Recently in Health Tuesday Category
When Tyra Hunter was 24 years old, she was riding in a car in Washington, D.C. Her car was broadsided by another car.
She was knocked unconscious due to the collision, but regained consciousness by the time emergency crews arrived. She was still dazed and had respiration problems because some of her teeth had been knocked into her airway.The paramedics went to work on Tyra, but in assessing the injuries they discovered she had male genitals.
At this point, one of the caregivers said "This ain't no bitch. It's a nigger. He's got a dick and balls." The paramedics ceased treating Tyra and instead laughed and joked about her while onlookers demanded they get back to work on her.
Later, after treating another injured passenger, other emergency workers found Tyra gagging and trying to move away from the insulting paramedics. Finally, a supervisor demanded that her airway be cleared.
In addition to these insults and lack of care, she was received at the hospital as "John Doe", given a contraindicated medication, and was not given blood that had been ordered for her. She died from lack of oxygen in her blood.
This is the kind of health care some transgender persons can expect. Value judgments can override common decency and mercy - and the basic job requirements. Amazingly, the District of Columbia defended the paramedics on the basis of their first amendment rights to free speech.
Time and again, I come back to what Jesus taught about how we treat others: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". "Love your neighbor as yourself" . The parable of the Good Samaritan, in which the person who acted as a neighbor to a victimized person was the one who didn't even get along with people of his kind. The parable of the sheep and the goats, where Jesus says that as you do to others, you do to him.
And yet, this is what we can expect from some of the people who choose a career in caring for others.
This is not how to do health care.
This is not how to do emergency care.
This is not how to be a Christian.
This is not how to be a human being.
Whatever one's opinion of transgender people, they are people. There is no excuse for allowing people to suffer while we laugh.
My prayer is that the paramedics learn to care for all others, and that they do not need to experience what Tyra did in order to learn it. I would not wish that on my enemies - because I love them.
Trial notes: http://www.gpac.org/im/tyra/tyindex.html
Remembering our dead: http://www.gender.org/remember/.
Transgender Day of Remembrance is November 20.
At this point, one of the caregivers said "This ain't no bitch. It's a nigger. He's got a dick and balls." The paramedics ceased treating Tyra and instead laughed and joked about her while onlookers demanded they get back to work on her.
Later, after treating another injured passenger, other emergency workers found Tyra gagging and trying to move away from the insulting paramedics. Finally, a supervisor demanded that her airway be cleared.
In addition to these insults and lack of care, she was received at the hospital as "John Doe", given a contraindicated medication, and was not given blood that had been ordered for her. She died from lack of oxygen in her blood.
This is the kind of health care some transgender persons can expect. Value judgments can override common decency and mercy - and the basic job requirements. Amazingly, the District of Columbia defended the paramedics on the basis of their first amendment rights to free speech.
Time and again, I come back to what Jesus taught about how we treat others: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". "Love your neighbor as yourself" . The parable of the Good Samaritan, in which the person who acted as a neighbor to a victimized person was the one who didn't even get along with people of his kind. The parable of the sheep and the goats, where Jesus says that as you do to others, you do to him.
And yet, this is what we can expect from some of the people who choose a career in caring for others.
This is not how to do health care.
This is not how to do emergency care.
This is not how to be a Christian.
This is not how to be a human being.
Whatever one's opinion of transgender people, they are people. There is no excuse for allowing people to suffer while we laugh.
My prayer is that the paramedics learn to care for all others, and that they do not need to experience what Tyra did in order to learn it. I would not wish that on my enemies - because I love them.
Trial notes: http://www.gpac.org/im/tyra/tyindex.html
Remembering our dead: http://www.gender.org/remember/.
Transgender Day of Remembrance is November 20.
In Colossians, Paul speaks of marriage: "And you husbands must love your wives and never treat them harshly."
So what of same-sex relationships? There are some who refuse to recognize same-sex relationships, but a failure to acknowledge something has not effect on whether it exists.
There is abuse in some same-sex relationships - both Lesbian and gay. Unfortunately, few domestic abuse shelters are equipped to deal with women abused by women, or men abused by anyone.
In the case of women abused by female partners, shelters rarely have programs to help a woman deal with physical, sexual, verbal, and psychological abuse by a female spouse. The assumption that women are beaten by men often runs high, and a Lesbian may find such a shelter to be a poor fit. The offender programs are generally geared toward men, and often - for the comfort and openness of sharing - do not allow women to attend.
In the case of men abused by male partners, the options are almost universally non-existent. It is rare indeed to find a shelter for abused men - whether the offender was male or female. And an offender program for men who abuse women may be hostile to a gay man.
Fortunately, awareness of this problem is increasing. As reported in the Miami Herald, training for health care professionals has begun. Knowing that domestic abuse can happen in any kind of relationship is the first step toward recognition and intervention - and eventually, recovery.
Am I my brother's (or sister's) keeper? While Cain asked that about the very brother he killed, we can all ask that about any person who is abused. We must recognize our connectedness as God's creations and work to protect each other.
And for persons being abused by a same-sex partner: please seek help. Although help may be scarce, it does exist. Do not give up hope. Tell your physician, police, hospital workers, therapist - tell someone.
We are all created in God's image. Do not allow anyone to be abused.
References: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2007/10/doctors-shed-li.html
So what of same-sex relationships? There are some who refuse to recognize same-sex relationships, but a failure to acknowledge something has not effect on whether it exists.
There is abuse in some same-sex relationships - both Lesbian and gay. Unfortunately, few domestic abuse shelters are equipped to deal with women abused by women, or men abused by anyone.
In the case of women abused by female partners, shelters rarely have programs to help a woman deal with physical, sexual, verbal, and psychological abuse by a female spouse. The assumption that women are beaten by men often runs high, and a Lesbian may find such a shelter to be a poor fit. The offender programs are generally geared toward men, and often - for the comfort and openness of sharing - do not allow women to attend.
In the case of men abused by male partners, the options are almost universally non-existent. It is rare indeed to find a shelter for abused men - whether the offender was male or female. And an offender program for men who abuse women may be hostile to a gay man.
Fortunately, awareness of this problem is increasing. As reported in the Miami Herald, training for health care professionals has begun. Knowing that domestic abuse can happen in any kind of relationship is the first step toward recognition and intervention - and eventually, recovery.
Am I my brother's (or sister's) keeper? While Cain asked that about the very brother he killed, we can all ask that about any person who is abused. We must recognize our connectedness as God's creations and work to protect each other.
And for persons being abused by a same-sex partner: please seek help. Although help may be scarce, it does exist. Do not give up hope. Tell your physician, police, hospital workers, therapist - tell someone.
We are all created in God's image. Do not allow anyone to be abused.
References: http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2007/10/doctors-shed-li.html
Another entry in health - a day late.
So children get the brush-off. I suppose that makes sense: State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) protects people who won't be able to vote for a few years anyway, so it's not much of a constituency yet. But, seeing as George W. Bush won't be running for re-election, why would he care? What's the point of the veto?
I understand the fear: middle-class parents might forgo buying their own insurance and enroll in SCHIP. But we're not talking about parents here, we're talking about children. Lower-middle-class parents often have to choose between rent, food, transportation, school books & supplies, and health care.
Let's not make choices that punish the innocent for the perceived sins of their parents. Let's not deny health care for children because of choices we fear their parents will make. Instead, let our grace extend to these little ones, ensuring that they can grow up healthy and have a chance at a better life than their parents may have had.
Who knows? Perhaps they will become healthy - and wealthy - enough to care for their then-aging parents, decreasing the burden on us all.
References:
So children get the brush-off. I suppose that makes sense: State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) protects people who won't be able to vote for a few years anyway, so it's not much of a constituency yet. But, seeing as George W. Bush won't be running for re-election, why would he care? What's the point of the veto?
I understand the fear: middle-class parents might forgo buying their own insurance and enroll in SCHIP. But we're not talking about parents here, we're talking about children. Lower-middle-class parents often have to choose between rent, food, transportation, school books & supplies, and health care.
Let's not make choices that punish the innocent for the perceived sins of their parents. Let's not deny health care for children because of choices we fear their parents will make. Instead, let our grace extend to these little ones, ensuring that they can grow up healthy and have a chance at a better life than their parents may have had.
Who knows? Perhaps they will become healthy - and wealthy - enough to care for their then-aging parents, decreasing the burden on us all.
References:
- http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=3151
- http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=14947772&ft=1&f=3
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it's important that we all really think about this killer of women...and men.
Yes, though it is rare, men can and do get breast cancer. So while there is no recommendation that men get mammograms, they should also be aware of changes in the tissues around their nipples, as well as discharge from their nipples. This includes transmen - though the breast tissue has been reduced, there is still risk.
And of course all women should be aware of changes in their breasts. This includes transwomen - especially due to the risks from hormone replacement therapy. Please do not let your fear of being "outed" prevent you from seeking medical help - and being honest with your health care providers about your medical history.
And intersex people, clearly, are also at risk. There is no human being - except those who have had mastectomies to prevent breast cancer - who is free of risk.
If we are to be stewards of what God has given us, we must first be stewards of our own bodies. Be vigilant for signs of cancer. Do not be afraid to ask your health care provider about changes in your breasts.
References:
Yes, though it is rare, men can and do get breast cancer. So while there is no recommendation that men get mammograms, they should also be aware of changes in the tissues around their nipples, as well as discharge from their nipples. This includes transmen - though the breast tissue has been reduced, there is still risk.
And of course all women should be aware of changes in their breasts. This includes transwomen - especially due to the risks from hormone replacement therapy. Please do not let your fear of being "outed" prevent you from seeking medical help - and being honest with your health care providers about your medical history.
And intersex people, clearly, are also at risk. There is no human being - except those who have had mastectomies to prevent breast cancer - who is free of risk.
If we are to be stewards of what God has given us, we must first be stewards of our own bodies. Be vigilant for signs of cancer. Do not be afraid to ask your health care provider about changes in your breasts.
References:
