BOOK REVIEW | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | 47
May, 2020 | ISSUE 311 | Qsaltlake.com
the bookworm sez REVIEW BY TERRI SCHLICHENMEYER
Bodies and Barriers: Queer Activists on Health EDITED BY ADRIAN SHANKER, FOREWORD BY RACHEL L. LEVINE, MD, AFTERWORD BY KATE KENDELL, C.2020, PM PRESS, $20, 208 PAGES
You woke up this morning feeling pretty good. That was quite a relief: in these frightening, uncertain times, every day of wellness is a bonus — especially when you consider that healthcare for a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer patient can be different than what straight people require. Too bad healthcare providers don’t always know that. But read Bodies and Barriers, edited by Adrian Shanker, and you’ll feel more empowered to tell them.
q scopes MAY BY SAM KELLEY-MILLS
ARIES March 20–April 19
While you are accustomed to social gatherings and spending time with friends, it’s been a time of solitary moments and physical activity. While it’s not bad entertaining yourself, the time for getting back to the basics is close. Start figuring out now what you want to do when the floodgates open.
TAURUS Apr 20–May 20
Don’t fret the lack of productivity and take time to reflect. While a family matter has left you exhausted, there is much to be gained by working through feelings. Everyone has said how good of a sport you have been lately. There is much to be learned and even more you can teach others.
GEMINI May 21–June 20
Where you go from here is a question that has been on your mind. It’s time not only to grow and transform, but to create a new life. Figure out what works and go with
If you were to look for books or articles that address healthcare issues for LGBTQ patients, you will likely find an abundance. The problem is, says Shanker, most of it was written by people who are not lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer. “Every person providing care for humans is providing care for LGBT humans,” he says, but it’s time that “our stories about our bodies” be told. And so, here they are… For the youngest LGBTQ patients, physical and mental healthcare may be different than their heterosexual peers, and it’s different than that which LGBTQ adults may need. Socially, for example, kids struggle with issues adults are better-equipped to handle. Parents, as one story indicates, can be the best ally. Young adults likewise have issues that seem tied to their age and vulnerability. Homelessness can exacerbate health issues (and vice versa); teens
may suffer from depression, suicidal notions, and bullying. Healthcare needs may extend to the dangers of “sex in the digital age” and a lack of maturity. Because of their youth, LGBTQ teens also need help with learning “social service navigation.” Habits such as alcohol and other addictions may be of issue to LGBTQ adults seeking good healthcare, but doctors sometimes don’t know what tests to use. They may be uninformed about caring for someone with bisexual or same-sex preferences, or who’s transitioned. They may have a “stigma” about HIV or be unaware of cancers that particularly plague LGBTQ individuals. As a gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender adult, being your own, highly vocal advocate is key. One thing is for certain: Bodies and Barriers is timely — not because Covid-19 treatment is based on sexuality but because other maladies that may arise
it. The biggest surprise is how much change you actually don’t want now and the surprise itself is worth its weight in gold.
in a while. Don’t fear handing over the reigns, but keep on hand on the wheel.
CANCER June 21–July 22
The numbness caused by recent events will subside, and emotional connections can be overwhelming. Make sure to process these feelings in a safe place or with someone you love. The hardest part will be coming to the conclusion that emotions are only the beginning of reasoning.
LEO July 23–August 22
Truth is one of the hardest pills to swallow, no matter how good you are at taking it all. Give greetings to everyone and become the life of the party. Take time to learn what you may not understand and be open to harsh but refreshing truths. In the end, it’s all about growing right now.
VIRGO August 23–Sep. 2
Be agreeable with anyone regarding business. It’s amazing how many defensive barriers you have to knock down. It might seem like a good idea to fight, but it can be harder to let go. Let others take control once
LIBRA Sept 23–October 22
are, and since healthcare is on your mind anyhow, this book is invaluable. Through a series of variously-authored essays, broken into sections based on age, editor Adrian Shanker offers a chorus of voices that display a variety of viewpoints and frustrations that could perhaps ultimately teach healthcare workers a thing or two. Readers should not be surprised to note resignation in these stories, or the occasional bit of anger and outrage, but there are also plenty of essays that impart a calm but determined tone. It’s in these that an LGBTQ reader will find comfort, camaraderie, and a way to speak up. Be forearmed with information, and beware. Know how to demand from your doctor that which you need, and don’t leave without it. Wash your hands, don’t touch your face, and read Bodies and Barriers. Having this book feels pretty good. Q on what does. Redefine priorities.
CAPRICORN Dec 21–Jan 19
There seems to be much to worry about. Everyone is feeling the same way. Find comfort in the sheer number of people who are worse off than you. Misery loves company, but company loves comfort. Be a catalyst for change for those who need it. The love you give will find its way back.
Everything happens for a reason. Some reasons are a result of what happened. Putting the cart before the horse simply means a new design is needed. Be clever and make life to work for you. Spend time with someone who is smarter than you for a change and believe that they exist.
SCORPIO Oct. 23–Nov. 21
Help is never gone. It is there in some form. The focus you lack can be found by playing a game or writing a poem. Get creative, focus on what you really want and forget everything else until it is time to deal with it. The world is full of distractions as well as things that can wait.
Even if there are no good answers, the questions on your mind do not lead to dead ends. Don’t fear being ignorant or not jiving with the universal truths you discover. Real control is found within your thoughts and feelings. Take charge and get a grip on all that is happening around you.
SAGITTARIUS
Nov. 22–December 20.
The financial burdens may not be easy to deal with, but in the end, attention to details will help you find balance. Take charge of money matters and don’t be afraid of taking a loss. It is worth sacrificing things that never really mattered in order to focus
AQUARIUS Jan. 20–Feb. 18
PISCES Feb 19–Mar 19
Yell and scream if it makes you feel better. Let go of the emotions that have shaken your core. The way to get over stress is to experience a bit of anger. It isn’t about losing control, but simply understanding a side of you that is often suppressed. Peace is often the aftermath of chaos. Q
