A new peer-reviewed article provides more evidence about the lack of connection between vaccines and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
“In this large sample of privately insured children with older siblings, receipt of the MMR vaccine was not associated with increased risk of ASD, regardless of whether older siblings had ASD. These findings indicate no harmful association between MMR vaccine receipt and ASD even among children already at higher risk for ASD.”
This article includes some data that can be used as talking points when advocating for access to reproductive rights:
“A growing body of evidence indicates that limited access to sex education and contraceptives in poor communities widens the income-fertility gap. Equalizing birth control use could reduce the ratio of unintended births by half, Reeves estimated.
‘The passage of the Affordable Care Act represents a huge advance here, by making better contraception more financially accessible,’ the study said, ‘but lack of knowledge about the efficacy of IUDs and implants and access to quality medical advice about contraception are still significant problems.’ “
Read the whole article here: The sex lives of rich and poor women are remarkably similar — until it comes to birth control – The Washington Post.
Christin Scarlett Milloy reports on the case of a black, Deaf and disabled trans woman, Kylie Brooks, who, after having successfully advocated for change to local Toronto services whose policies forced trans individuals “out” publically, then found herself the target of Facebook’s “real name” policy.
““Kylie” is a woman’s name and her account identifies her as female. However, in her profile picture, she appears as a black person who would commonly be read as masculine, with short hair, and a bearded face. Brooks is trans, and someone who works for Facebook has looked at her profile photo and decided she doesn’t look “Kylie” enough.”
The irony of an anonymous employee many thousands of miles from Kylie being empowered with the discretion to control her name and access to her community is repugnant.
Sex Workers Outreach Project USA is a growing social justice network devoted to providing outreach and advocacy for sex workers in the United States. SWOP provides Continue reading
And we need to have some long overdue dialogue about it. If you are unfamiliar with the concept of fatphobia, it is time for you familiarize yourself. Kitty Stryker does a fabulous job of explaining in this article, which she wrote in response to Continue reading
The social experience of gender expectation is more than just unfair – it can be hazardous to your health. Exploration of the impact of gender roles has to go deeper than just the social impact – there is a significant amount of work to be done in terms of Continue reading
When we look back on the history and repercussions of the holocaust, we tend to think in terms of anti-semitism and victimization. This book review highlights key elements of Sarah Helm’s book, Ravensbrück: Life and Death in Hitler’s Concentration Camp for Women. The book itself describes important aspects of the history of lesbian oppression Continue reading
With limited access to professional mental health care, dealing with mental illness can seem impossible. Never fear! Katherine Schreiber recognizes the need for us to be our own mental health advocates, and lists several resources for those of in need of education and treatment. Read them here!
There’s a difference between “acceptance” and “affirming” counseling. Even though many practitioners may be willing to work with Trans clients, it’s important that those individuals have more than just a willingness. Affirmative counseling does more than tolerate: it celebrates, explores, and upholds identity. Here’s a list of ways in which clients and therapists can evaluate their cultural competence and create the most affirming environment possible.
“For transgender individuals, finding a therapist who is transgender can be extremely difficult. They often feel lost in a large gap where many therapists are completely uncomfortable, and unwilling to work with them versus those who feel comfortable, but who aren’t educated in trans-related issues. This list can help transgender individuals who are considering participation in therapy make a decision about who they should work with.”
Have something to add? Let me know in the comments below!
Dr. Karen McDowell 