We know that LGBTQIA+ adults and adolescents experience greater incidence of eating disorders and disordered eating behaviours, more severe symptoms, and longer delays between diagnosis and treatment.
Homophobia, transphobia, gender dysphoria, discrimination, bullying, trauma, abuse, and alienation from friends or family can all cause emotional stress. In addition to other risk factors, these issues can contribute to body image issues and/or eating disorders.
If you are downloading resources from this page please be aware that the files are up to 10MB
While Mardi Gras is usually a time of celebration, love and pride, we know it can be difficult for some LGBTQIA+ people.
It’s because of intense and unrealistic expectations of what you “should” look like, amounting in anxiety and pressure that can leave people vulnerable to engaging in disordered eating and exercise behaviours in an attempt to change their bodies. We’re aiming to address and challenge these negative conversations around body ideals and appearance that can spike in the lead up to and during events like Mardi Gras.
Pride at every size, shape and identity. #BodyPride
Our counsellors receive LGBTIQA+ training and are committed to providing free, confidential and non-judgemental counselling, referrals and information to anyone experiencing an eating disorder or body image issue, as well as their friends and family.
We understand that gender and sexuality are complex issues and unique to each individual. We make no assumptions about your story and we do not discriminate. To learn more about eating disorders and how the impact LGBTQIA+ individuals, visit this page.
Whether you need support for yourself or someone you care about, call our confidential Helpline team on 1800 33 4673, chat online or email support@butterfly.org.au
butterfly helplinEFind a professional
This group is exclusively for the LGBTQIA+ community (Victoria residents only) who are experiencing eating disorders. It is a safe space to discuss the dynamic challenges of eating disorders, body image, gender identity and sexuality and how this is impacting you at the moment.
Butterfly is a member of the EveryBODY Welcome! Collaboration, made up of Australia’s national and state-based eating disorder organisations. We aim to to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote access to intersectional, person-centred, and gender-affirming care for members of the LGBTQA+ community affected by body dissatisfaction, disordered eating or an eating disorder.
QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTQIA+ peer support and referral for people in Australia wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. Call 1800 184 537, 3pm-midnight, 7 days a week.
Through a preventative model of mental health support, Minus18 support LGBTQIA+ youth by focusing on life-affirming social inclusion, education, advocacy, and youth empowerment.
Lifeline provides 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14 or chat online.