Why Art Therapy Can Be Transformative for Queer People with Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions, with serious impacts that continue to be minimized in our diet-obsessed society.
Since 2000, the worldwide prevalence of eating disorders has more than doubled, and in the United States, health visits for eating disorders in adolescents rose 107.4% from 2018 to 2022 (Pastore et al., 2023). Eating disorders can also have serious complications. Anorexia nervosa is one of the most lethal psychiatric issues, second only to opioid use disorders, and is linked to medical complications and elevated suicide risk (van Eaden et al., 2021) Malnourishment can lead to bone loss, infertility, and heart failure. However, eating disorders continue to fly under the radar because these behaviors are viewed as healthy by our society.
The Intersection of Eating Disorders and the LGBTQ+ Community: Identity, Healing, and Self-Acceptance
Eating disorders do not discriminate. They affect people of all ages, races, genders, and backgrounds. Yet, data consistently shows that individuals within the LGBTQ+ community face disproportionately high rates of eating disorders. This is not merely a coincidence—it’s a reflection of the complex relationship between identity, social stigma, trauma, and access to care. To support healing and recovery for LGBTQ+ individuals, we must understand how these identities influence not only the development of eating disorders but also the journey toward self-acceptance and wellness.
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