While the world was busy being underwhelmed at Lollapalooza this past weekend, we reminisced about PLUS-Pool-ooza! (literally a pool-party for plus size hotties) with creative director, Alesha Bowman.

“In this society, no matter how much we want to admit it or not, the standard of beauty does not include fat people,” says Bowman.

While we do indeed live in a more “size-inclusive” society than yesteryear, there is still work to be done - more battles to be won. But small victories like PLUS-Pool-ooza! are a good start.

“PLUS-Pool-ooza! is a pool party for plus size folks. Its an event that allows space for fat folks to take up space, be their authentic selves and rock bikinis without fear of judgment or mistreatment.”

“I own a plus size thrift store, UnLESHed+, and teach plus size dance classes, [Curve Cultivation] so I come in contact with many plus size women.” Bowman explains the need for businesses such as hers, as well as events such as PLUS-Pool-ooza!.

“With both businesses my goal is to help women in Kansas city build community, build confidence, and build self-love. I wanted to create an event that dismantles the standards of what is “beautiful”. There are many pushes of fat activism around the nation, but Kansas city is not as progressive in this movement…so I honestly didn’t know what the response would be to the event.”

Much to her surprise, only two weeks after announcing the event, it was sold out!

View the gallery below for pictures from PLUS-Pool-ooza! courtesy of Alesha Bowman.