Picture perfect? Gazing into girls’ health, physical activity, and nutrition through photovoice.

Citation

Spencer, R., Numer, M., Rehman, L., & Kirk, S.F.L. (2021). Picture perfect? Gazing into girls’ health, physical activity, and nutrition through photovoice. International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Health and Well-being.16(1). DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2021.1874771

Abstract

Background: Women face contradictions regarding their health: Pressure to be feminine, but also athletic; Criticism for being too sporty or muscular, but equally so for being perceived as lazy or overweight. These complexities are perpetuated through media and discourse.

Purpose: Using a feminist post-structural approach and photovoice, this study explored health, physical activity, and nutrition in adolescent girls and young women.

Methods: Photovoice enables reflection, promotes dialogue, and sparks change. The process involved conducting a workshop, collecting photos, and participatory analysis sessions, which engaged the participants (n = 7, ages 13–26) in photo selection, contextualization, and codifying.

Results: This resulted in three themes: First, (Breaking) Stereotypes, in which participants identified gender norms, conflicts, and contradictions; Second, Emotional Safety, or the contexts in which girls and young women feel confident and comfortable; Finally, Being Outside in Nature emerged as significant. Each theme is supported by quotations and photographs. This work suggests being outside in nature provides important context for girls and young women to feel emotionally safe, such that they may engage in the complex navigation of competing discourses surrounding health.

https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2021.1874771

Reflections in comics: The views of queer artists in producing body imagine comics and how their work can improve health.

Citation

Joy, P., Gauvin, S., Aston, M. & Numer, M. (2020). Reflections in comics: The views of queer artists in producing body imagine comics and how their work can improve health. Journal of Graphic Novels and Comics. DOI: 10.1080/21504857.2020.1806891.

Abstract

Comics are an innovative way to translate health knowledge and research to service providers and communities. A theoretical framework intertwining poststructuralism and queer theory was used to explore the experiences of queer artists in the creation and production of body image comic anthology entitled Rainbow Reflections: Body Image Comics for Queer Men. The aim was to examine the beliefs of the artists about the potentiality of comics to address body image concerns for queer men. Body image concerns may create negative health experiences, isolation, loneliness, and sexual intimacy concerns. Nineteen self-identifying queer artists participated in the study. Discourse analysis revealed five threads of discourse that bring understanding on how comics can improve body image, and the health and well-being of both the artists through the act of creation and the reader through the act of consumption. Theses threads of discourse include: 1) Creating a unique language, 2) Revealing and healing themselves, 3) Exploring cultural influences, 4) Expanding spaces for queer men and their bodies, and 5) Connecting men. The findings reveal that comics can create knowledge and stimulate discussions about body image and has the potential to positively influence the health of queer men.

https://doi.org/10.1080/21504857.2020.1806891

Healthy aging among LGBT seniors in Canada: A review of the literature.

Citation

Murray, E., Numer, M., Merritt, B., Gahagan, J., & Comber, S. (2012). Healthy aging among LGBT seniors in Canada: A review of the literature. The International Journal of Health, Wellness and Society, 1(4), 179-192. DOI: 10.18848/2156-8960/CGP/v01i04/4119.

Abstract

This paper discusses a review of the literature on how gender and sexuality impact healthy aging in relation to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) seniors. Despite the recognition of the importance of gender and sexuality in relation to health outcomes, the health needs of LGBT seniors have largely been ignored by health policy and program developers and are rarely considered within the scope of practice of many health care professionals. Recent research in the area of LGBT seniors and health care has established the need for greater inclusivity and diversity education among health care workers. While many seniors are comfortable with their sexuality later in life, others may be unable or unwilling to disclose their sexual orientation due to fear of homophobic reactions (Brotman, Ryan, & Cormier, 2003). This review of the literature frames further investigation into the experiences of LGBT seniors and the challenges for caregivers as essential to producing more effective health promotion policies and programs.

http://dx.doi.org/10.18848/2156-8960/CGP/v01i04/41193