Making Medicine Queer

Making Medicine Queer

Come join us at Firestorm Books for a special event where we explore how queerness intersects with the world of medicine. This interactive gathering will feature discussions, workshops, and presentations by LGBTQ+ healthcare professionals and activists. Learn about the unique challenges and triumphs of queer individuals in the healthcare system, and discover ways to make medicine more inclusive and affirming for all. Whether you're a healthcare provider, a patient, or simply curious about the topic, this event is for you. Let's come together to celebrate diversity and promote a more equitable healthcare experience for everyone!

Questions to Explore: Are medical statistics and averages based on normative populations? Is there a spectrum of queerness in normative populations? Is there a spectrum of queerness in conventional medicine and Chinese medicine? What view do the classics of Chinese Medicine have about nonbinary?

Highlighting medical hi in the US about HIV/AIDS, DSM criteria, sex positivity (consent, pleasure etc) vs Sexual dysfunctions for LGBTQia & Sexual risks such as HIV/PreP. What are the options for contraception & sexual health?

Mary Burke-Pitts, L.Ac, MAOM She/her/hers

As a board certified acupuncturist and herbalist, I am trained in Classical Chinese Medicine. My philosophy is to provide the patient with knowledge and tools to support their own healing from within. My tools include acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to treat a wide variety of conditions with a speciality in sexual and reproductive health including gender affirming care. Herbal medicine is especially helpful for treating menstrual irregularities such as painful periods and or fertility, insomnia, anxiety, and depression.

Acupuncture is super helpful for pain relief (including physical/emotional pain). Acupuncture can help with post surgical scars and healing, or joint pain as some examples. Overall, acupuncture is a system of medicine that dates back 3,000 years helping patients to heal from within. 

Dr. Catherine Lok, DO she/her/hers

It is my sincere hope that patients feel heard and feel comfortable at RiverRock Clinic. I hope that patients who otherwise struggle to find connection in our broken healthcare system, struggle to get both conventional primary care and a holistic/natural approach: can find their way to RiverRock Clinic. It would be my honor to be their primary care physician for the rest of their lives. Folx in the LGBTQ community are welcome, and Dr. Lok enjoys conversations about the intersection of health and sexuality. Sexuality is a broad term that includes sexual health, sexual behavior, sexual orientation and gender. Dr. Lok also provides gender-affirming care including but not limited to medications and referrals.

Event Venue

Firestorm Books, 1022 Haywood Road, Asheville, United States