#94: Food Won't "Fix" This: Safety, Community, & Belonging in a Trans Body
What does safety in our body mean? How can we create inner safety, even amidst external barriers? And when we talk about healing our relationship with our body, what does that mean in the context of chronic illness or having a marginalized identity?
Our current eating disorder landscape only caters to the young, white, cis, able-bodied archetype. Often, the method for recovery is "just eat more". What is missing from the conversation about body dissatisfaction and disordered eating? A lot. But in a big way, the current narrative leaves out marginalized communities and in particular the prevalence of EDs in trans and gender diverse folks.
In this week's episode, I'm joined by Graham, who I connected with over Instagram once upon a time, and who wound up being a friend -- someone I continue to connect with over DMs. Graham tells their body story, including their experience with chronic illness, body dysphoria, and an eating disorder.
We cover so much in this episode, including:
The impact of chronic illness on embodiment
What “managing” a chronic illness is like Social pressures and discrimination
Unique factors that lead to EDs in gender diverse people
Body image and body dysphoria
Puberty and disordered eating
Barriers to medical care and treatment
Mental health stigma
Safety versus happiness in a marginalized body
What healing means - and feels like - to Graham
Why "eating more" isn't the primary solution to EDs
How to keep going amidst stigma and systemic harm
Finding community and support that honors your authentic self
How our relationships can be a catalyst to healing
Showing up for yourself, messy imperfections and all
Resources mentioned:
@ItsHolly black ass brownie recipe
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