Parenthood demands presence physically, emotionally, and mentally. For LGBTQ+ people navigating an eating disorder, that expectation can feel overwhelming. Research shows LGBTQ+ adults are significantly more likely than their straight, cisgender peers to experience an eating disorder in their lifetime. Many LGBTQ+ parents, then, must deal with the hurdles of raising kids in a hetero/gender normative world while also battling their own negative relationships with food. This raises a critical question: How do you care for others when youre still learning to care for yourself? Related Chasten Buttigieg never thought hed be a dad. Now his hit childrens book stars his own family. The sweet story is spreading joy across America and so is its author. Despite the prevalence of eating disorders in queer and trans communities, theyre rarely discussed, especially in the context of parenting. For many LGBTQ+ parents, recovery means not only healing their bodies but also pushing back against shame, stigma, and silence. Never Miss a Beat Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights. Subscribe to our Newsletter today Eating disorders affect the whole familyParenthood adds complexity to recovery. Caring for children requires energy and emotional availability, which can be challenging when coping with an eating disorder.When a parent is struggling, it can add stress not only to their own healing but also to their children, who may already face stigma related to their family structure. When a parent struggles with an eating disorder, it can create confusion for children seeking stability. Since children in LGBTQ+ households may already face misunderstanding or discrimination, parental health becomes all the more essential. Being a positive role model through recovery sends a powerful message about resilience, self-care, and seeking help. Recovery becomes a profound act of care for the entire family. It breaks cycles of shame around body image and mental health. By healing, LGBTQ+ parents show their children the importance of self-compassion and resilience. This modeling creates a healthier environment where children learn that prioritizing well-being and asking for help are signs of strength.And a successful recovery means finding providers who truly see and support them. The power of affirming, inclusive careLGBTQ+ individuals face unique pressures, including body dissatisfaction, social stigma, discrimination, and internalized negativity, that increase their risk of developing an eating disorder.Penny Gautreaux, MSW, LICSW, a therapist in recovery and part of The Emily Programs CARE program, knows this journey intimately. As a transgender woman, Penny describes the feeling of being a stranger in her own body, which deeply influences healing. Related LGBTQ+ students are twice as likely to drop out of high school, alarming new study shows Leaving school can lower students future wages and might cost the U.S. economy $30 billion. Finding care that affirms identity and understands these experiences is crucial. Many LGBTQ+ people thrive in treatment environments where their gender and sexuality are respected where pronouns are correct, body dysphoria is handled sensitively, and diverse recovery stories are welcomed.Inclusive care breaks down barriers to treatment and fosters trust, enabling individuals to share struggles without fear of judgment. For LGBTQ+ parents, this support is vital as they balance healing with caregiving demands.Recovery shouldnt discriminateEating disorders in LGBTQ+ communities deserve greater visibility and understanding. Research and healthcare must evolve to meet the diverse needs of these populations. Stories like Gautreauxs remind us that recovery is possible with the right care.As Pride Month comes to a close, its critical to remember that visibility means more than rainbow flags. It means acknowledging often-overlooked issues that profoundly impact lives. Eating disorders dont discriminate and neither should recovery. Healing is possible for queer and trans parents, where stakes are even higher because of the responsibility to their children and the importance of modeling healthy relationships with food and body. With the right support, LGBTQ+ parents dont have to leave any part of themselves behind.Jillian Lampert, PhD, RD, LD, MPH, is vice president of The Emily Program and a nutrition and mental health expert focused on making eating disorder recovery accessible, inclusive, and affirming for all.Subscribe to theLGBTQ Nation newsletterand be the first to know about the latest headlines shaping LGBTQ+ communities worldwide.