GYT for Peace of Mind
Take advantage of this opportunity!
This is good news! Apparently my PP isn’t doing this but check out yours to see if it is!
(Source: feroniaproject.org)
Pansexual Pride: Gender Neutral Bathroom Challenge
The challenge: Don’t use any gendered bathrooms or change rooms for the month of April.
What are “gendered bathrooms”? Gendered bathrooms are designated for “men” or “women” by a sign. This challenges includes ALL multi-stall and single-stall washrooms, and the bathrooms at work, schools,…
Cool idea.
I want to note, however, that trans* people are at increased risk of bladder and urinary tract infections, in part because of this restricted access to bathroom facilities. This is especially true for people who tuck and for people who pack with an inadequately cleaned STP.
So, for those of us who, come May, will still sometimes or always have to be careful about gendered bathrooms: keep in mind that we’re particularly prone to chronic UTIs. Some ways that you can avoid contracting one:
- Don’t hold your pee any longer than you have to.
- Make use of websites like safe2pee.org to find safe, non-gendered bathrooms in your area, if you can.
- Try to wear cotton underwear. It breathes better than synthetic fabrics.
- Stay hydrated as well as you can. Drinking water regularly helps flush out the pipes.
- There’s some evidence to suggest that drinking cranberry juice can help you get over a UTI quicker.
- No matter what kind of genitals you have, you should pee right after sex (if sex is your thing) if there’s been any contact near your urethra.
- If you pack with an STP, try to make sure you clean it well and clean it regularly. It’s not always possible to clean it immediately, but do what you can.
n.b. I don’t pack with an STP, and I am not capable of tucking. If folks do/are more familiar with these practices would like to add to the avoiding UTI tips list, I would definitely appreciate it.
Gender Neutral Bathroom Challenge
The challenge: Don’t use any gendered bathrooms or change rooms for the month of April.
What are “gendered bathrooms”? Gendered bathrooms are designated for “men” or “women” by a sign. This challenges includes ALL multi-stall and single-stall washrooms, and the bathrooms at work, schools, libraries, bars/restaurants, and everywhere, really.
There are multiple purposes for this challenge:1) To give people who don’t find going to gendered bathrooms a difficult/unsafe experience a small idea of what it is like for trans and gender variant people to navigate this world. Hopefully, with some real life experience, you will have a broader understanding of how gendered this world really is. But,
DOING THIS DOES NOT GIVE YOU AUTHORITY TO SAY WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE TRANS OR GENDER VARIANT.
2) To inspire people to fight for more gender neutral bathrooms.Tips:
- Don’t drink a lot of liquid if you are leaving the house for long periods of time
- Try to figure out where some gender neutral bathrooms are in your town/city, and plan your day around using a gender neutral bathroom.
- Remember, you can use gendered bathrooms again in May. Some people can’t.
And, even if you really have to go to the bathroom, try to not see gendered bathrooms as a possible place to go.If you are interested, feel free to write your experiences down and send them to gnbchallenge@gmail.com. With your permission, they will be included in a zine on the topic of gendered bathrooms.We also recommend fighting for gender neutral bathrooms in one (or more) public space(s). Often the fight for this aspect of bathroom accessibility is only fought for by trans and gender variant people; It would be nice if other people fought for it too.
—-
PLEASE SPREAD THIS!
This is a neat idea. I’ll certainly be giving it a stab.
I’ve added some extra emphasis (the bolded parts) where i think it needs to be.A helpful resource for locating gender-neutral/all-gender bathrooms is Safe2Pee.org.
The Oyez Project
This is a fantastic Supreme Court resource that I just found. It has archive recordings of almost all the oral arguments brought forth during cases to the Supreme Court. It also has mp3s, transcripts, and case info available.
Most applicable to this blog is the section on cases in regards to abortion and contraceptives. Also applicable, but for some reason not showing up in that filter, are Eisenstadt v. Baird and Griswold v. Connecticut.
They also have a page dedicated to the Court’s upcoming review of the Affordable Care Act.
Another great resource is this page of reproductive rights cases from FindLaw.
"Human Development" Flickr set, © All Rights Reserved (lunar caustic)
Gestational sac intact^.
A 6mm embryo is identified which shows a possible heart bulge on the anterior
surface. No limb bud is seen^.
An embryo from an ectopic pregnancy which is approximately 3 to 4 weeks
estimated gestational age from conception. It was 0.5 cm long. See larger view for detail^.
Approximately 6 weeks estimated gestational age from conception, 8 weeks from LMP. Shot with 105 mm Micro-NIKKOR lens with 2 off camera SB-800’s. Specimen is submerged in alcohol^.
For another amazing image of a 6 - 7 week embryo: farm4.static.flickr.com/3396/4618437757_33c40f4875_b.jpg (also seen below)
This is an approximately 6-7 week estimated gestational age 19mm embryo from conception, 8-9 weeks from LMP. Features include finger rays and cerebral hemispheres. Shot with NIkon D700 with 105 mm Micro-NIKKOR lens with 2 off camera SB-800’s. Specimen is submerged in alcohol. View in large to see the detail^.
Embryo received with membranes intact. 1.6cm. EGA approximately 6-7 weeks from conception^.
Embryo received with membranes intact. 1.6cm. EGA approximately 6-7 weeks from conception^.
This is an approximately 6-7 week estimated gestational age 19mm embryo from conception, 8-9 weeks from LMP. Features include finger rays and cerebral hemispheres. Shot with NIkon D700 with 105 mm Micro-NIKKOR lens with 2 off camera SB-800’s. Specimen is submerged in alcohol. View in large to see the detail^.
This is an approximately 6-7 week estimated gestational age 19mm embryo from conception, 8-9 weeks from LMP. Features include finger rays and cerebral hemispheres. Shot with NIkon D700 with 105 mm Micro-NIKKOR lens with 2 off camera SB-800’s. Specimen is submerged in alcohol. View in large to see the detail^.
This was taken with a Nikon D200 and a 105 mm micro Nikkor with 3 SB-800’s off camera, fired with an SB-900 on camera, commander mode, TTL. Uncropped version^.
Notable in the this fetus is an extraembryonic coelom in the umbilical cord. Loops of intestine are seen as a bulge of orange material in the cord near it’s attachment to the abdominal wall. These loops will withdraw at arould week 11. If these do not return, the condition is called an omphalocele^.
CR 3.6cm. For perspective the foot length is 0.6 cm which is about the same length of the embryo in the following picture on the photostream at 3 - 4 weeks developement. You will need to view on black to get a feeling for the detail. Use the magnifying glass button above the photo^.
Fallopian tube with extruded placenta and embryo still within amniotic sac. The embryo is approximately 6-7 weeks EGA from conception. Image taken after submerging in 95% alcohol with a Nikon D3s and 105mm micro Nikkor lens and 3 off camera SB800’s fired with an on camera SB900… TTL in manual mode 1/250, f51^.
___________________________________________________
Roll-over images for information on age and click through to flickr set to see larger sizes with more detail. Keep in mind that this is MACRO photography and these specimens are measured mostly in millimeters or sometimes centimeters; they’re incredibly small and NOT to scale whatsoever.
The Frisky: sex How To Get All The Condoms You Need (Discreetly)
I still get a little flustered when I have to walk up to some random checkout counter and whisper, “Hey, can I have those Trojans? (even more hushed) Yes. The Magnums, please.” I accept the fact that it is a little childish of me, but so what? I believe a girl is entitled to discretion. Luckily I stumbled upon a website where I can have all of my sexytimes needs delivered right to my door. LuckyBloke.com is a service where you can create your own personalized condom collection for monthly delivery. Brands include Durex, Trojan, Glyde, Billy Boy, Kimono and RFSU and come in an assortment of colors, flavors, and styles. Plus, different lubes include organic, silicone or water-based ones. The best part? Shipping is free and 10 percent of sales go to charities that support urgent humanitarian causes like UNICEF and It Gets Better Project. Who knew that just by shopping for my condoms online (without shame), I could be doing an incredible service to the world? [Prices Vary, LuckyBloke.com]
(Source: seriouslyamerica, via bebinn)
The Debunking Handbook: now freely available for download
The Debunking Handbook, a guide to debunking misinformation, is now freely available to download. Although there is a great deal of psychological research on misinformation, there’s no summary of the literature that offers practical guidelines on the most effective ways of reducing the influence of myths. The Debunking Handbook boils the research down into a short, simple summary, intended as a guide for communicators in all areas (not just climate) who encounter misinformation.
Well that’s interesting.
(via stfuconservatives)
The world's first Global Fistula Map
This is a fantastic resource for information about a problem that too many people are not yet aware of.
*pregnant and postpartum people, not just cis women.
(Source: genderacrossborders)
Anonymous asked: Hello, I need help. I’ve followed your blog for a long time. I’ve seen all the feminist things you’ve posted and you’re a great inspiration, and I want your advice. I’m a student at UNCG and I think im pregnant, and I’m getting a test tomorrow. I’m broke as fuck, and my parents would kill me if they found out I was, Also, I don’t have any money and my insurance is through them. Do you know of any options if I am in fact pregnant, of what I could do to get rid of it?
I know there’s a Planned Parenthood in Greensboro, but you’d still have to pay to get an abortion, which you’ve stated you can’t do.
The only place I know that gives assistance for abortion near here is the SC Women’s Choice Fund. But you have to have an abortion appointment scheduled with a South Carolina doctor, and I’m not sure what transportation options you have.
That being said, I know I have followers (some from Greensboro) who may have more suggestions on how to get abortion funding.
Also, if you need someone to be there for you, take you to PP, anything like that - let me know. Seriously. I’m here for you if you need me.
<3
I’m not from this area, but here are a few things that may help you:
- Here’s a couple national abortion funds that you can use regardless of what state you live in.
- Here’s the National Abortion Federation (NAF) hotline. They can provide counseling, talk you through your options, help you find an abortion provider, and help you find financial assistance.
- Here’s Bebinn’s list of abortion funds.
- This will help you determine if you can get a discount at your clinic.
- If you go to the PP website and plug in your zip code you’ll get a list of nearby clinics with directions, hours, and whether or not they provide abortions, etc. If you call they may be able to help you look for financial assistance as well.
Pap Exams
I’ll start this off by saying that, for the vast majority of people who need them (trans* or not), pap tests are no walk in the park. However, these regular exams are vital to those who have cervixes (yes, trans* men AND trans* women included)! They also can be helpful for detecting other problems with your reproductive organs. Despite the fact that pap tests are so important, a lot of trans* guys put them off or forgo them completely. There are a lot of reasons for this, including dysphoria, previous negative experience with exams, difficulty finding or trusting health care providers, and anxiety. These issues cannot always be helped, but there are a lot of little things that can be done for most people with aversions to pap tests. As someone who just went in for one today (despite a lot of anxiety), here’s some advice:
1. Find someone understanding, preferably someone who has experience with trans* patients. This is easier said than done, and not always possible. If you’re on testosterone, a good place to start is asking the person who prescribes your T if they can recommend someone or know where some of their other patients go. Your general practitioner also often can do these for you, so if you have a good relationship with your GP than this is something to consider. In my fairly limited experience, Planned Parenthoods are usually staffed by pretty friendly, understanding people who are usually good at comforting patients during this procedure. They also have the benefit of giving discounts (even 100% discounts) for those who cannot pay the full amount. Call places ahead of time and explain your situation to get a good feel for whether or not they will be empathetic and able to help you. Calling ahead of time in general is a good idea because you want to give them a chance to do a little research if they need to.
2. There are many ways to handle your possible anxiety, apprehension, and dread surrounding this procedure. If it is really intense, talk to your doctor about the possibility of taking a fast-acting anti-anxiety pill the day of your pap test. It can also really be beneficial to take a family member, partner, or friend to be with you in the waiting room (or, if you’re comfortable enough, in the exam room). Preparing by practicing relaxation techniques or by researching the procedure can also help. It’s often best not to schedule these things too far in advance, since it gives you time for your anxiety and dread to build. Just schedule it and get it over with quickly!
3. If it makes you feel more comfortable, ask if you can keep your shirt and socks on during the exam. A lot of places will allow you to do this, and it can really help make you feel less vulnerable and more in-control. Besides that, many pre-op/non-op trans* guys feel uncomfortable without their binders on or without a shirt and this can lessen the dysphoria they may feel during the exam.
4. Feel free to talk to the person doing the exam as much as you’d like! Explain your concerns beforehand, and let them know if there’s anything they can do to make you more comfortable. Talking to them throughout the procedure can also make it go by faster and keep you distracted.
5. Prepare lots of comforting stuff for after the exam. You may feel particularly dysphoric, vulnerable, or uncomfortable after the procedure, and reaching out to whatever you find most comforting can help. That may mean snuggles with your significant other/parent/friend/puppy, ice cream, playing video games in a fort made out of blankets in your living room, what have you. Doing something fun and special afterwards can also help you form a more positive association with the event. In any case, pat yourself on the back and do something to treat yourself, you deserve it!
Obviously these tips won’t work for everyone, and there is no simple or easy way to make these exams too much better. The good thing is that they are relatively painless, surprisingly quick, and few and far between.
That awkward moment when antis tell me that if I’d just look into fetal development I’d change my mind about abortion.
Been there, done that.
Embryonic/fetal development:
- The Visible Embryo
- UNSW Embryology
- Embryology online course
- The Multi-Dimensional Human Embryo
- Prenatal development table
- Prenatal development wiki
- The Developing Human: Clinically Oriented Embryology, 8th Edition (first chapter is viewable)
I’m informed and more prochoice than ever before. How’s the anti-science propaganda treating you?
Abortion Care in Massachusetts
Click here to find an abortion provider near you.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION
- TYPES OF ABORTION PROVIDERS: CLINICS, DOCTORS’ OFFICES AND HOSPITALS
- FINDING A PROVIDER
- WHAT TO EXPECT
- COST OF AN ABORTION
- PAYING FOR AN ABORTION
- MASSACHUSETTS LAWS ABOUT ABORTION
- MAKING AN APPOINTMENT FOR AN ABORTION
- APPENDICES
- RESOURCES FOR INSURANCE IN MASSACHUSETTS
- ABORTION FUNDS
- RESOURCES FOR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH ADVOCACY AND RESEARCH
- REFERENCES
MARIA: Social Justice and Abortion Access in Mexico
Eugenia Lopez, the Executive Coordinator from the organization Balance, in Mexico, is touring the US and visiting with women’s health advocates and stopped by to visit with us. IWHC first met Eugenia when she worked with our partner DECIDIR, a network of young Mexican activists committed to providing their peers with accurate and complete information on abortion. During her trip, Eugenia has been promoting the first Mexican abortion fund, MARIA, which is designed to support women in traveling from the states in Mexico where abortion is criminalized to Mexico City, where abortion is legal in the first trimester. The fund is comprehensive in that it provides for financial assistance for transportation to Mexico City, local transportation, accommodation, food, and the legal abortion service, in addition to providing emotional and moral support to women seeking safe abortion services. MARIA reaches out to women from all Mexican states, through a strong alliance with grassroots organizations and local groups, which it also helps in building stronger advocacy strategies and technical capacity.
In describing the focus of MARIA (which promotes the organization through its tagline “fondo de abortion para la justicia social,” or the abortion fund for social justice), Eugenia stressed the important role that class plays in access to safe abortion services, and reproductive health care in general. The average fee for abortion services in Mexico is equivalent to USD $500; whether abortion is legal or illegal, women who have money can buy access to safe abortions. Poor women often seek alternative methods, which range from traditional herbal remedies to ingesting poisons.
According to Eugenia, Poor women who legally should have access to abortion in states that allow abortion in cases of rape and incest are sometimes denied services. Eugenia gave an example of a 16 year-old indigenous girl who was raped and whose family was supportive of her choice to have an abortion. However, the girl was unable to secure safe and legal services locally. With the assistance of the MARIA fund, women like this teenager are able to access their rights.
Eugenia’s tour in the United States is part of MARIA’s new initiative to raise funds to continue their support for women who need abortions. She explained that in Mexico, there isn’t the same kind of donor culture as there is in the United States; individuals are accustomed to donating to churches, but not to non-profits. This is part of the reason that the conservative Catholic Church is so strong throughout the country, and is the driving force behind their plan to seek donations from individuals in the United States. Presently, most of their funding comes from international organizations, while they also receive funds from individuals in the United States and Canada, and Eugenia’s trip is part of MARIA’s initial push to create an international network.
Ultimately, though it is crucial for MARIA’s sustainability that they establish a network of individual donors, Eugenia thinks that it is important to give women support that reaches beyond money.
“Initially we found that there were women who really wanted the service but were really fragile, who thought that God would come and take their ability to have other children,” said Eugenia. As a result, MARIA has developed beyond a fund and into a true support network that connects women in need with transportation, housing, and meals during their stressful trip to Mexico City. They also provide their clients with counseling before and after the procedure, and follow-up support after they’ve returned home.
For more information, check out the recent story by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, The hard reality behind Mexico’s bitter abortion debate, as well as this report from the Guttmacher Institute: Estimates of Induced Abortion in Mexico: What’s Changed Between 1990 and 2006?
________________________
*Pregnant people, not just cis women.
Dr. Deborah Oyer provides straight-forward videos on abortion and contraception at her clinic [cis-centric]
Dr. Deborah Oyer, M.D. introduces herself:
Dr. Deborah Oyer, medical director of Aurora Medical Services, explains the basic differences between medical and surgical abortion procedures:
Dr. Deborah Oyer, medical director of Aurora Medical Services, explains the procedure of a medical abortion in detail:
Dr. Deborah Oyer, medical director of Aurora Medical Services, describes the procedure of a surgical abortion in detail:
Dr. Deborah Oyer, medical director of Aurora Medical Services, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of various methods of contraception. In this video: IUDs or Intra-Uterine Devices (ParaGard and Mirena) and Implanon:
Dr. Deborah Oyer, medical director of Aurora Medical Services, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of various methods of contraception. In this video: an introduction to contraception, barrier methods of contraception (condoms, diaphragms and cervical caps) and emergency contraception (Plan B):
Dr. Deborah Oyer, medical director of Aurora Medical Services, discusses the advantages and disadvantages of various methods of contraception. In this video: birth control pills, the vaginal ring (NuvaRing), the patch (Ortho Evra) and the shot (Depo-Provera):
These would be even better if they weren’t cis-centric. This information is really important to know, though. There is so much stigma and shame surrounding the procedures and the dedicated doctors who provide them, that making these videos must have taken a lot of courage. She has more than 100,000 combined views for her seven videos, so obviously people are eager for straight-forward information.
