Navigating life as a queer, transgender, or otherwise gender-diverse person can be challenging in an unwelcoming society. Disordered eating is a way to cope, so it’s not surprising that the LGBTQ+ community faces higher rates of eating disorders. The Trevor Project found that 9% of LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-24 have been diagnosed with an eating disorder and 29% suspect that they have one.
The LGBTQ+ community continues to endure trauma both on an individual level and cultural legacy level, due to a long history of oppression. To add to this, queer people often struggle with bullying, discrimination, lack of support, body dissatisfaction, and isolation, making them a high risk for developing disordered eating or an eating disorder.
Many individuals face the burdens of coping with rejection, isolation from other queer people, barriers to gender-affirming care, and body image ideals that are specific to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities alone. All of these stressors put queer people at a disadvantage, which is why it is critical to support them with the care they need.
Self-Esteem Issues
The stigma, prejudice, and discrimination that the queer community faces directly impact their self-esteem. At the same time, the constant reminder by the media and society of what the ‘perfect physique’ is doesn’t help anyone. For years, the LGBTQ community has battled discrimination by raising their concerns to be both seen and heard. There is still a lingering ‘minority stress’ that is at the root of these self-esteem issues, from years of not having a voice. Because of this, the LGBTQ community suffers more with their self-esteem by trying to reach unattainable body ideals, constantly needing to raise awareness of their community, and battling the harsh backlash from society, causing many adverse mental health problems.