What does safety in our body mean? How can we create inner safety, even amidst external barriers? And when we talk about healing our relationship with our body, what does that mean in the context of chronic illness or having a marginalized identity?

Our current eating disorder landscape only caters to the young, white, cis, able-bodied archetype. Often, the method for recovery is "just eat more". What is missing from the conversation about body dissatisfaction and disordered eating? A lot. But in a big way, the current narrative leaves out marginalized communities and in particular the prevalence of EDs in trans and gender diverse folks. 

In this week's episode, I'm joined by Graham, who I connected with over Instagram once upon a time, and who wound up being a friend -- someone I continue to connect with over DMs. Graham tells their body story, including their experience with chronic illness, body dysphoria, and an eating disorder. 

We cover so much in this episode, including:

• The impact of chronic illness on embodiment
• What “managing” a chronic illness is like
• Social pressures and discrimination
• Unique factors that lead to EDs in gender diverse people
• Body image and body dysphoria
• Puberty and disordered eating
• Barriers to medical care and treatment
• Mental health stigma
• Safety versus happiness in a marginalized body
• What healing means - and feels like - to Graham
• Why "eating more" isn't the primary solution to EDs
• How to keep going amidst stigma and systemic harm
• Finding community and support that honors your authentic self
• How our relationships can be a catalyst to healing
• Showing up for yourself, messy imperfections and all

Resources mentioned:

@ItsHolly black ass brownie recipe

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Transcripts: If you’re looking for transcripts, you can find those on my website, www.abbieattwoodwellness.com/podcast 

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Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroy

Podcast Editing by Brian Walters

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