want to fuck with me" type of 250 lbs and not the other type. You've more than proven what a half-wit you are, so making up credentials doesn't do a thing. Your idiocy is on display for everyone to see. You can't fix stupid, friend.

[ddeclue]

47. Yawn... go lose weight buddy.. there's no excuse and you know it.

If you want to fix "stupid" you need to start with yourself.

As for being "defensive": Defending being fat is just ridiculous.

We ALL know how to NOT be fat: Diet and EXERCISE. Anything else is just stupid excuse making.

Finally, I don't have to make up credentials, I just gave them to you since you feel you have a magical ability to judge my intelligence over the internet. I don't care if you don't believe me. That's YOUR problem NOT mine - I was just demonstrating to you that you don't know who to whom you are talking.



P.S.:Adding you to my ignore list - you aren't worth the time.

[EOTE]

48. It's not "magical" to see your poor grammar, complete lack of logic and empathy

and consider you to be an idiot because of it. Don't worry though, you're just one of literally millions of other idiots on the internet, so you're not alone in that respect by a long shot. And you're right, I don't know you that well at all, I know you just well enough to know that you're a moron.

As for you, I'll keep you off my ignore list. Seeing your idiotic posts makes even mediocre posts look downright profound in comparison.

[PVnRT]

75. Sad

Most people I've known that graduated from Georgia Tech weren't assholes.

[Scout]

81. one can be a "genius" and still be a fucking asshole loser n/t

[Le Taz Hot]

60. And you are, of course, of the Brad Pitt type?

:eyes:

[EOTE]

62. Did you mean to reply to me? NT

[Le Taz Hot]

66. Oh, hell. No!

(I hate it when that happens.) :eyes: :blush:

[EOTE]

67. Happens to the best of us :)

That other poster might have blocked you, anyway. It's not as easy as they say living on a high horse. :)

[Name removed]

39. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[guitar man]

44. EWW!!

6 years on DU and I'm finally going to put someone on ignore :puke:

[Missy Vixen]

55. It's almost as ugly as your soul, isn't it? n/t

[SemiCharmedQuark]

56. How old are you?

:eyes:

[Toucano]

33. Segregation never feels right to me.

But if they can have a good time, I guess I wouldn't complain.

[EOTE]

38. I don't think this is anything like segregation.

As noted in the OP, only about a quarter of the males and about half of the people there in general are overweight. So it doesn't seem as if anyone is prohibited from coming to the club. This club only differs in that the overweight are welcome.

[Toucano]

50. It is a type of self-segregation.

But it isn't forced, unlike the velvet rope kind.

[EOTE]

51. "forced" is kind of the worst part of segregation.

And once again, considering that half the people attending these clubs aren't overweight, I don't see the comparison at all. It's simply people going to a place where they can feel more comfortable. Would you rather they went to clubs where they got sneered at?

[Toucano]

72. Yes, the forced part of segregation is the worst part.

But as I said, I don't feel good about self-segregation either. It is a human phenomena, sometimes beneficial in the short term, but nonetheless nothing to cheer about.

The same thing occurs by race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.

Would I rather they go to clubs and get sneered at?

No, I would rather we all be able to get along with each other and appreciate and respect our differences.

[EOTE]

74. I'd prefer we live in a Utopia as well.

However, I don't see that happening any time soon. As it is, I have no problem with overweight people going to a place where they know they'll be respected and be able to mingle with people of all sizes. It seems to me it's the other clubs who segregate by only catering to the size 4 and under crowd.

[guitar man]

35. Good for them

I'd like to go just to watch (can't touch since I'm married). I luvs me some big women :loveya:

[Ichingcarpenter]

45. Begins to 'weigh' in..........

no irony intended I guess in the title

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

49. Hey, I'm All For Any Place That Lessens The Chance Of Seeing One In Their Tight Skimpy Outfits.

They deserve to have a place they can go to feel comfortable, and I think that's awesome for them. I also think its good for those of us who are disgusted by the ones who wear the skimpy outfits (only the ones who wear the real skimpy stuff. Is it a shame that many have adverse reactions to seeing that? Yeah I'll admit it. But it is what it is and you can't really help it).

[varelse]

82. You never fail to disappoint

:eyes:

[Tobin S.]

69. Why do some people dislike fat folks so much?

I've been both fat and thin in my life. I was fat for most of it until recently. I've lost a lot of weight and people do treat me differently; men and women alike. People are more likely to receive me in a positive manner now days. It may not even be a conscious thing in a lot of people. Is there some kind of survival of the fittest thing going on here? Maybe something that is built in to our nature?

Having been over 100 pounds overweight for a couple years, I can definitely empathize with large people. I'm also just as likely to date an overweight woman as a thin one. Who I am has not changed with my weight loss, but people treat me differently.

[guitar man]

70. probably because

It makes them feel superior. Truth be told, they probably have some deep seeded insecurities themselves and they are just projecting.

[Dorian Gray]

71. Definitely

I lost 75 lbs over the last three years, and it's amazing how much better most people treat me now. From shopping to family, people are much more nice to me, in general.

The negative treatment of the overweight says a lot about the people who do it.

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

76. OK, that's it.

I'm getting "The Humpty Dance" playing on my stereo right fucking now.