Discussion Summary: Nov. 13, 2024
Mental Health and Our Bodies
Physical activity is an overlooked aspect of mental health. However, research shows LGBTQ+ people are less likely to engage in physical activity than their heterosexual, cisgender peers. Dr. Jennifer Pharr’s research has shown that LGB people who engage in physical activity have 9 fewer poor mental health days per year than those who do not. LGBTQ+ mental health and our bodies are connected.
Many LGBTQ+ people avoid gyms and sports environments due to fear of discrimination, highlighting the importance of safe and inclusive spaces for physical activity in supporting LGBTQ+ mental health. Safe spaces provide structures and supports that allow LGBTQ+ people to engage in physical activity without fear of stigma or discrimination.
About the Panelists:
Jimmy Morgan, Figure skating choreographer/movement coach, Co-VP, American Ice Theatre, learn more
Jimmy Morgan (he/they) is a movement coach, choreographer, and professional figure skater based in Providence, RI. He focuses on empowering skaters by placing value in long-term emotional and physical well-being and helping skaters access their creative voice. He is the co-vice president of American Ice Theatre, a non-profit contemporary figure skating company. Jimmy holds a Mass Communication degree from Boston University. In his spare time, Jimmy is a Pro Ambassador for Athlete Ally, an organization committed to the fair inclusion of LGBTQ+ people in sports. He loves reading, traveling, dancing, and playing D&D.
Eli Parrish, Founder & Physical Therapist, Ally-Wellness, learn more
Dr. Eli Parrish (they/them) is a physical therapist working to educate community members on healing injury and increasing functional independence in an inclusive environment. Guided by their belief that all othered bodies are worthy of quality care and are capable of joyful movement, they founded Ally Wellness as company to provide compassionate and competent care for Queer, Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), and their allies. They completed their Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Temple University in 2017.
Jennifer Pharr, Professor, University of Nevada-Las Vegas, learn more
Dr. Jennifer Pharr (she/her) is a Professor of Public Health at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. With a background in nutrition and exercise physiology, she transitioned from healthcare roles to public health, earning her PhD in 2012. Her research focuses on health disparities among vulnerable populations, particularly sexual and gender minorities and people with disabilities. She examines the impact of laws and policies on mental health, healthcare access, and disease disparities, including HIV and chronic diseases. Dr. Pharr also explores barriers and facilitators to healthy behaviors and uses social marketing to promote health. Since 2021, she has concentrated on the mental health impacts of anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation, such as bans on transgender athletes. As a sexual minority from the South, she aims to advocate for protective LGBTQIA+ laws, especially in states with poor records on LGBTQIA+ rights.
Jordan Toy, Community Outreach Director, Stonewall Sports, learn more
Jordan Toy (he/him) serves as the Community Outreach Director for Stonewall Sports – Philadelphia, a volunteer-run sports league for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. In this role, he builds connections between the league and the broader community, supporting initiatives that benefit local organizations. His efforts focus on strengthening partnerships, enhancing philanthropic efforts, and creating opportunities for the league to have a meaningful impact on Philadelphia’s local community.
Key Takeaways:
- Inclusive Healthcare Practices: The importance of using inclusive language when speaking with patients was highlighted. Negative messages patients often receive from healthcare providers about body size were given as examples of interventions that prevent people from engaging in physical activity.
- Physical Activity is More than Sports: Sports can be a powerful way to explore body awareness and autonomy. However, some people prefer to connect with their bodies through exercises that focus on balance and body awareness. Dancing, yoga, and walking were all shared as non-sport based methods to support LGBTQ+ mental health and our bodies.
- Community and Belonging: The importance of intentionality in creating community building opportunities through physical activity and sports was discussed. Use of name tags and pre- and post- event activities encourage the formation of social networks which have protective health benefits.
- Challenges in Fitness Spaces: LGBTQ+ individuals face challenges in accessing inclusive and affirming fitness spaces, such as the lack of non-binary changing facilities and the hyper-masculine energy in gyms. Financial accessibility was also shared as a barrier for people wishing to use gyms.
- Education and Cultural Competency: The importance of early education on the gender continuum and cultural competency training for coaches, personal trainers, and health professionals was highlighted. The creation of inclusive spaces and considerate coaching for queer athletes was emphasized. Resources like Athlete Ally and continuing education courses were recommended for improving inclusivity in fitness and sports.
What We All Can Do
- Foster Cross-Sector Collaboration: Encourage community-based organizations to host inclusive events that include physical activity as part of the programming. Non-sport-based physical activities such as walking and dancing can be good ways to start.
- Promote Inclusive Language and Practices: Use inclusive language and create safe spaces in fitness and sports environments. Let participants know what sort of changing spaces and welcoming procedures are in place when advertising programs and events.
- Support Research and Data Collection: Advocate for more research on the mental health benefits of physical activity, especially for transgender and non-binary individuals.
- Implement Cultural Competency Training: Provide training for coaches, personal trainers, and health professionals to better support LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Create Financially Accessible Fitness Spaces: If creating a program to encourage physical activity, ensure fitness spaces are financially accessible to economically disadvantaged LGBTQ+ individuals.