Knoll's brain wakes up...

I got word that I now have a faculty sponsor from the School of Public Health (1 official and 1 unofficial sponsor) for my independent research beginning in Jaunary. 

I'm sure I'll elaborate more on this; the details still have to be worked out in November.  The work will be related to community based participatory research (CBPR), community-academic partnerships with LGBT health and social service orgs., LGBT reaseach ethics, and CBPR ethics, etc.     

I'm also planning on taking a course or two this winter or spring/summer.  UM pays 75% of the tuition for me as a staff member.  I have a good sense now what I might need more work on to prepare for a post-masters fellowship, doctoral work, or just more responsibilty at my current job.

Both of these things make me very, very happy on this sunny fall afternoon. 

Drexel University School of Public Health Launches Program for LGBT Health

The Drexel University School of Public Health has launched a major academic research center focusing on the health disparities and health behaviors of LGBT people and communities: the Program for LGBT Health. Drexel joins an exclusive roster of universities in the United States where an academic unit has been established to conduct LGBT research, training and advocacy in a public health framework. Only a handful of such programs exist that specifically aim to improve the health and well-being of LGBT populations. 

The Program for LGBT Health is designed to address health and wellness issues of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people through research and evaluation, education and training, partnering with health and social
services providers, and public health policy and advocacy. The program will leverage the expertise of faculty and professionals in multiple disciplines at Drexel University, as well as experts from outside the university. A
significant feature of the program will be curricula leading to a Certificate in LGBT Health Awareness for the school’s graduate students.

More information at
http://publichealth.drexel.edu/lgbthealth

Wanted: Mammologists

One of the faculty I work for/with contributed to an Op-ed piece in the New York Times published today.  I had wondered, in a more abstract way, about treatment expereinces for folks with breast versus gynocologic cancers.  Brings up some useful info I was unaware of about training if medical residents.  Very interesting.

"The breast is something of an orphan in our health care system. We have cardiologists, nephrologists, hepatologists, proctologists and neurologists — but we have no “mammologists.” How did the breast get lost?

Women with breast cancer get lost in the mix, forced to make several different appointments, sit in various waiting rooms and see multiple doctors. In most cases, a woman with a breast problem will start with her obstetrician-gynecologist, who will then refer her to a surgeon (for a biopsy) or a radiologist (for a mammogram). The referring obstetrician-gynecologist may never see or hear from the patient again, and may not know if she kept her appointment or got adequate care.

Contrast this with the care given to women with gynecologic cancer. Because there is a subspecialty of gynecologic oncology, women see the same doctor from diagnosis to post-surgery follow-up. Breast malignancies outnumber gynecologic cancers 10 to one, and yet we have no subspecialty for breast care....

The whole article HERE

Sign of the times...

In a scene that spoke volumes about the despair of one of the nation's poorest cities, about 50,000 Detroiters descended on downtown to pick up 5,000 applications in hopes of enrolling in a federal program that pays a few hundred to a few thousand dollars to low-income residents to help pay rent and utilities.


In fact, some 60,000 residents applied for the aid over two days, although the city will only be able to help about 3,400 families.


Detroit received $15.2 million from the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program that helps pay rent, utility assistance and security deposits for families with incomes of less than $35,500. In Detroit, that's 58 percent of the households, states the U.S. Census.

City of Kalamazoo adds 760 new voters before election

Cheers to The One Kalamazoo campaign who apparently busted their butts who registered 670 new voters.  Here's hoping many of those are affiliated with WMU and supportive of the city ordinance. 

By Kathy Jessup

Kalamazoo Gazette
October 07, 2009, 6:48AM

KALAMAZOO — A record-setting number of new voter registrations from Kalamazoo’s two college campuses have been submitted by supporters of a gay-rights ordinance that will be decided in the Nov. 3 election.

The Kalamazoo City Clerk’s office reported nearly 760 new-voter applications were filed by Monday’s deadline, compared to fewer than 50 that are typically received in an odd-year city election.  Kalamazoo City Clerk Scott Borling said that “nearly all” of the new voter registrations submitted Friday and Monday listed addresses on or near the campuses of Western Michigan University or Kalamazoo College. City workers were in the process Tuesday of recording those new voters.

On Nov. 3, voters will decide the future of a city ordinance to ban discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals in housing, employment and public accommodations. City Commission candidates and a Metro Transit tax also will be on the ballot. 

Jon Hoadley, campaign director for One Kalamazoo, the organization formed to push for passage of the nondiscrimination ordinance, said the group has been working to register new voters.  “Staff and volunteers had voter registration forms on hand in the office, at events, and in key locations around the city like Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College,” Hoadley said. “We definitely made a concerted effort to register more voters at as many events as we could.”

Still Black: a protrait of black transmen

In case you haven't had a chance to see this at the Philly Trans Health Conference last year, or any of the other places it's been screened at: 

Still Black: a portrait of black transmen

Thursday, October 15th, 7-9 pm

Affirmations Community Center (Part of Coming Out Week festivities)

The film explore the lives of six black transgender men living in the United States through the intimate stories of their lives as artists, students, husbands, fathers, lawyers, and teachers.  The film offers viewers a complex and multi-faceted image of race, sexuality, and trans identity.

For more info visit:  Still Black Film Site

Gay and Bisexual Identity Development Among Transmen

A new journal article is out on FTM sexuality.  Thought it might be of some interest to everyone.  I read the article, which is deecent.  My favorite part, however, was when the authors describe that roughly (maybe the wrong word to use here) 33% of the sample like it in their front hole.  Cheers to that fellows!

Bockting W, Benner A, Coleman E.,

Gay and bisexual identity development among female-to-male transsexuals in North America: emergence of a transgender sexuality.


Arch Sex Behav. 2009 Oct;38(5):688-701.

(I've figured out how to allow folks to download the PDF from my blog!) 

DOWNLOAD FILE

ABSTRACT
We studied a North American sample of female-to-male (FtM) transsexuals sexually attracted to men, aiming to understand their identity and sexuality in the context of a culture of transgender empowerment.

Sex-reassigned FtM transsexuals, 18 years or older and attracted to men, were recruited via an FtM community conference and listserv. Participants (N = 25) responded to open-ended questions about identity development, sexual behavior, and social support.
Data were analyzed by content analysis. Scores for sexual identity, self esteem, sexual functioning, and psychological adjustment were compared to those of a comparison group (N = 76 nontransgender gay and bisexual men). Of the 25 FtMs, 15 (60%) identified as gay, 8 (32%) as bisexual, and 2 (8%) as queer.
All were comfortable with their gender identity and sexual orientation. The FtM group was more bisexual than the nontransgender gay and bisexual controls. No significant group differences were found in self esteem, sexual satisfaction, or psychological adjustment. For some FtMs, sexual attractions and experiences with men affirmed their gender identity; for others, self-acceptance of a transgender identity facilitated actualization of their attractions toward men. Most were “out” as transgender among friends and family, but not on the job or within the gay community. Disclosure and acceptance of their homosexuality was limited.
The sexual identity of gay and bisexual FtMs appears to mirror the developmental process for nontransgender homosexual men and women in several ways; however, participants also had experiences unique to being both transgender and gay/bisexual. This signals the emergence of a transgender sexuality.

Re-post from roham a. bear, "My Tranifesto: An Ongoing Self Exam Sans Stirrups"

An amazing individual I know wrote this, "My Tranifesto:  An Ongoing Self Exam Sans Stirrups"  and, becuase I feel like more folks should get the chance to read it, they gave me permission to repost it here. 

A little sample....(I really am putting this on my bathroom mirror!)

4. i have a right to be in this body, and to use the language i choose to define it. i will consistently challenge myself around the words i choose, i will continue to learn, to listen, to adapt, to honour.

Fat Love on Display

A website dedicated to displaying images and stories of couples (where at least one of them is fat self-identified). 

Check it out and submit your story.  There are a couple of queer couples, but they could always use more! 

Ferndale Magic Bag and Royal Oak Music Theatre Go SMOKEFREE!

Cheers to both businesses!  More employees and concert goers can breathe easier. 

The Royal Oak Music Theatre will kick off its smoke-free rule this Saturday night during their Kemons Night event, which will raise money for the American Cancer Society.

APPALLING anti-trans ad out of Kalamazoo

This is APPALLING.  I can't believe this is actually being used in Kalamazoo.  This is all becuase of an Ord. up for a vote on Nov. 3rd, sexual orientation and gender non-discrimination.  I wasn't following what was going on to closely, but after seeing this I'm planning on donating money to the One Kalamazoo campaign/org

(Ad paid for by Kalamzoo Citizens Voting No to special rights discrimination.  http://www.responsiblevoters.org/ )

Sarah Graham: My Intersex Experience

I like this a lot....

In an open letter to the South African athlete, Sarah Graham, who was born intersex, offers advice and encouragement for the years to come

"You are a very special woman: an extraordinary athlete and an inspiration to your South African nation. That has not changed and nothing the International Association of Athletics Federations tests find under their microscope will ever take that away from you.

Whatever happens in these next few weeks, whatever the truth behind all the rumours, media leaks and gossip, I promise you will discover the truth that most human beings are kind-hearted and that the human heart is by far the most important human organ; it has no gender and it's not interested in your sex.

When I was 25 I found out suddenly that I am an intersex XY woman. I have a very rare condition called androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS). This shocking revelation, after years of lies from my doctors, nearly killed me."

Click here for the rest of the letter.....

"I saw this really, really interesting documentary last night."

Yesterday I was at an all day training for NVivo8 (a qualitative data analysis software). There happened to be two folks from my department, or at least folks that work with the faculty that I support. Anyway, we all decided to go to lunch together. While eating, the conversation turned to movies and documentaries. Colleague 1 is Indian, and they were talking about representations of gender in bollywood films with colleague 2. Suddenly colleague 2 announced,

"I saw a really really interesting documentary last night"

Suddenly, I knew it was trans related. I don't know how, but I just did. This could not go well...I thought. Every time someone says a sentence like that I brace myself. lol.

"It was all about these transvestites....errr, I suppose they were transsexual women from somewhere in Southeast Asia who were now in Israel, who performed in dance/drag shows in the evening and worked as caretakers for very orthodox older adults during the day to make a living."

Now, if you can follow all of that, you win. They discussed trans identity (awkwardly) for the next few minutes. It was very strange. But I mean, what was I going to say, "Hey, interesting....and guess what?...I'm transgender too!"

I feel so torn in those situations. It's not that I want to be "stealth" for goodness sakes, but having intense conversations with colleagues, who I'm not even sure how long, or how well I will get to know, about my identity seems very strange. It's not relevant, but again, it is. I mean, if they ever ask me about my own personal research interests I don't think I would be able to fully share with them my passions without providing some sort of context.

Eventually I'll talk to folks at this new job....it will just be interesting to see what that eventually looks like....

Is health care reform an issue for nonprofits? (Duh)

Reposted from MNA's blog:

Is health care reform an issue for your nonprofit?

Michigan Nonprofit Association says yes and nine out of ten responding nonprofits to our recent health care survey agree. MNA and the Johnson Center at Grand Valley State University assessed how the current health care system is affecting nonprofits as employers.

You can click here to view the Rising Health Care Costs a Concern for Michigan Nonprofits survey results.

If you agree health care reform is an issue for your nonprofit, the results may seem obvious, but there are two striking findings that deserve repeating:

1. Health care costs impact Michigan nonprofits’ ability to attract and retain talent while responding to shrinking revenues.

2. Reform of the current health care system is near universally important to Michigan nonprofits.

It is critical the nonprofit sector has a voice in the health care reform debate. Today, MNA’s Board of Trustees met and adopted the following statement in regards to MNA’s position on health care reform. Michigan Nonprofit Association believes that health care reform should embrace the following set of principles:

• Health care reform should ensure high-quality health care;

• Health care reform should have as an ultimate goal to provide universal access to affordable health care;

• Health care reform should address the needs of the nonprofit community and the people it serves; and

• Health care reform should not add financial burdens to the nonprofit community that are not shared by other sectors of society.

"Are Cripples Screwed?"

(Sex)abled: Disability Uncensored celebrates people with disabilities as sexual beings.

Check out this great short (15 minute) student video here.

This new student film features participants of the discussion panel sponsored by University of California Berkeley's Disabled Students Union called "Are Cripples Screwed?" The film also features other Bay area community members and comedian Josh Blue (winner of Last Comic Standing) as they share their personal experiences with sex, dating and intimacy. (Sex)abled reveals that while not everyone will choose to be sexually active, everyBODY is capable of being sexual.
This video is posted at a great site called "Sex Smart Films:Promoting Sexual Literacy"

I think one of my favorite lines (by Jackson in the film) "until I sees Stephen Hawking on the cover of a trashy romance novel, I'm forced to make beautifully crafted dick jokes."

Sick-Leave Racial Disparities: A Flu Endemic's Best Friend

Sick-Leave Racial Disparities: A Flu Endemic's Best Friend

I see endless reports on Flu prep in public health news, but I've seen very little on the impact racial disparities have on workplace benefits (sick days) and the H1N1 public health impact.

I did a little checking, and Nationally--the numbers are pretty similar to California: across the country, 38% of African Americans and 53% of Hispanic workers do not receive paid sick days - a much higher rate than among white folks.

I'm interested to see what happens with the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act. (introduced this year by Assemblywoman Fiona Ma. This bill is a commonsense public health prevention strategy that would guarantee all California workers the right to earn and use paid sick days for personal illness, to care for a sick family member, or to recover from domestic violence or sexual assault, without fear of losing their jobs.)

No laughing matter

No laughing matter

Shared via AddThis

I'm so excited about this. very impressed that business are taking initiative before a state law is passed. Seriously, they will get so many more customers!

UM Faculty weigh in on healthcare debate

Check out the new U of M webpage on the healthcare debate.

Also, my supervisor was on a Flashpoint roundtable discussion on Local4 about ethics and healthcare. It's about a 15min video. Check it out.

Birthday concert fun

On Wednesday night Carrie and I headed to the Palace for a concert for a birthday present (for me!) Yes, I celebrated my 30th birthday at the American Idols Live concert, me and thousands of screaming tweens. Let's be honest, I was really just there to see Adam Lambert and he didn't disappoint me. I think he played the longest set, and got the most cheers, way more than Kris! Check out the review

When I was a 6 year-old anti tobacco/smoking activist

While I was eating lunch the other day I noticed a whole slew of kids who had come to work with their parents. They seemed to be having a great time and asking their parents all sorts of questions about their job(s).

Suddenly I remembered a time I came to work with my mom. she was working as an academic advisor/counselor at a community college in Southeast Michigan. On the day that I was visiting the president of the college just happened to stop by the building for a visit.

I can imagine my mom may have been concerned--having her kid with her..or maybe not. She always worked full time as we were growing up, and there were rarely any childcare snafus. Anyway....I remember looking up at this really tall man in a black suit and bright tie (It was about 1985 and I was about 6 years old.) He was smoking a huge cigar (inside). Before getting intorduced I blurted out "Ewwww, that stinks! Get away from me." My mom was appalled, and clearly embaressed by my outburst. She tried to scold me and brush it off. I remember him laughing, and saying, "yes, it is pretty stinky and not good for you either."

I'm not sure where this random membory came from...LOL

But I kept thinking...WHAT...this was in the early 80's and someone was smoking inside a college? I quickly looked up The Michigan Clean Indoor Air Act that passed in the 80's, and was shocked that it wasn't passed until 1986. It seems so strange that before then people were smoking inside all kinds of buildings.

It makes me hope that in 10, 15, 20 years from now-someone will remember a time when folks smoked a bars and restaurants in Michigan, and it will seem so distant...so unbelieveable.