This Pride Month the team at NourishRX would like to highlight a very important topic about eating disorder recovery in the LGBTQ+ community.
The facts surrounding eating disorder recovery and prevalence in the LGBTQ+ community are sobering. We have included some below:
The Facts on Eating Disorder Recovery and Mental Illness in the LGBTQ+ Community:
- Studies have shown that LGBTQ+ adolescents and adults are at higher risk for developing disordered eating and eating disorders [*].
- Gay males are seven times more likely to report bingeing and 12 times more likely to report purging than heterosexual males. (National Eating Disorders Association [*])
- 40% of transgender adults have attempted suicide in their lifetime, compared to less than 5% of the general U.S. population. [*]
- Gay and bisexual male adolescents reported being significantly more likely to have fasted, vomited, or taken laxatives or diet pills to control their weight in the last 30 days. [*]
- Lesbian, bisexual or mostly heterosexual females were about twice as likely to report binge eating at least once per month in the last year. [*]
- Gay males are thought to only represent 5% of the total male population but among males who have eating disorders, 42% identify as gay. [*]
- High school students who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual are more than four times as likely to have attempted suicide compared to their heterosexual peers. [*]
Reading these statistics, as well as hearing the lived experience from our own clients, we continue to ask the question: How can we better the treatment access, care and support for the LGBTQ+ community?
As a first step, we have conducted a Q&A with our amazing team member Moriah, who is a member of and a fierce advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Our goal is to help providers, family members, or support systems to better understand the lack of access and unique challenges the LGBTQ+ community faces, and how we can take a moment to listen, reflect, and take action ourselves.
Let’s Talk About Eating Disorder Recovery in the LGBTQ+ Community:
Q: As a provider, how would you describe overall access to care in the ED space for members of the LGBTQ+ community?
A: Though clients may have access to providers who are an ally in the community, it may not be quite enough for some. Clients who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community often have experiences that may not be understood unless they have gone through or experienced something similar in their own life. That is not to say that an ally can’t provide amazing services, but clients tend to feel more comfortable and perhaps even safer when they know that their provider is “on their side”.
Q: What do you believe are some of the unique challenges that those who identify as LGBTQ+ face when struggling with an eating disorder?
A: Not being accepted. Though some have amazing coming out experiences surrounded by friends and family that accept, love, and help them grow, not all people are that lucky. Some individuals struggle with acceptance from their family, friends, and peers at school. When negative emotional responses and bullying are out of your control, it is easy to want to try and control something in your life. For many, this can be food. It can be challenging to find adequate support in situations like these when family and friends are already not being supportive of their lifestyle.
Q: In what ways does eating disorder treatment need to consider someone’s gender identity and sexuality?
A: When counseling clients, it is extremely important to make sure that you are using correct pronouns when talking to them. Using an incorrect pronoun or not making an effort to ask them what they are comfortable with, can come across as insensitive and quickly “turn off” the client that creates a disconnect between them and the provider.
Q: In your opinion, what are potential barriers and/or areas of improvement for care?
A: Lack of diverse representation in the RD community can be a potential barrier. However, the provider can do trainings [some options included here: *, **, ***, ****, *****] and have conversations that allow them to be more informed and understand the unique needs of members of the LGBTQ+ community in order to better support them.
Q: Are there resources that you recommend for clients navigating recovery?
A: This question is much more difficult to answer. Typically when recommending resources I go based on the client's unique experience and needs. I actually find that it could potentially be more harmful to provide blanketed resources without knowing the clients unique struggle. Simply put – each client is different. Listen to their needs and do homework on resources that could be the most beneficial!
Side note: Some places to potentially start would be a local chapter of Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) of PFLAG.
During Pride Month and beyond it is imperative as providers, family members and allies to those in the LGBTQ+ community that we do our own learning in cultivating a supportive environment during eating disorder recovery.
If you or a loved one are struggling with their relationship with food - please give us a call to see how we can best support your very important, individual needs. You are so deserving of appropriate treatment and care!
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