Eating disorders affect people of all genders, identities, and bodies — but access to affirming care is not equal. This week is deeply important to me personally and professionally. I’ve lived with an eating disorder since 2009 and at one point was hospitalized for 6.5 months during my treatment journey — an experience that changed how I understand trauma, healing, and access to care. I know firsthand how isolating it can feel, especially when systems aren’t built for queer, trans, BIPOC, or otherwise marginalized bodies. I also know that recovery is possible, and that visibility saves lives. I know how terrifying and lonely this experience can be, but I also know healing is possible. Research shows that LGBTQ+ individuals experience significantly higher rates of eating disorders than their heterosexual and cisgender peers. For example, lesbian, gay, and bisexual people are more than twice as likely to develop disordered eating, and transgender people are nearly 11 times more likely than cisgender peers to have an eating disorder. These disparities stem from minority stress, discrimination, and repeated invalidation — not identity itself. ( uwa.edu.au ) Weight stigma — including bias against larger bodies — and rigid diagnostic criteria like BMI cutoffs continue to bar people from treatment, even when they are struggling with life‑threatening symptoms. Financial barriers, lack of insurance coverage, and a shortage of inclusive providers only make this worse for people with marginalized identities. ( Project HEAL ) At FreeState Justice, our mission is grounded in dignity, equity, and access. Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a call to break stigma, challenge bias, and ensure that everyone, in every body and from every community, has access to affirming, life‑saving care. You are not alone — and seeking help is strength. 

Tracking Power, Policy, and Accountability