Improving Body Image: Part 9
LGBTQIA+ and body image
LGBTQIA+ and body image
Body image concerns typically occur at higher rates in individuals who identify as gay, lesbian, transgender, queer, intersex or asexual (LGBTQIA+). LGBTQIA+ persons can experience body image concerns in similar as well as different ways to cisgender, heterosexual people. Many factors can contribute to their experience of body image, including interpersonal struggles with body image as well as unique experiences within society, including stigmatisation, prejudice and discrimination. This can lead to increased levels of stress, reduced self-esteem and reduced satisfaction with life, which can contribute to the development of various mental health difficulties. Body image concerns have been found to be linked to anxiety, depression and eating disorders in LGBTQIA+ people.
Research indicates that gay and bisexual men experience lower rates of body appreciation than heterosexual men. There appear to be greater levels of internalisation of an athletic appearance ideal amongst gay and bisexual men and greater perceived pressure to achieve this ideal body type. Gay and bisexual men report that physical appearance is a very important factor contributing to their sense of self. This can lead to higher prevalence of body image concerns and eating disorder behaviours in this group.
In relation to lesbian women and body image, the evidence is somewhat mixed. Some research states that lesbian women are more likely to have positive body image than heterosexual women and engage in less weight control behaviours e.g. dieting. However, other studies have found that the prevalence of body image concerns are very similar between lesbian, heterosexual and bisexual women.
Individuals who identify as transgender report higher levels of body image concerns than those found in the general population. In a sample of college students, researchers found that transgender people and sexual minority men and women engaged in eating disorder behaviours and were more likely to meet criteria for a diagnosis of an eating disorder than heterosexual participants. The strongest associations found in this study were in transgender people and eating disorder behaviours and symptomatology. One reason that this pattern may be observed is that for transgender people, there is a disparity between their birth sex and their gender identity. For some, engaging in disordered eating behaviour and weight control behaviours may be a means of suppressing features of the gender they were assigned at birth and/or attempting to develop aspects of their desired gender.
There is evidence to show that when individuals are able to access gender affirming healthcare, e.g. hormone treatment, there is generally a decrease in body image concerns. Some studies have reported that gender non-conforming individuals are at an increased risk of developing body image dissatisfaction and eating disorders than transgender and cisgender people.
Overall, more research is required to understand the relationship between body image concerns, eating disorders, sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as what factors may be influencing these patterns.
“People assume that men are fine and don’t suffer with issues with their body or want to lose weight. I think we have a long way to go until we recognise that men struggle too.”
improving body image
In addressing body image concerns, remind yourself that body image only makes up one part of who we are. Negative body image can skew our perception and lead us to place increased emphasis on body image. Remind yourself that there are lots of great things about you that have nothing to do with your appearance. Take the time to consider how body image concerns are holding you back and what you would like to do if you had no appearance concerns. You will find additional guidance on addressing body image concerns, recognising your strengths and developing healthy body image in the general section on improving body image (Part 2).
Research indicates that practicing self-compassion can have a positive influence on body image concerns in LGBTQIA+ people. Learning to accept our experiences and extend kindness towards ourselves enables us to move forward rather than being held back by challenging experiences. Find out more about self-compassion in our general section on improving body image and in the resources section below.
Seek out and spend time with people who accept you for who you are, and who are supportive towards you. You may find communities and like-minded people to connect with in online spaces or in your local community. LGBTQIA+ folks also report finding it helpful to seek out and follow LGBTQIA+ individuals from the body positive community on social media as these accounts may be relatable and representative of their own experience, while promoting positive body image messages.
Useful Resources + links:
General
📰 Article: Darren Kennedy opens up about body image and eating disorder concerns in this article.
YOUNG PEOPLE
💻 Website: BelongTo provide support to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people in Ireland. You will find out more on their website - click here.
💻 Website: See spunout.ie for more tips from young people on maintaining positive mental health - click here.
GENERAL BODY IMAGE AND WELL-BEING
📝 Data Sheet: Clean eating: Dispelling the myths around healthy eating - click here.
Publication: A selection of useful resources from the Mental Health Foundation in the UK in relation to looking after our mental health, including ‘how can we protect, promote and maintain body image’ - click here.
📝 Guide: This resource provides some useful information about preparing for university whilst living with or recovering from an eating disorder - click here.
🎧 Podcast: Listen to Dr. Hazel Wallace and registered nutritionist Laura Thomas discuss diet culture, body neutrality and intuitive eating - click here.
🎧 Podcast: Positive body image: Listen to the hosts of the Appearance Matters podcast interview Dr. Tracy Tylka about positive body image and discuss relevant research studies on this topic - click here.
🎧 Podcast: Listen to psychotherapist Sharon Martin discuss ways of adding more self-compassion into your life - click here.
🎧 Podcast: Listen to dietitians Corrine Dobbas and Fiona Sutherland talk about body image and body image healing - click here.
MEN AND BODY IMAGE
🎧 Podcast: On the following episode of the Appearance Matters podcast, the topic of male body image and the eating disorder muscle dysmorphia are discussed - click here.
🎥 Video: The following resource is a TED Talk given by researcher Dr. Scott Griffiths on the topic of muscle dysmorphia - click here.
💻 Website: Further information about men & eating disorders - click here.
📰 Article: Gym culture and male body image pressure - click here.
EXERCISE AND BODY IMAGE
🎧 Podcast: Listen to the hosts interview personal trainer Tally Rye about the concept of ‘Intuitive Movement’ - click here.
📰 Article: This article on A Lust For Life website discusses modern gym culture and male body image. It touches on the pressure that this culture can place on men to adhere to a certain ideal body shape and size.
