Common Misconceptions about Eating Disorders in the LGBTQ+ Community
Author: Kathryn Lodwick-Jones, LPC, BC-DMT, NCC
9% of the United States general population will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime, while individuals in the LGBTQ+ community face higher risk. Although eating disorders impact all ages, races, genders, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights, the majority of Eating Disorder research lacks diversity in representation. This article will address the prevalence of eating disorders in the LGBTQ+ community and provide clarification about common misconceptions that hinder understanding and support.
Prevalence of Eating Disorders in the LGBTQ+ Community
Eating disorders are defined as “behavioral conditions characterized by severe and persistent disturbance in eating behaviors and associated distressing thoughts and emotions”. Eating disorders can significantly affect one’s physical, social, emotional, and psychological function. Individuals in the LGBTQ+ community face unique and higher risk factors that are often overlooked. Risk factors include higher chances of food insecurity and lack of social support/resources, and increased rates of depression due to fear of social rejection and internalized negative beliefs about oneself due to marginalized identity (sexual orientation, non-normative gender expression, or transgender identity).
Misconception 1: Eating disorders only affect cisgender, heterosexual, white women
The assumption that eating disorders only impact individuals of a certain identity is not only untrue, but perpetuates harm by increasing stigma and reducing access to inclusive care. In fact, LGBTQ+ adults and adolescents are more likely to experience an eating disorder than their cisgender and heterosexual peers. Transgender college students are up to four-times more likely to receive an eating disorder diagnoses than their cis-gender peers, and LGBTQ+ youth who have been diagnosed with an eating disorder are at four-times greater risk for attempting suicide than their peers who have never received an eating disorder diagnosis. Perpetuating this misconception directly erases the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, especially cis-men, trans, and non gender-confirming individuals.
Misconception 2: Body image issues in LGBTQ+ people are the same as in cisgender and heterosexual populations
No individual is immune to being victimized by problematic, unrealistic, and often harmful body ideals. Although we often focus on the negative impacts of fatphobia, thin privilege and diet culture, we often fail to discuss similar ideologies and belief systems within LGBTQ+ subgroups. Impacts (both positive and negative) differ among different communities. Body ideals, such as the “fit gay male” standard of attractiveness, misinformation about the experience of gender dysphoria, and pressure surrounding “passing”equally, negatively affect LGBTQ+ individuals; this can lead to disordered eating patterns, poor mental health, decreased self-esteem, and body image disturbance. The role of identity plays a significant role in experiences of disordered eating due to heightened risk factors and decreased access to care.
Misconception 3: Eating Disorders are only about food or appearance
For many LGBTQ+ individuals, engaging in patterns of disordered eating can be tied to coping with stigma, trauma, rejection, or attempts to control one’s body amid gender or identity struggles. Individuals in the LGBTQ+ community face higher rates of mistreatment, discrimination, harassment, and even denial of services, often resulting in increased risk of developing an eating disorder. When we view eating disorders as only focused on food and appearance, we disregard other systemic factors impacting individuals who are at higher risk. Factors such as food insecurity, malnutrition, and other comorbid health concerns often go overlooked, impacting effective care for a marginalized community. By ignoring these factors, we limit the effectiveness of treatment and hinder potentially positive recovery outcomes.
Moving Forward: Increasing Awareness and Providing Support and Inclusive Care
There is a constant and ever-growing need for improved practices of cultural humility in health and mental health care settings that acknowledges and takes into account the unique needs of LGBTQ+ identities. Allies, educators, and clinicians can support inclusivity in recovery by advocating for more inclusivity and representation in research, encouraging open dialog around current practices, and including more LGBTQ+ individuals in positions of influence and consultation. Data shows that access to community care, including perceived support by family and peer connectedness, significantly reduces the risk of developing an eating disorder. The benefits of visibility, representation, and reducing stigma impact everyone, including those who are not within the LGBTQ+ community alike.
Equilibria is a group of licensed mental health professionals in Pennsylvania and New Jersey with multiple specialties to serve all aspects of our diverse community’s mental, emotional, and behavioral needs. We provide in person and telehealth services to individuals of all ages, families, and those in relationships. Click here to schedule an appointment today.
