"The winner dies" and "Coming out of the closet"

Readers respond to Janelle Brown's report on anorexia and Melissa Levine's story about being straight.

Jul 27, 2001 | Read Janelle Brown's "The Winner Dies."

Yet another article on anorexia! How exciting! How utterly disappointing as well. It seems that the anorexics and bulimics get all the attention. When is the media going to start covering BED (binge-eating disorder)?

It seems that dying to be thin is in, but dying because of the complications of binge-eating disorder (morbid obesity, heart problems, lung problems, etc.) isn't as glamorous to the media.

It would be nice to start seeing more attention paid to the other end of the eating disorder spectrum. The women in my binge-eating disorder support group and our therapist would be eternally grateful if someone in the media would be brave enough to report on this topic as thoroughly as on anorexia and bulimia.

And before anyone labels me an anorexia or bulimia "basher" I will state that I have suffered with anorexia and bulimia as well as BED since I was 15 years old. In fact, I've been underweight three times between the ages of 15 and 30. And it seems that the "thin" aspect of my disease has always brought me compassionate understanding and people rushing to my side to help me get better. Funny how no one shows the same understanding and compassion when I gain 100-plus pounds in a year. When I gain weight to the point of being morbidly obese, I get lots of "helpful diet tips" from strangers and disgusted looks from people who think me lazy, dirty and stupid.

Maybe if the media started reporting on the struggle of those of us who suffer from BED, people would be less ready to criticize us "fat chicks" for the outward symptoms of our disease. So Salon.com, are you brave enough to give some attention to the "less glamorous" eating disorder?

-- Laurie Dama

Hello, my name is Gabby. I feel that what you wrote is all you! I am anorexic and don't care what it does to me. The feeling of control and power goes beyond what others know who haven't experienced this euphoria. Losing weight and feeling great can't make me any happier or any lonelier than I already am. So to the rest who don't like it, go live your own life and stop worrying about mine!

-- Gabriella Marie

I can't tell you how much I appreciated Janelle Brown's article on "pro-anorexia" Web sites. As the former director of the American Anorexia Bulimia Association, I ran a help line for eating disorder sufferers and their families and friends. I grappled daily with the potential dangers of referring people to online support groups and chat rooms. Some find these outlets to be a tremendous source of comfort (for the uninsured and those with HMOs that refuse to pay for treatment, it's often the only affordable source), but so many of these sites are doing more harm than good. As a matter of policy, I only gave out information for Web sites that were monitored by professionals. However, as the article pointed out, it only takes a search engine to find a whole world of self-destructive postings. It is ironic, really. The people who are reaching out are doing so because of the tremendous sense of isolation they feel. But sitting in front of a computer instead of making a human connection with a therapist or a support group is essentially a silent act of solitude.

-- Claire Mysko

It's sad and scary to think that most people who are vocal about protecting children from Web sites (i.e., Dr. Laura and Sen. Joe Lieberman) are focusing 95 percent of their time on porno sites (like being sexual is abnormal) while sick girls are finding ways to trick their friends and family into believing they're not starving themselves. This overlooking of truly dangerous sites also pertains to skinhead recruitment sites and weapon-making ones.

-- Katrina Greschner

Read Melissa Levine's "Coming Out of the Closet -- to Be Straight."

I just wanted to say that this is a wonderful article. It expresses so well the lack of understanding so many people have of their own sexuality, and the constant struggle we have to come to grips with our own feelings. No matter our age or sexual orientation. Sensitive, and strong, and honest. It makes me proud to be me.

-- Jessica Coates

Next Page: "Sorry, ladies, but men are not all the same"

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