A Conversation about Eating Disorders, Historical Trauma and Harm Reduction in Black, Indigenous, and Youth of Color

When: Monday, June 5 - 3:00 PM

Duration: 1 hours

Location: Zoom

Event Details:

For the past 30 years, eating disorders have been represented as a white, middle-class phenomenon; however, studies have indicated Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) have similar if not higher rates of eating disorders. BIPOC communities continue to face invisibility ranging from inaccessible treatment, culturally insensitive practices in medical settings and undiagnosed eating disorders due to the belief that eating disorders do not exist within their communities.

This Mental Health Moment consists of a conversation with Gloria Lucas about the connections between historical trauma and eating disorders for Black, Indigenous, and youth of color. Lucas  offers tips on how mental health providers can better support marginalized communities through an intersectional and harm reduction lens.

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Gloria Lucas was born and raised in Southern California and founded Nalgona Positivity Pride in 2014 at the age of 24. Struggling with an eating disorder (ED) and not being able to relate to the conventional narratives of ED she was moved to share her story with the world. Gloria has a background in grassroots feminist organizing, sexual health education and HIV/AIDS services.

With the help and support of people from her hometown, Inland Empire (IE), family, and friends she was able to grow and impact the lives of thousands who have struggled with body image and ED. Her areas of focus have consisted of eating disorder harm reduction, size diversity, and colonialism. Her work has been featured in NPR, Teen Vogue, MTV, Huffpost, Los Angeles Times, and Bitch Magazine. She is the person behind Mujeres Market, Seeds from The Flesh, and co-owner of Feminist WoC Biz Center.