Eating Disorders in Trans and Gender Diverse Individuals

About this event

Tom Scully (APD), Dr Portia Predney (GP), Majella (Max) Jones (APD)
Trans and gender diverse people experience higher rates of disordered eating and eating disorders than the general population. This is partly due to unique experiences of prejudice and discrimination and pressure to conform to rigid gender norms. Discrimination when accessing healthcare services is common as standard medical and nutrition models of care centre the needs of cisgender men and women.

This webinar will help carers to increase their confidence when seeking help from the medical care team about appropriate care for their loved one with an eating disorder. It will also help carers gain more of an understanding about how to most effectively support their trans or gender diverse loved one.

The presentation will include:

An overview of trans and gender diverse identities and affirming language.
Insights into unique eating disorder risk factors and how these contribute to eating disorders.
Appropriate medical care and considerations for loved ones pursuing medical gender affirmation (eg hormone therapy).
An understanding of nutritional requirements for trans and gender diverse loved ones.
Recommendations for resources for individuals and carers to understand trans and gender diverse communities.
 

Tom Scully (He/Him) is an Accredited Practising Dietitian with a range of clinical experience including work in an eating disorder unit in a mental health hospital, and in private practice settings. He enjoys helping people to manage their health in a way that promotes enjoyable eating and a peaceful relationship with food.

Tom recognises that gender, sexuality, sex, race, body shape/size can affect all aspects of health and well-being, relationship with food and body, and experiences with healthcare professionals. He is committed to providing a space for all people to discuss their health concerns in a way that acknowledges and affirms their individuality.

Tom uses Enhanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT-E) and Specialist Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM) to support people toward eating disorder recovery. He has also undertaken training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and trauma informed care, which guides his practice.

Dr Portia Predney (she/her) is a General Practitioner who works in Sydney, Australia. She has a special interest in LGBTIQ+ healthcare, and particularly enjoys working in areas of medicine where her clinical interests and passion for social justice collide. She practices as a Gender Affirming clinician under the Informed Consent model of care, and has extensive experience in the care of transgender patients. Portia is the Vice President of AusPATH (the Australian Professional Association for Trans Health) and is passionate about reducing health inequality and improving access to care for gender diverse people.

Majella (Max) Jones (TheyThem) is an Accredited Practising Dietitian. Max has a person centred approach which highlights the individual experiences, needs and desires of the person they’re working with. They use an intersectional approach by providing an inclusive and non-judgmental space for all individuals that acknowledges and is respectful of their identities and lived experiences, and the impacts these may have on their lives and wellbeing.

They have experience delivering gender inclusive practice professional development training and is an executive committee member in the Dietitians Australia LGBTQIA+ Interest Group. They provide gender affirming, trauma informed and body inclusive care that is informed by lived experience (of their own, and from peers and educators), evidence-based frameworks and current scientific literature.

The 90 minute presentation will include 30 minutes of Q&A’s with the panel and audience.