Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth with Body Image & Disordered Eating Concerns
These resources are intended for youth workers - teachers, mental health providers, after-school program staff - to support the queer and trans youth they work with.
Compiled by Courtney Virginia Fox
With a huge thanks to Jess Trane for the creative link title!
Eating Disorder Organizations
LGBTQ+ Organizations
Lesson Plans
LGBTQ+ Youth & Eating Disorders
Queer and trans youth experience eating disorders at higher rates than their heterosexual and cisgender peers.Important considerations when working with LGBTQ+ youth include:
Symptoms vary by individual and identity
Bullying, family acceptance, and other forms of stress based on LGBTQ+ identity may influence eating disorder symptoms
Gender affirming care can help to alleviate body image distress (but not for everyone!)
Additional Resources
Podcast Episodes
Blogs & Articles
- What I Wish People Knew About Eating Disorders, as a Queer Person Who Had One
- What the DSM Gets Wrong About Eating Disorders
- 8 Ways Eating Disorder Clinicians Can Create a Safer Space for the LGBTQIA+ Community
- I’m a Queer Youth in Recovery from an Eating Disorder
- How Eating Disorder Treatment Can Be More Trans-Inclusive