Eating Disorders in Gay Men - Current Issues

First, is the issue of growing up gay in a very straight world. “Times have changed” over the past number of years, evidenced by the recent open proclamation of her homosexuality by Ellen DeGeneres on television (although it may be many more years before a male lead does the same). However, we need only look at recent debates in the Ontario legislature on Bill 167, or at a federal level, regarding same-sex rights or any debate where gay and lesbian issues are discussed, to see the degree of hatred expressed publicly. Comments that all gays are pedophiles, perverted, etc. are common and have been overtly or covertly approved by conservative religious, medical and other organizations. The more visible the gay population becomes and the more openly gay civil rights are fought for, the greater the personal tension of being part of a high profile, often negatively perceived sub-group. Small wonder then, that gay people growing up in this environment have issues with self-acceptance.