Body Image in the GLBT Community
Eating Disorders on the Rise for Gay and Lesbian Individuals
Gay men and lesbian women have a unique struggle with their image
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender community has seen a rise in eating disorders in the last few years. Body image issues have always been a concern, especially among gay men and teenagers who see the stereotypical muscular but thin image of what they “should” look like.
Unfortunately, there has not been a lot of research done on the GLBT community and eating disorders. But the issues are unique, as the group as a whole also struggles with things like acceptance from their family and friends, types of treatment that is available, and the stigma of being gay AND having body images concerns.
It has been found that when a gay person comes out to family and friends for the first time, this is also the time that they are susceptible to develop preoccupations with their appearance and weight.
The anxiety of the situation and the fear of their loved ones’ reactions can accumulate into a highly stressful situation. By focusing on their weight, they might feel more in control of the circumstances, as well as numbed from the apprehension.
Another issue in the gay community is the treatment available. Most centers cater to young girls and women, hardly the atmosphere where a gay man would be comfortable recovering.
In terms of body image, gay men also have the media against them. Homosexual males are portrayed in the media as incredibly toned, with no fat and usually exposed in an objectifying way.
Says Gregory Fedio, from the Eating Disorder Institute at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, "Gay men are much more likely to strive to look like media images than heterosexual men.
“I think they reinforce 'the ends justifying the means.' Whether you ran 10 miles or whether you haven't eaten in 10 days, whatever, you look good, so there you go" (Minnesota Daily, 2007).
This is seen in the many gyms and fitness centers across North America. Having a “gym body” has become the goal to strive for in many cases, leading to exercise addiction and over exercising.
Although the behavior is similar between the straight and gay communities, the issues are vastly different. Many people can finally come out about their sexual identity, but cannot admit to their eating disorder as well.
This has lead to poorer and less treatment being available, as well as less research being done specifically for the GLBT community’s needs. It’s difficult to reveal any numbers or statistics about this group, as they are mostly inaccessible or they are conflicting.
