boy meets therapy Gay Men and the Ideal Body: Rejection, Fat Phobia, and Body Image
In this episode, host Dustin sits down with Sam Fogarty, LMHC, to explore the pressures gay men face when it comes to body image and the pursuit of the “ideal body.” Together, they unpack how rejection, fat phobia, and societal standards fuel shame and disordered eating within the LGBTQ+ community. Sam shares insights from his research on muscularity-oriented eating disorders and why intuitive eating can help create a healthier relationship with food and self-perception.
Dustin and Sam emphasize the importance of self-compassion, breaking cycles of comparison, and building a more affirming perspective around body image.
Whether you’ve struggled with body dissatisfaction, questioned how rejection impacts your self-worth, or want to better understand the unique challenges queer men face, this episode offers research-based insights and practical discussion.
Connect with Sam Fogarty, LMHC
Therapy Practice: Link Here
PsychologyToday: Link Here
Sam's Research: Link Here
Connect with boy meets therapy:
Instagram: @boymeetstherapy
TikTok: @boymeetstherapy
Website with Free Resources: boymeetstherapy.com
Episode Guide & Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Connection
04:01 Body Image in the Gay Community
06:07 Research on Body Ideals
07:52 Understanding Eating Disorders
11:09 Muscularity-Oriented Disordered Eating
15:03 Emotional Needs and Eating Disorders
17:55 Personal Experiences with Body Image
21:17 Fat Phobia and Its Impact
23:48 Reactions to Weight Loss and Acceptance
27:55 Internalized Fat Phobia
31:03 Challenging Body Image Norms
33:23 Exploring Values and Self-Perception
36:32 The Impact of Rejection on Queer Identity
39:29 Intuitive Eating and Movement
40:34 Attraction and Body Image in Queer Relationships
48:26 Healthy Relationships with Body and Self
48:55 Final Thoughts and Memorable Quotes
Created and Produced by Dustin Oliver