Each year LGBTIQA+ pride events happen around Australia, typically coinciding with warmer weather and sunshine in the southern states, and dry season up north. Depending on where you live, your closest event might vary from a small march or fair day, through to a multi-week festival of LGBTIQA+ arts, culture, and parties.
The first Australian Pride march happened in Sydney in 1978 on the anniversary of the New York Stonewall riots. It was organised to promote gay and lesbian rights and to push back the against widespread discrimination and prejudicial laws of the time (homosexuality was still illegal). The first march was met with police resistance resulting in widespread arrests, but has continued each year since then with increasing support and acceptance. Over time the vibe has shifted from resistance to one of celebration.
Pride and Body Image
Despite the air of celebration at Pride events, not all LGBTIQA+ people feel comfortable attending. The Butterfly Foundation #BodyPride survey found that:
Over half (54%) of LGBTIQA+ people believe there are expectations to look a certain way within LGBTIQA+ communities
Nearly half (47%) of LGBTIQA+ people experience body image pressures in the lead up to Pride events like Mardi Gras
Over a third (36%) of LGBTIQA+ people engaging in dieting or disordered eating behaviours in the lead up to Pride events like Mardi Gras
You can read more about the survey and their #BodyPride campaign HERE
These findings are likely to be related to the impacts of minority stress, and pressure to conform to broader heteronormative gender and body norms. Minority stress results from exposure to anti-LGBTIQA+ prejudice and discrimination. This can create internalised shame within LGBTIQA+ people about their gender, sexuality, or differences in sex characteristics and increase sensitivity to rejection. Attempts to change ones body weight or shape might be used to gain external validation from others to try to overcome feelings of shame and increase feelings of acceptance/reduce rejection in LGBTIQA+ communities after coming out. Disordered eating behaviours are also sometimes used as tools to regulate emotional distress.
Navigating Pride Events if you’re Experiencing an ED or Body Image Concerns
Pride is a subjective experience and there is no right way to celebrate it. Choosing not to participate in marches or events doesn’t automatically make you less proud than anyone else. If you’re someone who wants to get involved but negative body image is getting in the way, then consider these suggestions:
Consult the program to find events that de-emphasise bodies or are explicitly inclusive and fat/body positive, e.g. queer history talks/tours, family friendly fair days, panel discussions about aspects of identity, bear parties
Try a social media cleanse – mute or unfollow any accounts that make you feel worse about your body or yourself and moderate engagement with photos of people added to Pride event hashtags
Wear something you feel comfortable in - clothes that constantly pinch, grab, or bunch up can keep your attention on your body and stop you from being present and enjoying the moment
Gather supports – if you have supportive friends, family, or partner(s) create a plan together for what to do it you start to feel anxious, overwhelmed, or shamed
While dieting behaviours can sometimes provide short term relief from body/weight concerns, dieting ultimately leads to increased preoccupation with food and body, and potentially feeling out of control when eating. Focus on self-care in the lead up to events by eating foods you feel comfortable with regularly rather than restricting, particularly if you plan on drinking alcohol or using drugs
Embrace the rebellious spirit of Australia’s first Pride march and reject heteronormative body ideals. Showing up as your authentic self is an act of resistance in the face of an unjust rigid body and gender norms.
If your relationship with your body or food is getting in the way of you living your best life reach out for support.