Heartstopper: 'How Netflix show's eating disorder story helps me'

The Netflix series Heartstopper has gained immense popularity, particularly among young audiences, as it explores the lives of LGBT teens. The latest season of the show not only focuses on the romantic relationship between the characters Nick and Charlie but also delves into a serious issue that affects many in the LGBT community: eating disorders. This topic is often overlooked, yet studies indicate that it is a common experience among LGBT individuals. One fan of the show, Sharan, who identifies as pansexual and uses the pronoun they, recalls a significant day during their Year 9 at school. After enduring years of bullying, Sharan was outed by a classmate, which made them a target for further harassment. As a result, they began to avoid the school canteen and instead spent their lunch money on small items and hobbies rather than food. This behavior went unnoticed for several months until a teacher intervened and asked if everything was alright. Sharan reflects, 'The teacher asked me directly after they caught me skipping lunch. It always lived in the back of my mind that I might have an eating disorder, but I never really saw it as a problem because no one else knew about it and I could hide it. ' This highlights the difficulty many face in recognizing and addressing their eating disorders, especially when they feel isolated. Sharan's experience is not unique. A survey conducted in 2021 revealed that lesbian and bisexual teens are more than twice as likely to experience eating disorders compared to their heterosexual counterparts. This alarming statistic underscores the need for greater awareness and support for mental health issues within the LGBT community. Dominic Arnall, the former chief executive of a charity focused on LGBT youth, stated that homophobia is a significant factor contributing to poor mental health and self-harming behaviors among these individuals. The charity Beat emphasizes that there is a common misconception that eating disorders only affect young, middle-class, heterosexual white girls, which can lead to feelings of invisibility for those who do not fit this stereotype, like Sharan, who is of Asian descent. It is crucial to recognize that eating disorders can impact anyone, regardless of their background or identity. Matthew Todd, a former editor of the gay magazine Attitude, points out that there is a lack of support in schools for LGBT students. Coming out can be a challenging experience, often accompanied by bullying and feelings of isolation. He explains that when individuals are told not to like themselves, they may begin to focus excessively on their physical appearance, which can lead to unhealthy behaviors. The rise of social media and the prevalence of visual culture, where images of bodies are constantly present, may also contribute to the increased rates of eating disorders within the LGBT community. James, a gay man who developed anorexia at the age of 14, shares his story of growing up in Wales during the 1990s. He recalls that there were few clinics available to treat eating disorders, and some therapists suggested that accepting his sexuality could help him overcome his eating issues. His gender identity complicated matters, as he felt that specialists were confused about his being male. After eight long years of battling anorexia, James eventually developed bulimia. Now at 35, he has learned to manage his condition. He believes that many gay men still feel pressure to conform to muscular body ideals due to past bullying experiences. However, he has found solace in yoga and practicing self-compassion, which have aided his recovery. According to the Priory, a mental health treatment facility, over one million people in the UK are living with an eating disorder, with approximately a quarter of them being men. A survey conducted by Just Like Us found that gay male youths are six times more likely to experience eating disorders compared to heterosexual boys. James emphasizes the importance of seeking help within the community. In the latest season of Heartstopper, Charlie's journey includes spending time at a residential clinic, illustrating that the path to recovery is not always straightforward but is achievable with the right support. Sharan found the assistance they needed through the youth group Mosaic LGBT+, where they could openly discuss their experiences and receive care from mentors. Sharan expresses that Heartstopper has sparked meaningful conversations among their friends, stating, 'Charlie faces the same struggles as I did. It’s nice to see a positive storyline of someone who does succeed in getting help and getting better; it makes me feel hopeful.