Accumulating research stresses the complex relationship between gender identity, sexual orientation, and body image concerns, notably among transgender and non-binary (TNB) individuals, who experience eating disorders at disproportionately high rates due to gender dysphoria, social pressures, and body alignment with gender identity (Cusack et al., 2022). Similarly, sexual minority men convey lower body image satisfaction compared to their heterosexual counterparts (Frederick et al., 2022). Using Instagram content, this study analyzed body-related discussions among queer presenting and heterosexual women, investigating themes of body positivity, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, gender dysphoria, fitness, and nutrition. Posts were coded for body image concerns, fitness-focused narratives, and identity-related discussions. Results lead in a direction that demonstrates no difference in broader topics addressed between hetero and queer presenting influencers. However, heterosexual users mainly accentuated structured fitness routines, bodybuilding, and nutrition, frequently formulating content around self-improvement. In contrast, queer-presenting users were likelier to discuss mental, physical, and body image struggles; including trans individuals who speak on body dysmorphia and gender dysphoria. While both groups referenced past eating disorders, queer presenting users demonstrated greater openness about ongoing struggles. Current findings suggest that while heterosexual users engage more with fitness-oriented narratives, queer-presenting users utilize social media as a platform for discussing body-related challenges and identity concerns. Future research should research how social media engagement with body image content impacts mental health across diverse gender and sexual identities.
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