by Matt Peters Awareness and prevention of type 2 diabetes, especially among urban Native Americans, was the goal of a comic book published by the Arizona State Museum (ASM) in late 2011. It’s Up 2 You! was created by ASM’s Head of Community Engagement Lisa Falk and artist and educator Ryan Huna Smith, who had previously worked on Jon Proudstar’s original Tribal Force comic (Mystic Comics, 1996). Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, a chronic condition caused by insufficient production of insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood glucose (sugar) levels. It can result in… Read More
The Sweetness Between Us
by Soph Myers-Kelley The Sweetness Between Us is a book I wish I’d had when my disabilities, as well as my queer and trans identity journeys, started gearing up in my early 20’s. In the first dialogue between characters, we see how queerness is embedded in the world of this book—not as a plot point and not something to be questioned, either. Perley (a junior high student) greets his tutor, whose name is Mx. Bythesea. The use of Mx. honorifics is just one example of the integration of multiple identities in The Sweetness Between Us. Similarly, diversity in gender, size,… Read More
PMR: My Pretty Miserable Reality
by Soph Myers-Kelley Having been read online in over 45 different countries, PMR Polymyalgia Rheumatica: My Pretty Miserable Reality packs an impactful punch in the chronic illness world. This book focuses on the author’s experience with Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) which she describes as “a severe, self-limiting inflammatory disorder of unknown cause resulting in muscle pain and stiffness in neck, shoulders, and hips” (2). Through a brief read, one can experience the author’s sorrow, pain, moments of joy and triumph, searches for answers, regiments, and attempts towards healing. She shares plenty of tips and tricks to managing chronic illness while also… Read More