FEDUP Collective - Eating Disorders in Trans, Non-Binary and Intersex People

In this weeks episode, Han is joined by Sam Sharpe and Syd Friedman who both work at the FEDUP collective. The FEDUP collective is an organisation fighting eating disorders in underrepresented populations.Sam is a transgender, intersex person who is passionate about science communication, queering up the STEM field, and biology and social justice. Syd identifies as transgender, non-binary and bisexual, and is passionate about social and environmental justice, specifically advocating for LGBTQ communities and demonstrating the injustices in the US food and mental health systems.We begin this episode by discussing Sam and Syd's personal experience, and how that led them to seek support from the FEDUP collective. We speak about the work of FEDUP, including their support groups, and the work they are doing to build awareness of eating disorders in trans, non-binary and intersex people.Next we speak about the treatment available in the US for individuals with eating disorders, and touch on the injustices present in the health system for trans, non-binary and intersex people.We then speak about the role of clinicians and peer support work, and discuss the importance of educating medical professionals on the unique support trans, non-binary and intersex people will require.We discuss the limited research that is present regarding eating disorders in trans, non-binary and intersex people, and chat about the stigmas and preconceptions that may exist in society regarding eating disorders in trans, non-binary and intersex people. We also discuss the presence of ARFID and neurodiversity in the community.To find out more about FEDUP, you can find them on Twitter and Instagram @fedupcollective or visit fedupcollective.org for more information.Please note that this podcast discusses eating disorders in trans, non-binary and intersex people that some individuals may find difficult. Please tread lightly and check in with yourself along the way.