Category: LGBTQ+
Zachary Soulliard, Ph.D. (he/him/his)
Assistant Professor
Miami University
Oxford, Ohio
Jerel Calzo, M.P.H., Ph.D. (he/him/his)
Associate Professor
San Diego State University
San Diego, California
Zachary Soulliard, Ph.D. (he/him/his)
Assistant Professor
Miami University
Oxford, Ohio
Scout Silverstein, M.P.H. (they/them/theirs)
Senior Program Developer
Equip Health
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Benjamin Eisenstadt, B.A.
Postgraduate Associate
Yale School of Public Health
New York City, New York
Savannah Roberts, M.A. (she/her/hers)
PhD Student
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Body image research among transgender and nonbinary (TNB) populations has primarily examined attitudes and perception about one’s body as a source of psychopathology, including gender dysphoria and eating disorders. For over the past decade, body image science has extended beyond an exclusive focus on the negative evaluation of appearance to highlight how positive body image is also an important contributor to eating behaviors and overall psychological well-being. However, the majority of positive body image research has focused on those in cisgender bodies, further perpetuating an assumption that TNB persons are incapable of appreciating and loving aspects of their body.
In line with the conference’s theme of cultivating joy with CBT, this symposium features the most current research on positive body image centering the experiences of TNB populations. Broadly, the symposium aims to raise awareness and inclusivity of TNB participants in positive body image research. More specifically, the symposium seeks to identify potential targets for clinical interventions with a goal of improving the overall well-being of TNB clients. With the rising number of anti-transgender bills in the US, particularly those targeting TNB youth, it is more important than ever to emphasize the strength and resilience embedded within the community.
First, to contextualize positive body image among TNB populations based on current theory, Dr. Zachary Soulliard will present findings from an online sample of TNB adults examining associations based on gender minority stress theory. These findings will demonstrate the role of gender identity pride as an important factor in consideration of body appreciation and intuitive eating. The second presentation led by Scout Silverstein will highlight findings from two focus groups of how tattooing may function as a sense of embodiment with regard to fostering a sense of positive body image among TNB individuals in recovery from an eating disorder. In the third presentation, Benjamin Eisenstadt will continue the discussion of cultivating positive body image based on interviews conducted with TNB online sexual content creators. Findings will include themes related to ways in which TNB young adults demonstrate resilience and develop positive body image in light of systems of oppression (e.g., cissexism, weight stigma) via online spaces as sexual content creators. Finally, Savannah Roberts will present nationwide data collected among TNB adolescents identifying how forms of social acceptance, such as disclosure and acceptance of one’s gender identity, as well as access to gender-affirming clubs, may influence positive body image.
In conclusion, Dr. Jerel Calzo, a leading expert in the fields of sexual and gender minority health, body image, and eating disorders, will discuss several themes that connect the presentations. Dr. Calzo’s remarks will focus particularly on the clinical and public health implications, as well as social justice efforts focused on positive body image among TNB populations. Dr. Calzo will also discuss directions for future body image research with TNB communities.
