By Malia Wollan — 2018
Remember that it’s not about you.
Read on www.nytimes.com
CLEAR ALL
What began as a proud assertion of identity has itself become a trope; the stereotype of a gay man now is one who goes to the gym and takes care of himself.
Body image is particularly important to discuss in the context of the LGBTQIA+ community, due to the prevalence of eating disorders and similar issues that disproportionately impact those who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Lend your support without adding more stress.
Conversations surrounding eating disorders, body image, and beauty standards are generally centered on the narratives of straight, cisgender* women. However, these conversations often exclude the experiences of many LGBT people who also struggle with body image concerns and disordered eating.
Eating disorders have historically been believed to primarily afflict heterosexual, affluent, cisgender, thin, white women.
If you’re here, it's because you want to better support someone in your life who has an eating disorder—and that's an amazing first step. Very likely, you are feeling worried about your loved one and you are confused about what you should and should not do.