BIPOC Providers and the Quest for Equity in Eating Disorder Work: Rejecting Opportunities that Miss

Written By Nalgona Positivity Pride Gloria Lucas

By Whitney Trotter, RD, Alishia McCullough, MS, LCMHC, & Gloria Lucas

In the past 12 months, the eating disorder field has witnessed a collective awakening among the very few BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) providers. Our shared experiences have revealed a troubling pattern of underappreciation, underpayment, exploitation, and the erasure of our voices. It is time to make a bold statement: We will not tolerate the white supremacy within this field any longer. We are taking a stand, and we are creating a template for our fellow BIPOC eating disorder providers, educators, researchers, and activists to follow when considering opportunities that do not align with our values and vision.

First and foremost, we'd like to express our gratitude for reaching out.

However, it is essential to address the reality that this connection with [Organization] does not align with our deeply held values. The BIPOC experts in our field continue to be significantly underpaid for their invaluable feedback and expertise. This is especially concerning considering [Organization]'s substantial funding.

Our concerns extend beyond compensation. We have witnessed a persistent pattern of misappropriation and theft by white professionals and entities within the eating disorder industry. The knowledge we share is often used to further [Organization]'s marketing goals, but these efforts seldom yield tangible results for the BIPOC community.

Moreover, we are left wondering about [Organization]'s commitment to equity. We have not seen data regarding BIPOC admissions and retention rates in eating disorder care, nor have we observed transparency in the hiring and retention of BIPOC staff. Additionally, we have not publicly seen evidence of [Organization]'s financial investments in historically excluded communities seeking eating disorder support.

For these reasons, this opportunity does not align with our vision and values.

We wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Sincerely, [Your Name]