“Embracing my queerness has actually been really healing for the way that I live in my body”: An exploration of queer women’s body image and physical activity

Body Image. 2026 Mar 6;57:102073. doi: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2026.102073. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

As conventional physical activity contexts are often male-dominated, cis-heteronormative, and uphold narrow Western beauty ideals, they contribute to the stigmatization and exclusion of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Queer women may be particularly at risk, as they report the lowest rates of physical activity participation, compared to other LGBTQIA+ groups. To address this equity concern in physical activity, this study explored the relationship between queer women’s body image and physical activity experiences. Participants (N = 70) engaged in virtual focus groups discussing their lived experiences and intersections of queer identity, body image, and physical activity. Using reflexive thematic analysis, four themes were identified to illustrate their experiences: The Queer Woman’s Body is Political; (in)Visibility of Sexual and Gender Identity in Physical Activity; Hypervigilance to Maintain Safety and Avoid Gender-Based Violence; and Longing for Spaces that Foster Safety, Belonging, and Connection. Participant narratives illustrated the nuanced ways in which body image, gender, and sexuality marginalization intersect to shape physical activity engagement and experiences. This research underscores the urgent need for inclusive, queer affirming physical activity environments that prioritize psychological safety, belonging, and social connection, to support sustained participation and positive experiences.

PMID:41793888 | DOI:10.1016/j.bodyim.2026.102073