Safe, Seen, and Supported: Navigating Eating Disorders Recovery in the 2SLGBTQ+ Communities
Publication: Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
22 November 2022
Abstract
Purpose: Our purpose was to explore the experiences of self-identifying Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (2SLGBTQ+) Canadians in treatments for their eating disorders (EDs). By knowing more about their experiences, we hoped to better understand how dietitians and ED service providers can better support 2SLGBTQ+ clients.
Methods: Ten self-identifying 2SLGBTQ+ individuals reporting concerns regarding body image or eating patterns, as well as accessing support services or treatments, within Canada were recruited through social media platforms. Participants took part in semi-structured interviews. Data were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Four themes are presented: (i) feelings of judgement and otherness, (ii) experiencing shame in EDs and 2SLGBTQ+ identity, (iii) perceiving a lack of understanding and knowledge, and (iv) sharing lived experiences with the care team.
Conclusions: Increased focus on trauma-informed approaches to ED treatment in 2SLGBTQ+ populations are indicated so that 2SLGBTQ+ clients feel comfortable to share. Increased education in 2SLGBTQ+ terminology and gender expression is recommended for dietetic professionals. We also recommend increased recruitment efforts for more diverse care teams.
Résumé
Objectif. Notre objectif était d’explorer les expériences de personnes s’identifiant comme bispirituelles, lesbiennes, gaies, bisexuelles, transgenres et en questionnement (2SLGBTQ+) au Canada dans le cadre des traitements pour leurs troubles alimentaires (TA). En connaissant mieux leurs expériences, nous espérions mieux comprendre comment les diététistes et les fournisseurs de services liés aux TA peuvent mieux soutenir la clientèle 2SLGBTQ+.
Méthodes. Dix personnes s’identifiant comme 2SLGBTQ+ et signalant des préoccupations concernant leur image corporelle ou leurs habitudes alimentaires et l’accès à des services de soutien ou à des traitements au Canada ont été recrutées via des plateformes de médias sociaux. Les participants ont pris part à des entrevues semi-structurées. Les données ont été enregistrées, transcrites et soumises à une analyse thématique.
Résultats. Quatre thèmes sont présentés : (i) les sentiments de jugement et d’altérité, (ii) la honte ressentie à l’égard des TA et de l’identité 2SLGBTQ+, (iii) la perception d’un manque de compréhension et de connaissances, et (iv) les expériences vécues avec l’équipe de soins.
Conclusions. Plus d’accent doit être mis sur des approches sensibles au traumatisme dans le traitement des TA chez les populations 2SLGBTQ+ afin que ces dernières se sentent à l’aise de raconter leurs expériences. Il est recommandé aux professionnels en diététique d’approfondir leur connaissance de la terminologie 2SLGBTQ+ et de l’expression de genre. Nous recommandons également de déployer des efforts plus importants durant le recrutement afin de diversifier davantage les équipes de soins.
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Financial support: This work was funded by Change Lab Action Research Initiative.
Conflicts of interest: No conflict of interests reported.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
Volume 84 • Number 2 • June 2023
Pages: 84 - 92
Editor: Naomi Cahill
History
Version of record online: 22 November 2022
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© 2023.
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MeganWhiteBScN, RN, ShaleenJones, and PhillipJoyPhD, PDt. 2023. Safe, Seen, and Supported: Navigating Eating Disorders Recovery in the 2SLGBTQ+ Communities. Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research.
84(2): 84-92. https://doi.org/10.3148/cjdpr-2022-033
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