Eating Disorders Do Not Discriminate
“Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced.” -James Baldwin
I’ve been an eating disorder dietitian for thirteen years. I’ve worked at all levels of eating disorder care. I’ve had a private practice for almost as long as I’ve been an RD.
I’ve treated thousands of clients.
I can count the number of Black & Brown clients I’ve cared for on two hands. Maybe two hands, twice.
I’ve worked with hundreds of brilliant, lovely, compassionate professionals in the time I’ve done this work.
I can count the number of Black & Brown professionals I’ve worked with on one hand.
This is not to suggest that humans who live in Black & Brown bodies do not get eating disorders. This is not suggest that humans who live in Black & Brown bodies are not practitioners with the same degree of dedication to the treatment of eating disorders that my white colleagues and I have.
This IS to suggest that something needs to change.
In caring for clients with different racial experiences than mine, I have been curious about their experiences, but nowhere near curious enough. I have asked about what it feels like to work with a thin, white professional, and recognize that I have had no alternative to offer.
I have asked about what food looks like at home, but I’ve provided folx with menus & meal plans (long ago) & portion sizes (less long ago) that support consumption of foods that are familiar to ME.
But were not at all culturally informed.
I never discussed this with my white colleagues. And my clients sure never challenged me. My education was more important than my clients cultural wisdom. How insulting. How untrue.
I’m bringing this to supervision. I’m talking with leaders in the eating disorder treatment community. I’ve advised local ED treatment centers to seek input from BIPOC professionals, instead of providing suggestions myself. I’m certain that Black and Brown folx would benefit from ED treatment with and from humans who look like them.
Let’s change the face of eating disorder treatment. Not doing so is leaving far too many unseen, and unsafe, and untreated.
Until a treatment center run by Black and Brown professionals for Black and Brown clients exists, needs will remain unmet. I’m committed to working to change this.
In the mean time, please join me in supporting the efforts of @diversifydietetics.
