Maja van Zuylen

Senior Project Advisor

Tracey Pyscher

Document Type

Project

Publication Date

Fall 2025

Keywords

eating disorder, queer, LGBTQ+, psychology, autoethnography, mental health, intersectionality

Abstract

This paper explores eating disorder vulnerability in queer individuals in the form of an autoethnography. Personal story from the author’s life is combined with academic theory, methodology, and findings to help shed light on why queer people are at high risk of developing an eating disorder, along with other mental and physical health struggles. The paper focuses on the use of an intersectional lens and standpoint theory from the author’s perspective to increase audience understanding and impact. This vulnerability is explained through morality in identity, the minority stress model, family systems theory, along with societal perceptions of bodies and sports. The paper aims to explain the dangers of being complacent in problematic institutions and upholding hetero and cis normativity in all aspects of life.

Department

Secondary Education

Type

Text

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

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