Episode Blog — Queer Health Pod

In which Sam, Richard and Gaby discuss takeaways from the research and plenary sessions presented at GLMA's 42nd Annual Conference.

#20: Voices in T(ransition)

In which Sam, Richard and Gaby start SEASON 3 off by talking about the ways that testosterone (or T!) impacts voice – from anatomical changes to the vocal cords, to the expected time ranges until changes are "complete," to what to expect while your voice is in transition. All accompanied by best practices and pro-tips from our guests!

#19: Consensual Non-Monogamy (Part 2)

In which Sam, Richard and Gaby talk about consensual non-monogamy…AGAIN. This time, they dive into the relational challenges that occur within non-monogamous relationship structures, including concepts such as jealousy, compersion, co-dependence and loneliness.

#18: Consensual Non-Monogamy (Part 1)

In which Sam, Richard and Gaby talk about consensual non-monogamy: what it is, why it’s a queer health topic, and what to think about if you’re…well…thinking about it.

#17: End racial inequity today, end HIV tomorrow

In which Sam, Richard and Gaby talk about the formation of modern-day HIV inequity the United States. Joined by their guests, they trace early narratives about HIV/AIDS to understand how Black communities were shut out from scientific messaging and technology around the outbreak, delaying mobilization of resources and public awareness. Along the way, they trace the many forms of racism that operate within the contemporary history of HIV.

#16: Racism, HIV, and the monkey that no one f$@#ed

In which Sam, Richard and Gaby talk about the early history of HIV, tracing its emergence in human populations in the 1910s-1920s up until its arrival to the US in the 1980s. Along the way, they highlight the forces of bias, racism and marginalization that shaped the narrative of early HIV history.

#15: Anal Paps and the ANCHOR Trial

In which Sam, Richard and Gaby talk about anal pap smears for screening of anal cancer- why they are a queer health topic, who should get them, what to expect, and the game-changing new study (the ANCHOR trial!) that shows us how they can help prevent cancer. Featuring some fart noises, butt puns, and lots of giggles.

#14: The Not-So-Scarlet Letter

In which Sam, Richard and Gaby talk about the “letters of readiness” for gender-affirming surgery - the current requirements (as well as how insurance has interpreted them) and how they create stigma and barriers to life-saving medical care. Featuring a bonus reference to Alanis Morrisette.

#13: Build Me Up, Buttercup? (The Steroids Episode)

In which Richard, Gaby and Sam discuss anabolic androgenic steroids (AKA supplemental testosterone) used by cis gay, bi and queer men. Topics covered: body dysmorphia, body image ideals, social stigma, and harm reduction.

#12: Chest Cancer

In which Sam, Richard and Gaby talk about chest cancer in transmasculine people - how to factor it into decision-making around top surgery, what to reasonably expect while navigating the gendered world of breast cancer as a trans/gender non-confirming person, and how testosterone factors into the whole thing.

#11: Club Drugs

In which Sam, Richard and Gaby talk about club drugs - what they are, why they’re a queer health topic, and a harm-reductive framework to facilitate more informed, safer use. Also featured: discussions re: khakis, Goop, and Wicca.

#10 : Season Two ~Teaser~ Episode

In which Sam, Richard and Gaby review feather boas, Negroni Sbagliatos, and hype you up for SEASON TWO.

#9: Queer Women's Sexual Health

In which Sam, Richard and Gaby address an age-old question: are queer women at risk for transmitting sexually transmitting disease? Featuring an old, outdated special guest: the dental dam.

#8: Queer Women (The Pleasure Episode)

In which Sam, Richard and Gaby talk about what queer women's sex is, what it isn't, and celebrate the concept that queer women place their own pleasure and ecstasy at the center of their lives.

#7: Beyond the Binary

In which Sam, Richard and Gaby talk about primary care for non-binary folks, including: safe practices for binding, what we know about microdosing hormones, and what truly affirming non-binary healthcare looks like.

#6: Intersex Surgery: the Fight for Bodily Autonomy

In which Sam, Richard and Gaby talk about surgeries performed on intersex infants and children - why it’s ethically wrong, grossly medically unprecedented, and how advocates are fighting to end this damaging practice - all in the name of bodily autonomy.

#5: Gender Affirming Surgery

In which Sam, Richard and Gaby talk about gender affirming surgery - what it is, how to go about finding a surgeon, some pre-op pro-tips and some expectations for the post-op period.

#4: The Blood Ban

In which Sam, Richard and Gaby talk about the present, past and future of the FDA’s policy against (sexually active) men who have sex with men donating blood products.

#3: An Episode About Intersex

In which Sam, Richard and Gaby talk about intersex identity, the intersex community, and the ways healthcare needs to step its game up to provide more affirming care for intersex folks.

#2: The PrEPisode

In which Sam, Richard and Gaby talk about the history of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV, review who PrEP might benefit, and compare the two FDA-approved PrEP options (Descovy and Truvada).

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