Do I Look Fat? (the documentary) part one

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with the director of the documentary film, "Do I Look Fat?--Gay Men, Body Image and Eating Disorders," by Mr. Travis Mathews.  Mr. Mathews is currently active as a video journalist in the Bay area.

http://www.doilookfatthemovie.com/

The documentary was made in 2004, has been screened at NEDA and the American Psychiatric Association Conferences, which are no small feats. 

Mr.  Mathews deserves kudos and praises for doing what all hope for...he states that he has gone on to build a life outside, beyond, and after an eating disorder.  One's greatest hope is to move on from the experience wiser and stronger.

Mr. Mathews was able to share his feelings on what I had also noticed on a number of topics.  He felt that there are still incredible self esteem issues for young teens such as bullying, teasing and lack of role models of in popular culture for gay young people.  Media stereotypes are still quite biased in their approach to gays and lesbians.  Rupert Everett has discussed in interviews how he believed his openness regarding his sexuality has affected his career.  He also feels that there are multiple messages both implicit or explicit that suggest to gay youth that they aren't okay in their own skin.

We also discussed that an eating disorders diagnosis still carries with it a lot of shame, and it can be difficult to garner support.  It doesn't make one feel very masculine to go to his buddies and talk about not liking his shape and having trouble eating.  Women may have a more ready support network in the form of friends than men.  On the flip side may be exposed to negative behaviors and body talk when around other women.   

I asked if it was uncomfortable to talk about these issues with a woman, further stating that some men feel that women are to "blame" for their eating disorder, adding that women have said similar things about men.  Mr. Mathews stated that he actually found there to more women therapists then male and that they were supportive.  He would like to see more males in therapist and activist roles, but that he found the to be women extremely helpful and understanding.  Eating disorders are multi-factorial in nature and cannot be blamed entirely on a gender.

In regards to the documentary...I have never been one to read the Cliff notes (except once, I confess), so I have ordered the documentary, and will report on it at a later date.