Content warning: mention of depression, self-harm, depression; discussion eating disorder and gender dysphoria.
[Closed captioning is available on the video, just hit “CC” on the YouTube tool!]
At the 2019 Annual Multi-service Eating Disorder Association (MEDA) Gala, I gave this speech (click play below to listen) about my experience with my eating disorder and my recovery as a queer transgender athlete.
My speech itself begins at 2min45sec. The first couple minutes is Becky Manley (the founder of MEDA) introducing me, along with a couple comments from the man sitting next to me. I recorded the speech on my iPhone, which I held so any strange noises you hear are because I touched my phone or moved it.
Content warning: eating disorders, depression, self-hatred, and gender dysphoria.
Read the full transcription of my speech (beginning at 2min45sec) here.
STATISTICS
LGBTQ+ youth are affected by eating disorders more than any other demographic.
Demographic | Prevalence |
Women, inclusive (up to age 20) | Up to 13.2% |
Transgender youth (ages 13-24) | Up to 71% |
Gender nonconforming youth (ages 13-24) | 40% |
LGBTQ cisgender girls (ages 13-24) | 54% |
Sources:
- https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/statistics-research-eating-disorders
- https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/sites/default/files/nedaw18/NEDA%20-Trevor%20Project%202018%20Survey%20-%20Full%20Results.pdf
Further Reading:
- https://www.verywellmind.com/eating-disorders-in-transgender-people-4582520
- A Clinician’s Guide to Gender-Affirming Care by S. Chang, A. Singh, and l. dickey.