I'm certainly not complaining about the board. I'm new here, but I'm really starting to love it. Who better than to help someone through a problem like this than someone who's been through it.

I guess what I'm trying to put into words is this. Right at this very second, I'm talking to a male friend, and he's saying "Diets? What's with that? You're a guy!" Like this whole perception any of us has about our bodies is just gonna go away because of that.

I'm upset that people perceive:
1) that I don't get hurt by an eating disorder just because I'm a guy. (WRONG)
2) that my overeating is healthier than the next person's anorexia or bulimia. (WRONG)
3) that because I've lost some of the weight I'm looking to lose, that I don't still feel in danger. (WRONG)
4) that gay men aren't totally bombarded with a very unique brand of body image expectations. (WRONG)

It still hurts, even though I'm not the token face of eating disorders. So, please, I'm not judging you, but it just feels like it's not enough to beat my own eating disorder. I have to bust those four stereotypes while doing it. That's too much. So please, just say something. I know some of you are already, and thanks.

Hey! I'd just like to say hey and I totally agree with you on several levels. We are here to support one another and I think the people here do a pretty good job of that.. And I'm glad your venting it's better than the alternatives. I am sorry that you have been sterotyped I think probally alot of us have had to deal with that at some point or another ( what can I say people can be very ignorant about things that are unfamilar) Having an eating disorder is not healthy whoever you are and people should take you serious when you ask for help. So stick around You'll get some good support and sound advice. Stay postive !!

Hey Guys,

Stereotypes are definately not picky about their subjects. I think that we all have been the victims at some point or another. Losing weight isnt just a "girl thing" at all!! I have known many men that have suffered from EDs and believe that more and more men are becoming increasingly aware of their body images.

Gay or straight, male or female, we are all bombarded by "the ideal" and what we should or shouldnt look like. The battle for perfection is a world wide epidemic and it doesnt look like its going away. Stay strong everyone, do your best to love yourself on the inside first. Only then can you work on the outside.

Saph