Suzannah Weiss

When I was first diagnosed with anorexia ten years ago, I vaguely knew that eating disorders were a feminist issue.

“Don’t make yourself feel good by calling us survivors.”

Talking about sex may make you uncomfortable, but so would having children who grow up in ignorance and fear.

When people picture an eating disorder, they often imagine shocking behaviors that deviate wildly from normal eating. But our society’s definition of “normal,” especially for women, can look so similar to an eating disorder that it’s hard to tell when you’ve crossed the line between healthy and disordered eating. That's why, by following popular health advice, I became anorexic without even knowing it.

"Hey, you're a feminist. What do you think of that?" If we feminists got a dollar every time someone at a party asked us this question, we just might close the wage gap.

I was six the first time I remember sucking in my stomach.

I have pressured people into sex. I have had partners say they weren’t in the mood and tried to change their minds. I have sulked when they didn’t. And I did this for years without realizing it was wrong. Why? Because I’m a straight woman.

When speaking with eating disorder victims, what not to say is as important as what to say.

Best of all? She's just getting started.

Here, I’ve rounded up some of the best advice from women writers on how to stay strong and speak out against sexism—even when they are victims of it.