Out In The Mountains : Bodyworks

Bodyworks

by Elizabeth Mae and David B. Ryan

Welcome to "Bodyworks." In the months ahead we will provide you with lesbian and gay male health information and insights. This will be done by utilizing the most current information, from both a national and local perspective. We look to our readership for input, comments and topics for possible discussion.

For this issue, we are sitting in front of a computer terminal trying to figure out what "gay health" is. As usual, the deadline is tomorrow and this is only sentence five.

"Gay", at least here, refers to one who loves those of the same sex. "Health" doesn't seem to be affected by the adjective gay. Despite homophobic beliefs to the contrary, there is no inherent health problem in being lesbian or gay. So let's focus instead on health from a lesbian/gay perspective.

Now we have lots of choices. What's the latest information on AIDS and risk reduction? Do you want to hear about sexually transmitted diseases (STD's)? How about obesity? Anorexia? What's new with depression? Homophobia? Alcoholism? What about artificial insemination? Pregnancy? Are you interested in the side effects of drugs, food additives, or computer terminals?

We are not health care professionals. We are two concerned individuals, a gay man and a lesbian, deeply aware of the difficulty of getting answers to the health questions of our community. It is our plan to sift through the sources available and find the answers you need. We will read what is printed, interview doctors and psychologists, and visit health care centers, as necessary, to find the answers.

Next month we will discuss how to choose and evaluate a counselor or psychologist using a recently published book, "The Lavender Couch."

Send your ideas and questions to Bodyworks, "Out in the Mountains", PO Box 438, Hinesburg, VT 05461. Ask us and we'll try to find the answer.