Our statement of solidarity with the Fat Liberation and HAESⓇ communities

As an eating disorder treatment center, we must provide a safe space for healing to all of our clients, particularly those with marginalized identities. In order to do this we must fully root our work in antiracism and a more inclusive Health at Every SizeⓇ framework. The historic eating disorder standard of care for too long has left out those with marginalized racial identities and those subject to institutional weight stigma.

BALANCE stands in solidarity with Mikey Mercedes, Lindley Ashline, Veronica Garnett, ASDAH Leadership and all others who have shared stories of harm done by Lindo Bacon toward the BIPOC, Fat Liberation, and HAESⓇ communities. We want to recognize and honor their emotional and intellectual labor in sharing their stories.

We are continuing to grow with the ongoing necessary changes happening within the HAESⓇ space. As an organization, we pledge to take the following actions:

  • Continue to pay those with lived experience to provide staff trainings

  • Review all of our published content, with the paid help of experts with lived experience, to examine how these may inadvertently contribute to systems of oppression and take corrective action

  • Expand program and individual service scholarship offerings for clients with marginalized identities including BIPOC and LGBTQ+ clients

  • Register clinical staff for the June 2022 ASDAH conference

  • Register all dietetic staff for the April 2022 WIND conference

  • Amplify BIPOC and fat voices, including Marquisele Mercedes, Lindley Ashline, and the BIPOC, fat leadership of ASDAH

  • Commit to ongoing learning and activism in BIPOC and fat liberation spaces

  • Advocate for change and continued education among colleagues and peers

Melainie Rogers