#The Public Health Association of Australia

[coochiequeens]

Australia…. Where the government knew which members of the disabled community to subject to forced sterilization yet believes a sex offender with a penis is a woman.

An Australian man convicted of sexually abusing a child in a public restroom has begun identifying as a woman and is being referred to as female by the court, with multiple references to “her penis” appearing in hearing records. Khadir Kamoun, 33, plead guilty to charges of intentionally inciting a 14 year-old boy to sexually touch him, an offense that carries a maximum penalty of 10 years but for which he was handed a 2 year sentence.

According to court records, on the evening of February 18, 2021, the victim was at Bankstown Centro Shopping Centre in Sydney with a friend and members of the friend’s family. The boy indicated that he needed to use the restroom, and reportedly saw Kamoun walking nearby. He was carrying a bag on his shoulder.

When the boy located and entered the facilities, he saw Kamoun exiting a cubical, and noticed that Kamoun had left his bag inside the cubicle. Kamoun retrieved the bag and then ushered the boy inside, saying: “It’s okay go, go, go.” The victim entered the cubicle, closed and locked the door.

After exiting the cubicle, the boy made his way to the sinks and, through the mirror, he saw Kamoun standing inside the cubicle behind him. Kamoun was looking directly at the boy, with his pants partially down and his penis exposed.

The boy saw Kamoun masturbating himself, at which point he urged the victim to come closer, whispering for the boy to be quiet and waving him over with one hand. Frightened, the boy ignored Kamoun and began using the automatic hand dryer located next to the sink in the restroom.

Kamoun then approached the victim and grabbed his hand, which he attempted to place on his exposed genitals. The child pulled his hand away and ran out the restroom. Kamoun began to follow him, prompting the child to run faster until he was able to meet up with his friend’s family. In tears, the boy called his own family and relayed details of the incident to them.

The legal representative defending Kamoun, barrister Ronald Driels, attempted to portray the incident as a one-off occurrence of public exhibitionism “with a bit more.” However, Magistrate Glen Walsh argued that the claim “substantially understates the seriousness of the offending” and highlighted Kamoun’s history of sexual crimes.

In December of 2012, Kamoun was accused of sending indecent materials to groom a child under the age of 16 for sex. He was also charged with sexual assault and indecent assault. The details of the case are limited. According to court records, Magistrate Walsh stated that “this is not a record that entitles [him] to leniency.”

While he was detained in a men’s prison awaiting trial, forensic psychologist Dr. Kris North diagnosed Kamoun as having ‘gender dysphoria’ in addition to depression and PTSD. 

In light of what the court determined was a “a dysfunctional upbringing” that involved “difficulties at school and an erratic employment history,” as well as “violence perpetrated against the offender by [his] father arising from or relating to [his] gender or sexual orientation,” Kamoun was granted a lenient sentence despite his “serious offenses” that involved sexually abusing children.

The court also noted the “inconvenience” faced by Kamoun at having been placed in a men’s correctional facility which resulted in “unwanted sexual advances in custody and inability to obtain hormone replacement treatment.”

Despite the leniency of the sentence, Kamoun attempted to file a severity appeal, arguing the sentence was “crushing” when considering the fact he has been in custody since April of 2021. But the appeal was rejected by the district court, which affirmed the 2-year jail sentence that had been handed down by the local magistrate in December of 2022.

While each state in Australia has different policies with respect to housing transgender inmates, according to Women’s Forum, New South Wales, where Kamoun was sentenced, has a “self-identification policy,” meaning that prisoners are meant to be placed in a facility based on how they identify. Exceptions are made in cases where there are safety “concerns or doubts around the authenticity of the prisoner’s gender identification.”

As Kamoun has now been diagnosed with gender dysphoria, it is likely he will apply for transfer to the female estate.

By Genevieve Gluck

Genevieve is the Co-Founder of Reduxx, and the outlet's Chief Investigative Journalist with a focused interest in pornography, sexual predators, and fetish subcultures. She is the creator of the podcast Women's Voices, which features news commentary and interviews regarding women's rights.

Australian women with disabilities face “reproductive violence”, including forced sterilisations, abortions and contraception, an inquiry will hear.

Organisations set to give evidence to the Senate inquiry into universal access to reproductive healthcare on Friday have said in their submissions that carers and a discriminatory healthcare system are violating women’s rights.

Forced sterilisation is not prohibited in Australia, while women with disabilities are vulnerable to family violence including being forced to have abortions or use contraception.

The Victorian Women’s Health Services Network said women with disabilities were “refused the right to consent to medical treatment including abortion, and are more likely to experience reproductive coercion than women without disabilities”.

Victorian organisation Women’s Health in the South East said forced sterilisation was often performed to prevent pregnancy, that it breached “every international human rights treaty to which Australia is a party” and “constitutes torture”.

The Family Planning Alliance said parents, guardians and doctors are making decisions on behalf of women with disability, with “no strategies in place to improve their understanding of their reproductive choices and rights”.

The Public Health Association of Australia said people with disabilities should be given disability-specific information about contraception use and managing menstruation, and should have their right to be pregnant and parent protected.

Women With Disabilities Australia told the inquiry in February that widespread discrimination and ableist attitudes resulted in “multiple and extreme” violations of rights.

Carolyn Frohmader, WWDA’s executive director, said the right “for everybody to make their own choices about their body, to have full control over their body, their sexuality, their health, relationships, if and when to get married or not, if and when to have children or not, without any form of discrimination, coercion or violence” was a fundamental human right.

“[Everyone should have the right to] be free from anyone else making personal decisions about sexuality and reproductive matters, and to access sexual and reproductive health information, education, services and support,” she said.

“These egregious forms of reproductive violence have no place in a civilised world, and yet remain lawful in this country.”

She said Australia was “a wealthy country that still allows practices such as forced sterilisation, forced abortion, forced contraception and menstrual suppression”.

“This is nothing short of shameful,” she said.

The latest statistics on forced sterilisation from the Australian Guardianship and Administration Council show there were nine forced sterilisations in 2020-21.

Frohmader said women with disabilities were put on long-acting reversible contraceptives (Larc) for years or decades longer than they should be, which can lead to osteoporosis.

“One woman, 47 years old, complaining constantly of lower back pain, is given Panadol. She had been on a Larc for 25 years and, of course, had never had a bone density test,” she said.

“After agitation, advocacy and intervention from our organisation, of course we got her a bone density test, and she was absolutely riddled with osteoporosis.”

The Australian Lawyers for Human Rights women and girls’ rights co-chair, Tania Penovic, said there was anecdotal evidence that women who were assaulted or raped, or deemed incapable of looking after a child, were forced to have abortions.

Decisions on behalf of women with cognitive disabilities could be made by a “substitute decision-maker” or through a guardianship arrangement.

In January, the royal commission into violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of people with disability published a report on supported decision-making, where the person with a disability has trusted advisers to help them make choices.

It proposed a framework around universal principles including dignity and risk, co-leadership and equal rights to make decisions, support and safeguards.

ALHR highlighted the “urgent need” to prevent forced sterilisation and contraception.

It called on Australia to “introduce national uniform legislation to ensure that the use of sterilisation, abortion and the administration of contraception can only be carried out with prior, free and fully informed consent”, and to “take immediate steps to replace substitute decision-making with supported decision-making and repeal all legislation that authorises medical intervention without the free and informed consent of the persons concerned”.

The committee will report in May.

[reasonsforhope]

Article

"Every year, over 350,000 women die from cervical cancer and another 660,000 are diagnosed. [Note: Plus trans men and other trans people with a cervix.] As a consequence, children are orphaned, families impoverished and communities diminished by the loss of mothers, wives, daughters and sisters. 

And yet, unlike most other cancers, almost all these cases and deaths can be averted. We have powerful vaccines that can prevent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes cervical cancer; we have diagnostics to detect it early; and we have treatments for those it strikes. With these tools, cervical cancer can not only be stopped; it could become the first cancer to be eliminated. Some high-income countries are already close to elimination, meaning fewer than four cases per 100,000 women.

But in many low- and middle-income countries, these tools are still not available, which is why 94% of cervical cancer deaths occur in those countries. 

In 2018, WHO launched a global call to action to eliminate cervical cancer, which was followed in 2020 by the adoption by all 194 WHO Member States of a Global Strategy to Accelerate the Elimination of Cervical Cancer as a Public Health Problem. The strategy calls for countries to achieve three targets by 2030: 90% of girls fully immunised against HPV; 70% of women receiving timely screening; and 90% of those found with precancer or cancer accessing treatment.

These targets are not just aspirational, they are achievable, even in low- and middle-income countries.  Bhutan has already reached the targets, the first to do so in the South-East Asia region. 

Since introducing the HPV vaccine in 2011, Rwanda has reached vaccine coverage of 90%, and today announced its national goal to reach the 90-70-90 targets three years ahead of schedule, by 2027. Already, in two districts – Gicumbi and Karongi – Rwanda is meeting those goals. Nigeria, which introduced the HPV vaccine in October last year [2023], has already vaccinated 12.3 million girls.  

We have the tools and the opportunity to eliminate cervical cancer. 

Since WHO issued the global call to action in 2018, more than 60 countries have introduced the HPV vaccine into their immunisation programmes, bringing the total to 144 countries that are routinely protecting girls from cervical cancer in later life. With scientific advances, we can now prevent cervical cancer with just a single dose, which 60 countries are now doing.  

The largest provider of HPV vaccines to low- and middle-income countries is Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which plans to vaccinate 120 million children between now and 2030. But this plan requires that investments in health are sustained. We are also counting on manufacturers to confirm and honour their commitments to provide HPV vaccines to low- and middle-income countries in the coming years, to avoid the supply constraints that held back progress in the past.

But we cannot rely on vaccines alone. The impact of the rapid scale-up in vaccinating girls now will not be seen for decades, when they reach the adult years when cervical cancer typically appears. To save lives now, we must match the increase  in vaccination with increases in screening and treatment. 

Decades ago, as more women gained access to pap smears in developed countries, the mortality associated with cervical cancer dropped rapidly. Today, even better tests are available. Over 60 countries now include high-performance HPV tests as part of their screening programs. Women can even collect their own samples for HPV testing, removing more barriers to life-saving services. In Australia – which is on track to become one of the first countries in the world to achieve elimination – more than a quarter of all screening tests are now done this way...

Several countries are also investigating the use of artificial intelligence to enhance the accuracy of screening in resource-limited settings. When women are found with precancerous lesions, many are now treated with portable battery-powered devices, which can be operated in remote locations."

-via The Telegraph, November 18, 2024. Article written by Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO).

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved in our archive

By Kevin Kavanagh, MD

Finally, a masking initiative I can support. I’m not talking about the misdirected efforts of emerging mask bans, one the latest in my home state of Kentucky. Instead, we need to emulate the NIH, which, on November 4, initiated a masking requirement at all National Institutes of Health (NIH) patient care areas. Our nation needs to come to grips with the fact that the pandemic is NOT over; the virus is very dangerous and poses risks to everyone. NIH is masking up, and so should we.

COVID-19 and long COVID are not old people’s diseases. Recent studies paint a bleak picture of long COVID and its effect on adults and children. The Naval Medical Research Command reported that almost 25% of studied Marines, most of whom had asymptomatic or mild acute COVID-19, “reported physical, cognitive, or psychiatric long-term sequelae of (COVID-19) infection.”

The economic impact is profound. Public health reports from Australia estimated that long COVID has caused a 0.5% loss in GDP. In New Zealand, a country of 5.7 million people, it is estimated the loss is 1.23 billion US dollars per year. The best study from the United States is from 2022 by the Brookings Institute that estimated 2 to 4 million individuals in the United States are not working because of long COVID. Since then, we have essentially handled this problem by not counting. However, the health care sector has been hit especially hard. A recent study from the United Kingdom found 33% of healthcare workers suffer from long COVID.

Most disturbing is the lasting brain damage from the virus, causing a decrease in cognition and executive function, damage resulting in poor judgment, and risky behavior. I seldom see anyone wearing a mask, and too few are up to date with their COVID-19 boosters. We are ignoring the pandemic and nonchalantly spreading the virus.

This phenomenon is occurring nationally. Recently, the American Automobile Association reported a spike in risky behavior associated with the pandemic, behavior manifested by an increase in speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, and a decrease in seatbelt use. And a study in the Journal of Neurology found those who have had COVID-19 have higher rates of auto accidents.

Patients who have experienced COVID-19 with changes in their sense of smell are at an increased risk of developing “behavioral, functional and structural brain alterations” in the portion of the brain that controls emotion. COVID-19 has been found to diminish executive function in over half of patients with cognitive complaints, such as brain fog, memory loss, and lower I.Q. In Sweden, the insurance company, IF, found that almost a third of young adults have “brain fog”. In the Netherlands, there has been a 40% increase in adults seeking medical care for cognitive difficulties.

One only needs to look at what is happening in our communities and around the world to realize that people have a short fuse, and societies have become powder kegs of confrontations and violence.

SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can also undergo transformation, allowing it to better infect the brain. Recently, Jacob Class and colleagues in Nature Microbiology demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 can lose its furin cleavage site, which is responsible for cellular entry (using the ACE2/TMPRSS2 receptor). This adaptation is hypothesized to optimize the virus’s ability to infect the brain using an alternate cellular entry pathway (Astrocytes or brain cells do not have observable ACE2 receptors).

Evolutionary pressure may be selected for viral mutations that allow SARS-CoV-2 to infect the brain, specifically the frontal lobes. In at least some individuals, this damage would increase risky and confrontational behavior, promoting the spread of this virus. This process would then repeat itself in the newly infected, further spreading the virus. This is not a pathogen to be taken lightly.

In Kentucky, we could possibly be seeing this scenario play out. A mask ban enacted in public venues will increase viral spread. Even outdoors, if you are within 6 feet of an infected person, large droplet spread can easily occur. Any proposed or enacted mask ban is anti-public health and will result in needless cases of long COVID, death, and disability. It will adversely impact our economy and the mental health of our citizens.

We must break this cycle of infections and disability. Clean indoor air, the wearing of N95 masks in public places, and vaccinations are keys to preventing new cases of acute COVID-19 and long COVID.

[darkmaga-returns]

Two councils have thrown their support behind Port Hedland's historic motion of last month, calling for suspension of the shots

Rebekah Barnett

Nov 21, 2024

Two Australian local governments have joined a grassroots campaign calling for state and federal officials to take precautionary action over Covid vaccine safety concerns.

The councils of Ceduna, in South Australia, and West Tamar, in Tasmania, voted this week to formally recognise evidence of excessive synthetic DNA in Australian vials of the modified-RNA (mod-RNA) vaccines and its associated potential risks of genomic integration, cancer, and other long-term health impacts.

The contamination issue was first brought to national attention last month in a world-first motion passed by the council of West Australian mining town Port Hedland.1

In that vote, Port Hedland councillors agreed to call for the suspension of the Pfizer and Moderna Covid vaccines, and to send letters to every other local government in Australia inviting them to do the same.

Port Hedland Councillor Adrian McRae, who brought the motion, said that he hoped the Port Hedland motion would be “the ripple that creates a bigger wave across the country, and perhaps the world” on the issue of Covid vaccine safety.

The ripple builds

In a meeting yesterday, members of Ceduna Council voted to formally acknowledge the evidence and safety concerns raised in the Port Hedland motion.2

The council agreed to send written warnings to all health practitioners in the area urging them to share information about DNA contamination findings to potential Covid vaccine patients to ensure that patients can make decisions with informed consent.

The council will also write to state and federal officials to express support for letters already sent by the Port Hedland Council, and requesting a response on what steps each Department is taking to ensure patient safety.

“Approving this motion signals our dedication to prioritising community safety and well-being by championing a transparent and scientifically rigorous approach to public health,” said Councillor Hayley Nicholls, who brought the motion.

The day prior, West Tamar Council passed a motion recognising that the DNA contamination is “a public advocacy issue with potential public health implications,” and committing to “advocate on this potential public health issue to ensure community welfare and trust.”3

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

By: Stacey Coleen Lubag

Published: Jan 18, 2024

A recent study has found that the size of men’s social networks, particularly their close and extended friendship circles, is related to their mental health. The findings stem from research conducted over a span of four years — which found that men with fewer friends in these networks are more likely to experience higher levels of depressive symptoms, both in the present and in the future. The study was published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being.

Prior research has long suggested a link between social connections and mental health, but specific, long-term data focusing on adult men has been lacking. This study fills that gap by focusing on “social network investment” — a term that describes the time and resources individuals devote to building and maintaining social networks. Unlike social support, which deals with the quality of these interactions, social network investment emphasizes the structural aspects, such as the number of friends or the frequency of interaction.

Researchers at Deakin University in Australia aimed to explore the association between social network investment and mental health specifically in men. This demographic has historically reported fewer emotionally supportive connections compared to women, raising concerns about the potential impact on their mental health. Particularly in established adulthood, a life stage marked by significant transitions such as career choice and parenthood, understanding these social dynamics could be key to developing public health strategies aimed at improving men’s mental health.

The study utilized data from the Men and Parenting Pathways (MAPP) Study, involving 507 Australian men aged between 28 and 32 years at the beginning of the study. All men were recruited between 2015 and 2017 through community organizations, social media, and word of mouth.

The researchers collected data at five different points, analyzing the relationship between various aspects of social network investments — like time spent with friends, and the size of friendship networks. They also studied and collected data on mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and stress. Then, they employed linear regression models with generalized estimating equations — a statistical method ideal for examining both immediate and long-term relationships in the data.

Men with fewer friends in both close and extended networks reported higher levels of depressive symptoms. This association was observed not just concurrently but also longitudinally — indicating that the size of these social networks could predict depressive symptoms a year later.

Engaging in activities like eating meals and physical activities with friends was associated with better mental health outcomes. “Men’s extended friendship network size and sharing a meal with friends were negatively associated with concurrent anxiety and stress,” the study reports. This highlights benefits of social interactions, where even simple activities like dining together can offer significant mental health advantages.

However, these benefits appeared to be immediate and did not have a long-term impact on reducing future mental health issues. In addition, the study found no significant link between social drinking activities and men’s mental health, either positively or negatively.

Despite its comprehensive approach, a notable aspect of the study is its potential for unmeasured factors that may have influenced the results — such as the quality of friendships or individual personality traits. The reliance on self-reported data could introduce biases, and the last two waves of data collection coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which might have affected social interactions. Furthermore, the study’s focus on an Australian cohort raises questions about the applicability of the findings to other cultural contexts.

“Our findings demonstrate certain facets of social network investment may play a more important role in men’s mental health than others, with a lack of close and extended friendship networks appearing to have a particularly detrimental influence on men’s depressive symptoms a year later,” the researchers concluded.

The study, “Social network investment of men: Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations with mental health problems”, was authored by Kayla Mansour, Christopher J. Greenwood, Lauren M. Francis, Imogene Smith, Craig A. Olsson, and Jacqui A. Macdonald.

--

Abstract

Internationally, there is growing attention on links between social isolation and mental health problems. Here, we use unique Australian longitudinal data to investigate associations between adult men's (n = 507; age M = 29.90, SD = 1.31) social network investments and their concurrent and subsequent mental health problems. In linear regressions, using generalised estimating equations (GEEs), we examined associations between social network investment (time with friends, network size and various activities with friends) and mental health symptoms (depression, anxiety and stress) across five timepoints. Models were adjusted for waves of outcome and potential confounders. Cross-sectionally, each social network investment variable, except for drinking with friends, was negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Men's extended friendship network size and sharing a meal with friends were negatively associated with concurrent anxiety and stress. Time spent and physical activity with friends was also negatively associated with concurrent stress. In longitudinal analyses, after adjusting for prior depressive symptoms, only the number of friends in close and extended networks remained protective against depressive symptoms 1 year later. Results did not differ by fatherhood or relationship status. Programs designed to strengthen men's investment in social networks are recommended to reduce men's depressive symptoms.

[..]

Discussion

In our study, across 5 years of data collection, on average 19% of men spent no time with friends, 5% reported having no close friends and 2.8% reported having no extended friendship networks. This low investment in social networks is consistent with reports of men's social connections in Australia and elsewhere (Arbers et al., 2014; Umberson et al., 2022) and was linked to poorer concurrent and subsequent depressive symptoms. Specifically, smaller close and extended friendship networks and less time spent with friends were associated with higher levels of concurrent depressive symptoms. When examined longitudinally, fewer friends in both close and extended networks remained a risk for depressive symptoms 1 year later. In analyses examining anxiety or stress symptoms, there were fewer cross-sectional, and no longitudinal associations were found with social network investment variables. When we examined the types of activities that men engaged in with friends, our study found that eating meals or being physically active with friends and helping friends with tasks were linked to a lower risk of concurrent but not future depressive symptoms. Drinking alcohol with friends was not associated with any concurrent or future risk for mental health problems. Our findings highlight the associations between social network investments and mental health risks and lend support to international pronouncements that poor social connections represent a public health concern (Holt-Lunstad, 2022).

A key finding from our study relates to the association between men's network size and depressive symptoms, which was evident both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. We extend on prior cross-sectional research (Juvonen et al., 2022; Milner et al., 2015), both by identifying mental health risks specifically in men and providing evidence for longitudinal impacts. Our adjustments for prior levels of mental health also extend upon previous longitudinal evidence (Bruine de Bruin et al., 2020; Milner et al., 2015), by demonstrating that the numbers of friends in men's close and extended social networks are linked to changes in their depressive symptoms over time. Notably, the apparent importance of network size coincided with a lack of longitudinal evidence for the effects of time spent with friends on men's mental health outcomes. It may be that even in the absence of in-person interactions (e.g. time spent with friends), larger social networks elicit a perception of others' availability that may be protective over time. Much like perceived social support, the mental representation of one's social network availability may be protective against depression through an individual's sense of security and belonging (Ioannou et al., 2019). The knowledge that social ties exist may provide reassurance of self-worth and value (Ioannou et al., 2019). They are also, at the very least, a pre-requisite for a sense of belonging, which has been posited to be a fundamental human need and deprivation, which places individuals at profound risk of emotional disturbances (Baumeister & Leary, 1995). There may be gender-based differences in preferences for social connection, with research suggesting men typically place importance on larger impersonal groups compared to women who focus more on small close groups (Baumeister, 1997). With approximately 3.8%–6.4% of men in our study indicating that they have no close friendship networks, there is a substantial mental health concern for these individuals. Given social connections are a key psychological need (Maslow & Lewis, 1987), this study presents evidence of the psychological ramifications for men when this need is not met.

Although time spent with friends was not related to men's depressive symptoms longitudinally, concurrent associations were evident. Although it is possible that time spent with one's social network at the moment may be beneficial in attenuating depression, an alternative explanation is that individuals with elevated depressive symptoms spend less time with friends in comparison to those with lower depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms include a lack of energy and enjoyment, impacting the inclination to spend time with others. In past research, depression has been linked to negative appraisals of and less involvement in social interactions (Santini et al., 2020; Steger & Kashdan, 2009). However, directionality in the cross-sectional relationships cannot be ascertained.

When examining anxiety and stress, cross-sectional, negative associations were found with extended but not close network sizes. These findings align with past research showing weaker social ties (e.g. acquaintances and distant others) are important for a sense of connection and well-being (Sandstrom & Dunn, 2014). Research suggests that when there is less pressure to develop a close social connection (as per weaker ties), individuals may feel more inclined to engage in conversation based on important topics (Small, 2013). In turn, this may play a key role in bridging access to information and support and in relieving feelings of stress or anxiety.

We also found that time spent with friends was concurrently linked to stress but not anxiety. Spending more time with friends may be particularly beneficial for minimising stress as it may act as a psychological distraction (Wolfers & Schneider, 2021). Given distractions have been found to assist in the regulation of emotions, spending time with friends may allow men to experience ‘down time’ from stressful thoughts and therefore minimise the activation of the amygdala temporarily (the brain structure that regulates stress hormones) (Shafir et al., 2015).

Of the activities examined, sharing a meal with friends had the strongest concurrent association with all three mental health symptoms. In line with this, commensality has been found to be negatively associated with depression and suicidal ideation in previous research (Jung et al., 2022; Son et al., 2020). Specifically, in both men and women (N = 14,125), a study found that those who ate fewer meals together had poorer mental health (Son et al., 2020). Another study found that this association between dining with friends and decreased depression was significantly stronger for men than women (Jung et al., 2022). Eating together with friends may function as a way to facilitate social bonding and improve overall well-being (Julier, 2013). Social scientists have posited that sharing a meal is a social institution and is fundamental to sociality (Danesi, 2014). The sharing of food is central to celebrations in most cultures and provides not only nutritional nourishment but also emotional nourishment (Danesi, 2014; Julier, 2013). People report feelings of comfort and gratitude when sharing a meal with friends which may buffer against symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress (Danesi, 2014).

We also found engaging in physical activity with friends was also linked to lower concurrent depressive and stress symptoms. Given that physical activity (whether it be alone or with a friend) has physical and mental benefits through the release of endorphins (Rebar et al., 2015), our findings may not be specifically tied to the social act but more so through the general benefits of physical activity. Further, the benefits of physical activity with friends may dissipate quickly (Murphy et al., 2019), possibly explaining why this relationship did not hold longitudinally. Relative effects of group and individual physical activity on mental health over time have been explored in a mixed-gender sample of middle and older aged adults whereby group activity was beneficial for mental well-being but was not associated with reduced mental distress (Harada et al., 2019). Further research examining this, as well as the potential for benefits over time, is warranted specifically in men at the ‘established adulthood’ life stage.

Helping friends with tasks was associated with lower concurrent depressive symptoms. This act is a key aspect of engaging in instrumental social support, which has been found to be particularly central to men's friendships and mental health (Fiori & Denckla, 2012). Men often prefer to engage in instrumental support as opposed to emotional support (Fiori & Denckla, 2012). Further, helping others is linked to reduced levels of depression through self-regulation (Doré et al., 2017). It may be that helping others increases feelings of altruism, which is also linked to happiness and well-being (Post, 2014). Acts of altruism and helping others can remove the focus from oneself and likely elicits positive feedback from others, promoting feelings of well-being and a reduction in depression (Post, 2014).

Our study found that social drinking was not associated with any type of mental health symptoms. However, we only asked if men did or did not drink with friends, not the quantity of alcohol consumption or alcohol misuse with friends. Excessive alcohol consumption has been previously linked to a range of negative psychological and social outcomes (Rehm, 2011). Some men may be engaging in avoidant coping mechanisms through drinking with friends which may influence the relationship between this type of social investment activity and mental health (Livingston et al., 2021). Additionally, other men may drink only at moderate levels socially and benefit from the relaxing effects of sharing alcohol, which may offset any association. Further examination of high and low social drinkers is warranted in future research.

The associations we investigated between social network investment and men's mental health did not differ depending on fatherhood status or relationship status. Dyadic commitments and parenthood are both normative experiences of ‘established adulthood’ that may reduce the capacity for investment in peer networks (Mehta et al., 2020). However, the influence of social network investment on mental health may not be limited to the men directly experiencing these milestones. Men who are not in a relationship or who do not become fathers during established adulthood are likely to experience major social network changes (specifically reduced access to some peers) as a result of their peers starting families or getting married (Mehta et al., 2020). In this way, most men may experience some loss or change in peer networks at this life stage, reducing the likelihood of detecting differences in associations between social network investments and mental health outcomes.

==

Shockingly, improving men's mental health and reducing suicidal ideation may be best achieved by them being around and socializing with other men, and not by screaming at them about their "toxic masculinity," their "privilege," how "men can cry," or the ooga-booga Scooby-Doo monster of "the patriarchy."

[mostlysignssomeportents]

This day in history

THIS WEEKEND (June 7–9), I'm in AMHERST, NEW YORK to keynote the 25th Annual Media Ecology Association Convention and accept the Neil Postman Award for Career Achievement in Public Intellectual Activity.

#20yrsago Public Enemy’s history of copyright in hip hop https://web.archive.org/web/20040603153903/http://www.stayfreemagazine.org/archives/20/public_enemy.html

#20yrsago TheyWorkForYou: finest advocacy web-app in the world https://web.archive.org/web/20040701081005/http://www.theyworkforyou.com/

#15yrsago Health insurers invest billions in tobacco stocks https://web.archive.org/web/20090606102236/https://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/60-second-science/post.cfm?id=health-insurers-want-you-to-keep-sm-2009-06-03

#15yrsago Bullshit about newspapers’ future, dissected https://xark.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/06/the-newspaper-suicide-pact.html

#15yrsago Bad Science versus the piracy scare story https://www.badscience.net/2009/06/home-taping-didnt-kill-music/

#10yrsago Why I’m sending 200 copies of Little Brother to a high-school in Pensacola, FL https://memex.craphound.com/2014/06/06/why-im-sending-200-copies-of-little-brother-to-a-high-school-in-pensacola-fl/

#10yrsago Long-term weight loss considered nearly impossible https://memex.craphound.com/2014/06/06/long-term-weight-loss-considered-nearly-impossible/

#10yrsago Handbook to figure out what’s in the public domain https://web.archive.org/web/20140612000434/https://www.law.berkeley.edu/17178.htm

#5yrsago People who document evidence of violent extremism are being shut down in Youtube’s crackdown on violent extremism https://memex.craphound.com/2019/06/06/people-who-document-evidence-of-violent-extremism-are-being-shut-down-in-youtubes-crackdown-on-violent-extremism/

#5yrsago Australia’s raids on journalists signal an authoritarian turning point https://theconversation.com/why-the-raids-on-australian-media-present-a-clear-threat-to-democracy-118334

#5yrsago A mysterious nonprofit made millions suing companies to put California cancer warnings on coffee https://arstechnica.com/science/2019/06/the-secretive-nonprofit-that-made-millions-suing-companies-over-cancer-warnings/

#1yrago A business model for bankrupting the oil companies https://pluralistic.net/2023/06/06/thats-where-the-money-is/#champerty

[killed-by-choice]

Denise Holmes, 24 (USA 1970)

California’s early legalization of abortion was hazardous to young Californians and their mothers, but the damage wasn’t limited to those living in the state. Travelers from across the country— or even those from overseas— were also killed by “safe and legal” abortion.

Denise Joy Holmes was an Australian citizen living in Texas. She was planning to go home for the holidays with a stop on the way. On December 21, she was checked into Avalon Hospital in Los Angeles, California.

Despite the name, Avalon Hospital was an abortion facility. It was a chain location owned by Edward “Fast Eddie” Allred, the owner and founder of Family Planning Associates. His abortion corporation and owned facilities are responsible for at least 18 client deaths.

Thanks to Allred and Avalon, Denise never made it home for Christmas or saw her family again. She was pronounced dead by Allred himself at 5:00 PM that day. She was only 24 years old.

An autopsy was performed and confirmed that the abortion killed her. Denise suffered an amniotic fluid embolism, but it wasn’t just amniotic fluid. Pieces of her dead baby had been left inside of her, as shown by the pieces of fetal bone marrow found in her lungs.

After Denise’s autopsy, her body was cremated and the ashes sent to her grieving family. Her remains were buried 3 days after Christmas.

After killing Denise, Allred was welcomed into the National Abortion Federation. He was widely known for his 5-minute abortions, which were in fact reckless and caused severe internal injuries in many cases.

Denise Holmes was the first known abortion client to be killed by Allred’s facilities. She was nowhere close to the last. Others include 16-year-old Patricia “Patty” Chacon, Mary Pena, Josefina Garcia, 13-year-old Deanna Bell, 17-year-old Laniece Dorsey, Joyce Ortenzio, 19-year-old Tami Suematsu, Susan Levy, 18-year-old Christine Mora, Kimberly K. Neil, Chanelle Bryant, Ta Tanisha Wesson, Maria Leho, 16-year-old Nakia Jorden, Maria Rodriguez, Emmeko Reed and Kenniah Epps. In addition to all of the abortion clients, Barbara Plenger also died after an FPA facility’s IUD insertion caused an infected abscess that was eventually lethal.

Los Angeles Death Certificate 55459 (Affadavit 702792)

"California, County Birth and Death Records, 1800-1994", database with images, Denise J Holmes, 1970 Document 55459 page 56

"California Death Index, 1940-1997," database, Denise J Holmes, 21 Dec 1970; Department of Public Health Services, Sacramento.

"California, Los Angeles, Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery/Crematory Records, 1884-2002", database, Denise Joy Holmes, 1970.

[thoughtportal]

In short: South Australia's entire public hospital system is operating under an internal emergency with long patient wait times and delayed elective surgeries.

SA Health's chief executive says a large amount of COVID and flu cases in the community has resulted in staff shortages.

What's next? SA Health refused to provide more details and it's unclear how long the measures will be in place.

South Australian public hospitals are under strain with the health department boss declaring a system-wide internal emergency due to many staff being sick with COVID.

SA Health chief executive Robyn Lawrence called a code yellow on Thursday afternoon, opening all available beds and paused almost all elective surgeries in metropolitan and regional public hospitals.

In a statement, Dr Lawrence said the decision was made due to "significant demand" this week.

All Adelaide metropolitan emergency departments were operating at code white, which means they were over-capacity, earlier on Thursday.

At 4:30pm on Thursday, patients at Modbury Hospital's emergency department faced an average wait time of more than three hours, while Flinders Medical Centre patients waited more than 2.5 hours on average for a bed.

"To manage the demand, our local hospital networks have opened all available hospital beds, maximised out of hospital care options and paused all elective surgery except Category 1 and Paediatric urgent Category 2 in metropolitan and country hospitals," Dr Lawrence said.

"Many hospitals are also being impacted by the large amount of respiratory illness in our community, in particular COVID and flu, which is also creating staff shortages."

SA Salaried Medical Officers Association's Bernadette Mulholland told ABC Radio Adelaide Drive program hospital staff are trying to cope with the demand but the community is expected to face long waits in emergency departments.

"We know the government is trying to turn it around, but this is turning around the Titanic of our health system," Ms Mulholland said. 

"And we're going to go through some pain. We're seeing a reduction in elective surgery as a response.

"We know our intensive care units are full."

arAt this stage it is unclear how long the measure will be in place for and an SA Health spokesperson refused to provide further details about the internal emergency.

[ambuschool]

A little step to PhD 👀

(Omg ini gak ke post tp ada di draft dr sebulan lalu!!! Trs skrg baca ini sedih gitu krn aku kayanya gak bakal ambil riset huwaaaa)

Yang baca tumblr-ku pasti tau banget kalau semenjak masuk master dan kenal dengan riset-riset keren, aku kepikiran untuk ambil PhD. Well, sebenernya gak baru skrg ini,sih. Keinginan untuk sekolah setinggi-tingginya ada, tapi kadang kaya mimpi aja gitu, tapi semakin kesini semakin ngerasa serius.

Walau rasanya sering ngerasa gak mampu karena nilai-nilaiku jelek dan apalagi di beberapa univ mensyaratkan minimum nilai, tapi semakin ku ketemu banyak orang, kujadi sadar bahwa nilai bukan satu-satunya indikator. Jadi kumulai berani explore berbagi possibilities.

Waktu di Jakarta sebenernya udah pengen ngobrol sm Kak Rifki yang baru selesai PhD bidang maritim di Jerman dan aku juga nonton thesis defense-nya. Dan tentu, siapa lagi kalau bukan kak @asrisgratitudejournal yang menjadi influencar terbesarku dari cerita2nya, padahal kak Noni gak pernah langsung ngobrol tntg PhD nya gituloh, literally passive aja baca2. Ohiya juga sama cerita2nya kak @babblingpipit yang sekarang postdoc di Harvard. (Walau gak kenal kak pipit scr lsg juga btw!! Tp ttp menginspirasi!!)

Mungkin ku terinspirasi karena mereka adalah perempuan! Jadi beneran kaya ngerasa “deket” gitulohhh!!

Ohiya juga karena teman2 liqoku 3 orang lagi PhD, jadi semakin membuatku merasa bahwa PhD itu reachable bukan sekadar angan-angan. Ditambahhh, semesta tiba2 mempertemukan aku dengan temanku yang tahun 2017 pernah ketemu di conference student juga, sekarang dia lagi S3 di Chulalongkorn Uni!!!

Dan hal2 mengenai PhD tersebut “tereksaserbasi” saat aku ikut conference Public Health Australia Association kemarin karena isinya beneran yang mostly Professor, Lecture dan PhD candidate gitu. Dengerin mereka presentasi tntg works mereka. Networking sama mereka, apalagi ketemu dan bs ngobrol langsung sama salh satu peneliti yang beneran aku admire banget, aku jadi ngerasa dunia akademia itu ternyata gak jauh2 banget dari diriku! Aku udh mulai masuk ke circle mereka 😭🙏✨

Terus 3 hari ini kan ke ANU, untuk student conference. Seru, sih… tapi ya networking nya jadi sama temen2 sebaya aja gitu, bukan yang expert. Aku present tentang literature review-ku yang tentang breastfeeding impact on sustainability. Dan reaksi penonton yang sesama master students tuh beneran sebagus itu Alhamdulillah!

Mereka bilang presentasi aku bagus dan engaging, ditambah topiknya menarik banget karena mereka gak pernah kepikiran kalau brestfeeding ada dampak positif kepada lingkungan! Sejujurnya aku juga gak kepikiran kalau nggak baca papernya orang2 keren yang aku jadikan literature review 😭🫶✨

Nah qadarullah-nya, peneliti yang aku admire itu beliau dosen di ANU, namanya Julie. Jadi pas aku ke ANU aku kirim email ke beliau, minta waktu untuk ngobrol berdua sama beliau tntg riset dan mungkin ada kesempatan untuk disupervisor sama beliau. Alhamdulillah kemarin kesampean, ada kali sejam kita ngobrol berbagai macam hal tentang breastfeeding! Sampai aku tuh ngomong gini sama Julie kemarin “Akutuh kan background-nya anak grass root banget. Tapi aku mulai tertarik di dunia akademia, karena aku menemukan kesamaan antara grass root movement dan academia yaitu ingin melakukan sesuatu yang baik untuk kebaikan masyarakat!” Terus Julie senyum sampe bilang “I like that! Karena aku pun pengen mengubah dunia dengan riset2ku” 😭😭😭 like… yaAllah value kita samaa (walau rasanya nggak mungkin merubah dunia tp at least we did something good lah yaa).

Yaudah terus di akhir conversation, Julie bilang bahwa aku masih ada 1 tahun lg untuk berpikir tentang rencana riset PhD ku. Gausah buru2 karena setahun itu literature pasti berkembang. Julie juga nawarin data set untuk diolah, karena dia pernah ngumpulin data di tahun 2013 tapi baru partially analysis soalnya gak cukup funding-nya huhuhu sedih!

Terus, hari ini aku ketemu sama Mbak Andini. Beliau juga concern di bidang breastfeeding. Orang AIMI (asosiasi ibu menyusui Indonesia) dan juga dulu PhD di ANU dan sekarang lagi Postdoc di ANU. Kami emang udah sering whatsapp-whatsapp-an sebelumnya

Seru banget ngobrol ada kali 2 jam, macem2 tentang breastfeeding, riset, WHO code, kode etik, dkk. Beliau juga pengen narik diriku buat bantuin beliau di divisi riset AIMI tapi masalahnya belum open recuritment lagi AIMI-nya. Bahkan beliau ngomong kaya gini “Aku mau narik yang muda-muda dan punya value kaya dirimu,nih! Aku melihat dirimu ‘keras’ juga sama susu formula!”

Ngomongin sufor, akutuh jadi inget pertanyaan PhD student pas aku abs presentasi, karena aku nulis health profesional / influencer yang promosiin susu formula, harus beneran di enforce karena selama ini peraturan pemerintahnya, tapi nggak pernah ditegakkan. Terus dia nanya gini “Are you forcing everybody to breatfeed while breatfeeding is should be an option?”

Terus ku bilanglah, “bukan begitu.. aku juga memahami itu, circumstances orang berbeda-beda. Tapi biarlah ibu memilih dengan mindful, bukan memilih krn di-influence sama artis/nakes, padahal dia sebenernya bs menyusui. Kalau di health itu ada yg namanya commercial determinant of health, dimana health status seseorang itu dipengaruhi juga sama hal2 komersial di sekitarnya!”

Anyway balik lagi ke Mbak Andin, jadi tadi ngomongin suka duka jadi PhD student sama Mbak Andin, sampe aku nanya, mending PhD dulu atau punya anak dulu? Lol 🤣

Aku seneng sih alhamdulillah ada yang bisa kuajak diskusi beneran tntg PhD dan di topik yang aku minati💜 teruss pas sesi abis makan siang qadarullah sesi symposium-nya tentang pursuing career in academia gituu. Jadi dengerin kisah2 orang kenapa bisa ended up jadi PhD student dan apa yang mereka lakukan during and after their PhD gituu.

Aduhh jadi kaya ngerasa mestakung bgttt. Seengganya gak buta2 bgt tntg PhD dan setiap aku nany baiknya PhD atau kerja dulu abis master suamiku dan mbak andin bilang “Kita kan orang islam, isikharah aja. Minta jalannya sama Allah mana yang dimudahkan.”

Ah bener banget 💜 abis ini banyak2 minta petunjuk sm Allah walaupun masih lama keputusan ini harus dibuat, masih setahun lagi, tapi kan perlu mikirin funding nya dkk kan ya. Semoga Allah kasih jalan terrrbaik

PS : abis ini disuruh nulis first draft paper literature review 🤣 Alhamdulillah bakal dibimbing Mbak Andin dan juga supervisorku Dr. Rebecca, laa hawlaa walla quwwata illa billah

[lele-o-north]

World Dugong Day

Every year, on the 28th of May, it is celebrated the World Dugong Day! 🧜

Dugong is known as the sea cow (pic attached 🐮 - x). Why sea cow, you ask? These animals can be found in coastal environments feeding exclusively and extensively on seagrasses. The largest remaining population of Dugongs can be found in Australia (i), while the closest to the United Kingdom can be observed in the shallow waters of The Arabian Gulf (ii) 🌊

Why are dugongs important? 🧐

According to the Dugong & Seagrass Conservation Project (iii), dugongs contribute to maintaining balanced marine coastal environments, while also representing good indicators for local ecosystem health. Their presence is of course linked with seagrasses, which not only represents these herbivore mammals’ only source of food: seagrass sits at bottom of food chain in coastal environments (iv). Moreover, it provides important ecosystem services such as fish products, reduced erosion and flood protection (v). In other words, dugong presence is the manifestation of healthy ecosystem. Terrible news is: they are classified as vulnerable species (vi) 😰

Why are they declining? And how is climate change impacting their population? 😭

Dugongs are sensitive creatures not exempt from anthropogenic (modern age) disturbance. They have been largely hunted by humans for its meat, fat and oils, which caused significant population reduction (vi). Also, seagrass species are under extreme pressure due water quality variations largely driven by climate change (vii) and further human activity (viii). In addition, their slow reproduction rate and long life span (around 70 years) make them less resilient from not-environmentally friendly fishing practices (ix) 🎣

What can be done to support them? 💪

The Australian Great Barrier Reef and Marine Park Authority (i) provides the following recommendations:

1. Protect coastal habitats - Do not damage seagrass by dragging boats on underwater meadows and act against pollution, eutrophication and herbicide use deriving from land-based activities 🚜

2. Avoid use of mesh nets - Dugongs can get trapped in fishing nets 🥅

3. Boat responsibly - Dugongs are hard too spot while sitting on high speeding boats. Reduce speed while crossing shallow waters and seagrass meadows. If you spot one, it is likely it will not the only one in the area 🚢

4. Report - Just like for other sirenians, as well as cetaceans, it is essential to report injured/dead dugongs to local authorities ☎️

5. Donate - Dugong & Seagrass Conservation Project covers the conservation of dugongs and their associated seagrass ecosystems in eight countries in the Indo-Pacific region: Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mozambique, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste and Vanuatu. See more information here: https://www.dugongconservation.org/ 🙏

References:

i. https://www2.gbrmpa.gov.au/learn/animals/dugong#:~:text=Whether%20in%20protection%20areas%20or,flowing%20into%20creeks%20and%20rivers

ii. https://www.seaworldabudhabi.com/en/stories/meet-the-dugongs#:~:text=In%20the%20UAE%2C%20dugongs%20are,Marine%20Biosphere%20Reserve%20(MMBR)

iii. https://www.dugongconservation.org/about/about-dugongs-seagrass/

iv: https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/marine-food-chain/7th-grade/

v: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5061329/#:~:text=Seagrass%20ecosystems%20play%20a%20multi,erosion%20and%20protection%20against%20floods

vi: https://nc.iucnredlist.org/redlist/amazing-species/dugong-dugon/pdfs/original/dugong-dugon.pdf

vii: https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70204854#:~:text=A%20primary%20effect%20of%20increased,the%20patterns%20of%20sexual%20reproduction

viii: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-1-4020-2983-7_24#citeas

ix: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/env/pages/0fcb6106-b4e3-4f9f-8d06-f6f94bea196b/files/north-report-card-dugong.pdf

x (picture): https://theconversation.com/dugongs-looking-to-the-gentle-sea-creatures-past-may-guard-its-future-122902

[beardedmrbean]

More than 200 defendants in one of Italy's biggest mafia trials for generations have been sentenced to a total of more than 2,200 years in jail.

The three-year trial saw individuals allegedly linked to the 'Ndrangheta sentenced for crimes ranging from extortion to drug trafficking.

Those sentenced included a former Italian senator, though the verdicts can still be appealed.

The 'Ndrangheta is one of Europe's most influential criminal organisations.

The case illustrated the mob's broad influence over the politics and society of southern Italy. Experts said the convictions of white collar workers, including local officials, businessmen and politicians, showed the far-reaching impact of organised crime on Italian institutions.

Among the most notable people to be sentenced was Giancarlo Pittelli, a lawyer and former senator for ex-premier Silvio Berlusconi's party Forza Italia. Pittelli received an 11-year sentence for collusion with a mafia-type organisation.

Others convicted included civil servants, professionals across various industries and high-ranking officials, who were critical to the 'Ndrangheta's success in infiltrating the legitimate economy and state institutions.

More than 100 defendants were acquitted.

The judges presiding over the case were put under police protection over fears for their safety.

Originating in the impoverished region of Calabria, the 'Ndrangheta is considered one of the world's most dangerous criminal organisations. It is estimated to control as much as 80% of Europe's cocaine market.

The gang boasts an estimated annual turnover of around $60bn (£49bn).

The trial was held in a call centre on the outskirts of the town of Lamezia Terme, converted into a high-security courtroom equipped with cages to hold the defendants and large enough to hold some 600 lawyers and 900 witnesses. Charges included murder, extortion, drug-trafficking, loan sharking, abuse of office and money laundering.

Over three years, proceedings demonstrated how the Calabrian syndicate extended its reach across continents, eventually operating as far afield as South America and Australia. Its members infiltrated the local economy, public institutions, and even the health system, rigging public tenders and bribing local officials.

The trial, the largest of its kind since the 1980s, saw judges examine thousands of hours of testimony. Former mobsters turned collaborators with the justice system testified about the activities of the Mancuso family and their associates, who wield extensive control over the province of Vibo Valentia.

The Mancuso family, from the town of Limbadi, are one of the most powerful of the 150 clans which make up the 'Ndrangheta.

Anna Sergi, a professor of criminology at the University of Exeter, said: "This trial confirms convictions of classic mafiosi, sentenced for offences traditionally more associate with criminal activities, such as extortion or drug trafficking."

She added: "However, it is important to note how the different types of people involved, including white collar workers, provide a more comprehensive view of the entire province and the connections between various mafia clans."

Most of the defendants were arrested in December 2019, following an extensive investigation spanning at least 11 Italian regions, which began in 2016. Approximately 2,500 officers took part in raids targeting suspects in Vibo Valentia, an area primarily controlled by the 'Ndragheta's Mancuso clan.

More than 50 former mafia members agreed to cooperate with the trial, among them Luigi Mancuso's nephew, Emanuele.

Their testimony shed light on the inner workings of one of Italy's most powerful mobs. The trial revealed that 'Ndrangheta members allegedly concealed weapons in cemetery chapels, used ambulances for drug transportation and diverted public water supplies to grow marijuana.

Those who opposed the organised crime group faced grim consequences, including finding dead puppies and goat heads left in front of their houses, torched cars and vandalised shop windows.

"This first round of sentences demonstrates how challenging it is to combat the 'Ndrangheta due to its political, economic, and financial connections," Antonio Nicaso, a writer and organised crime expert, said.

[coochiequeens]

Western doctors usually have no trouble telling women and non-females apart when they dismiss women’s pain or they diagnose a woman with trauma with a mental disorder.

A surgeon and professor is being mocked after criticizing a crossword puzzle which used “adult human female” as the definition for “woman,” calling it “un-inclusive.”

On January 18, Dr. Rhea Liang posted a screenshot to her Twitter calling attention to a crossword she had seen in a Gardening Australia magazine. Liang expressed she was “disappointed” to see “un-inclusive” language being used as a hint for one of the crossword lines. In her screenshot, Liang underlined a hint which read “adult human female.”

Liang claimed the definition was a “siren call for hatred,” and tagged Gardening Australia‘s parent media group, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Liang is a breast and gender surgeon at Robina Hospital in the Australian state of Queensland. She’s also a co-lead and clinical associate professor in the faculty of sciences and medicine at Bond University. 

On her Bond University profile, Liang is described as having a particular research focus on breast cancer management, as well as “diversity and inclusion in medicine.”

Despite having a both a background in advocating for women in the medical field and a specialization in women’s healthcare, Liang began to attract attention on social media for her post railing against a definition of “woman.”

Many users initially believed Liang was joking, or was a parody account intended to mock the absurdity of trans activists. Some expressed shock when they realized she was being serious.

“Unbelievable, this person claims to be a breast surgeon in her bio, but thinks adult human female is un-inclusive. Honestly you literally couldn’t make this up,” tweeted one user in response.

Some Twitter users were also quick to point out that as a doctor specializing in breast cancer, Liang should be aware of what a woman is. 

Sall Grover, the founder of women-only social media application Giggle, replied to Liang’s post and noted that an understanding of biological sex should be considered important in women’s healthcare.

Liang responded to Grover, writing: “A woman is most commonly an adult female human, (the word order is important) but there are a proportion who are also adults, born genetically male, who are women.” 

Liang continued to call the definition “adult human female” a “hate phrase” stating: “You only need to google the phrase ‘adult human female’ to get pages of anti-trans hate. It’s such a known hate phrase it’s caused a ban from standing for the UK Parliament.” 

In an effort to prove her point, the women’s health doctor then shared an article about Natalie Bird, a mother of two and domestic abuse survivor, who was banned from running for public office for wearing a shirt that said ‘Woman: Adult, Human, Female.’ Bird was also targeted by trans activists after asserting that women’s refuges should be segregated based on sex. 

“Adult human female” has been used as a slogan by women’s rights campaigners who aim to protect single sex spaces by reaffirming that males cannot be women. 

Despite being a long-standing definition, the words were popularized as a political slogan by Standing for Women, a rights campaign established by Kellie-Jay Keen. Keen sells t-shirts reading the definition, such as the one Natalie Bird was reprimanded for wearing, to fund her campaign. 

Many critics of gender ideology have also pointed out that trans activists have failed to provide a coherent alternative definition for the word woman. 

The question “what is a woman?” became a popularized slogan after conservative podcaster Matt Walsh made a documentary in 2022 highlighting the harms of gender ideology. A focal point of the feature were interviews with trans activists who seemed unable to provide a definition for “woman.” 

Confusingly, Liang added a tweet to her original post today asserting that “adult female humans” is a more “inclusive” way to define “woman.” Ironically, Liang is frequently consulted by Australian media on the experiences of “female” doctors.

The definition of the word woman has become so divisive that Dictionary.com labelled “woman” as their 2022 Word of the Year.

“Searches for the word woman on Dictionary.com spiked significantly multiple times in relation to separate high-profile events,” the Dictionary brand wrote on their site. 

According to Dictionary.com, searches for the word “woman” increased 1,400% after Ketanji Brown Jackson’s supreme court confirmation hearing where she failed to give a definition of the word, claiming she did not have the specialty to do so.

In October of 2022, Cambridge Dictionary came under fire after abruptly adding an alternative definition to the word “woman,” describing it as “an adult who lives and identifies as female though they may have been said to have a different sex at birth.” 

Their definition for female reads, “belonging or relating to the sex that can give birth to young or produce eggs,” which undermines their newly expanded definition of the word woman as males do not belong to the sex that can give birth. Many have stated that this second definition renders the word meaningless.

By Shay Woulahan Shay is a writer and social media content creator for Reduxx. She is a proud lesbian activist and feminist who lives in Northern Ireland with her partner and their four-legged, fluffy friends.

[qnewsau]

Doctors want Queensland to set up LGBTQIA+ suicide register

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/doctors-want-queensland-to-set-up-lgbtqia-suicide-register/

Doctors want Queensland to set up LGBTQIA+ suicide register

The Australian Medical Association Queensland has called on the state government to fund a voluntary register to allow bereaved family and friends to notify suicides in the LGBTQIA+ Sistergirl Brotherboy community.

The state’s peak body for doctors made the call in a submission ahead of the state budget next month.

“Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, sistergirl and brotherboy (LGBTQIASB+) community face unique barriers and challenges in accessing healthcare that is culturally safe and appropriate for their needs,” AMA Queensland President Dr Maria Boulton (pictured) said.

Recent Australian research shows more than 80 per cent of young LGBTQIASB+ people experienced suicidal ideation, attempted suicide or self-harmed.

“This community faces ongoing discrimination in healthcare settings by all practitioner groups and the broader public,” Dr Boulton said.

“Along with outdated institutional processes, this contributes to poorer health outcomes within the community, including in mental health.”

Dr Boulton warned that we “do not know the true extent of suicide” in the community.

“Police reports and coronial findings rely on family or friends knowing and disclosing their loved one’s sexual or gender identity,” she said.

“Without this data, we do not know the full extent of the issue.

“We cannot work with the community and government effectively to develop measures to enhance mental health outcomes and keep people healthy and alive.

“We’re calling for funding and reform to enable a voluntary register. [It would] allow surviving partners, family, friends and clinicians to notify suicides to a suitable body – a university or the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare – for liaison with the Coroner.

“We’re also calling for legislative amendments to allow doctors to release information to the register, with family approval.”

AMA Queensland: ‘Our profession must do better’

It’s one of a suite of measures AMA Queensland has called for to improve health outcomes for the community.

Dr Boulton said a new LGBTQIASB+ Working Group is pushing for equity for all patients and practitioners.

“The most recent Medical Training Survey showed workplace discrimination and bullying of non-binary medical trainees,” she said.

“Our profession must do better.

“In Queensland, more than half of reported perpetrators were other health practitioners. This includes senior medical staff, nurses and midwives.

“The majority of non-binary trainees who experienced mistreatment indicated they did not report incidents as they believed nothing would be done.

“This indicates a lack of resources and support available for non-binary staff in the workplace, and a lack of respect and recognition for non-binary colleagues.”

The 2024-25 Queensland Budget will be released on June 11, 2024.

If you need someone to talk to, help is available from QLife on 1800 184 527 or online at QLife.org.au and Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.

Read more from Queensland:

Queensland’s new birth certificate laws begin next month

Queensland’s hate crime and vilification laws just got stronger

Votes now for this year’s Queens Ball Award nominees

Brisbane Hustlers fly to Rome to bring Bingham Cup home

Queensland Police unveil apology plaque for IDAHOBIT

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Long Covid could be costing NZ $2 billion a year in lost productivity: Experts urge preventive action - Published Sept 9, 2024

Long Covid could be costing the economy of Aotearoa New Zealand at least NZ$2 billion per year from reduced worker productivity, and that’s excluding health costs.

In the latest Briefing from the Public Health Communication Centre – Long Covid: High economic burden justifies further preventive efforts – researchers summarise local and international evidence about the impacts of Long Covid on productivity.

University of Auckland health economist Professor Paula Lorgelly highlights estimates from a recently-published economic analysis in Australia that modelled the effects of Long Covid on productivity and GDP. “The research suggests that Long Covid is likely costing the Australian economy approximately AU$9.6 billion, equivalent to 0.5% of Australia’s GDP. And that’s a conservative estimate.”

Professor Lorgelly says it is likely that Long Covid is having a comparable economic impact in NZ where a 0.5% reduction in GDP translates to approximately NZ$2 billion per year. “While this is an estimate, it’s plausible that Long Covid significantly impacts productivity here. Further evidence of productivity harm comes from the Long COVID Registry Aotearoa which recently reported that individuals with Long Covid are working between seven and ten fewer hours a week than before the pandemic.”

Lead author Associate Professor Amanda Kvalsvig from the University of Otago says the NZ Government needs to respond with urgency to worldwide evidence of ongoing harms from Covid-19. “High year-round infection and reinfection rates mean that each week, another cohort of New Zealanders enters the Long Covid lottery.”

She says NZ needs to step up preventive action, including improving the air quality in schools and other workplaces to stop the virus from spreading so easily indoors. “Covid-19 vaccines are proven to reduce the risk of Long Covid and that knowledge should be reflected in NZ’s vaccine strategy. Eligibility for boosters should be expanded to younger age groups with a strong emphasis on occupations at increased risk such as teachers.”

Dr. Kvalsvig also emphasises the need for occupational and social support, including extended sick leave policies and comprehensive rehabilitation programs.

Professor Lorgelly says that while the Australian research has given us an indicator of the huge productivity loss NZ is facing, robust local studies are needed to quantify the true cost.

“Without accurate data, it will be difficult for policymakers to make informed decisions about how to efficiently and equitably protect New Zealanders from the health and economic harms of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.”

[yesgermany-manish]

Why Consider a Masters Degree in Germany? Exploring the Benefits and Opportunities

Germany is one of the most popular destinations for international students who want to pursue a masters degree. According to the latest statistics, more than 300,000 foreign students were enrolled in German universities in 2020, making up 13.5% of the total student population. But what makes Germany so attractive for higher education? Here are some of the main reasons why you should consider a masters degree in Germany.

High Quality Education

Germany is known for its excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, as well as humanities, arts, and social sciences. German universities offer a wide range of masters programs, from traditional disciplines to interdisciplinary and innovative ones. Many of these programs are taught in English, making them accessible to international students. Moreover, German universities have a strong reputation in the global academic community, with 44 institutions ranked among the top 500 in the world.

Affordable Costs

One of the biggest advantages of studying in Germany is the low cost of tuition. In most public universities, there is no tuition fee for both domestic and international students, except for a small administrative fee per semester. Even in private universities, the tuition fee is usually much lower than in other countries, such as the UK, the US, or Australia. Additionally, the cost of living in Germany is relatively affordable, especially if you choose to live in a student dormitory or a shared apartment. You can also benefit from various discounts and subsidies for public transportation, cultural events, and health insurance.

Cultural Diversity

Germany is a multicultural and cosmopolitan country, with a rich history and culture. By studying in Germany, you can experience the German way of life, as well as learn about other cultures from your fellow students and professors. You can also enjoy the variety of cuisines, festivals, music, and art that Germany has to offer. Furthermore, you can take advantage of the opportunity to travel around Europe, as Germany is well-connected to other countries by train, bus, or plane.

Career Prospects

A masters degree from a German university can boost your career prospects, both in Germany and abroad. Germany has a strong economy, with many leading companies and industries, such as BMW, Siemens, SAP, and Bosch. As a graduate, you can benefit from the high demand for skilled workers, especially in STEM fields. You can also apply for a job seeker visa, which allows you to stay in Germany for up to 18 months after graduation to look for a suitable job. Alternatively, you can pursue a PhD or a research career in one of the many prestigious research institutes in Germany, such as the Max Planck Society, the Fraunhofer Society, or the Helmholtz Association.

How to Apply for a Masters Degree in Germany?

If you are interested in pursuing a masters degree in Germany, you will need to meet some requirements, such as:

Having a bachelor's degree or equivalent from a recognized university

Having a sufficient level of proficiency in the language of instruction (German or English)

Having a valid passport and a student visa (if required)

Having a proof of financial resources to cover your living expenses

Having a health insurance coverage

The application process may vary depending on the university and the program you choose, but generally, you will need to submit the following documents:

A completed application form

A copy of your academic transcripts and diplomas

A copy of your language test scores (such as TestDaF, DSH, TOEFL, or IELTS)

A motivation letter and a curriculum vitae

A copy of your passport and visa (if required)

A proof of financial resources and health insurance

The application deadlines may also differ depending on the university and the program, but usually, they are:

July 15 for the winter semester (starting in October)

January 15 for the summer semester (starting in April)

You can find more information about the application process and the available programs on the websites of the German universities or on the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) website.

How to Find the Best German Study Consultants?

If you need help with finding and applying for a masters degree in Germany, you can consult with professional german study consultants who can provide you with guidance and support throughout the process. Some of the services that german study consultants can offer are:

Helping you choose the right program and university for your goals and interests

Helping you prepare and submit your application documents

Helping you apply for a student visa and a residence permit

Helping you find accommodation and transportation in Germany

Helping you adjust to the academic and cultural environment in Germany

Helping you network with other students and professionals in Germany

However, not all german study consultants are reliable and trustworthy. You should be careful when choosing a german study consultant and avoid falling for scams or frauds. Here are some tips on how to find the best german study consultants:

Do your research and compare different german study consultants based on their reputation, experience, credentials, and reviews

Ask for references and testimonials from previous clients and verify their authenticity

Check if the german study consultants are registered and accredited by the relevant authorities, such as the DAAD, the German Embassy, or the Ministry of Education

Ask for a written contract and a clear breakdown of the fees and services that the german study consultants will provide

Avoid paying any upfront fees or deposits before receiving any service or confirmation from the german study consultants

Avoid any german study consultants who make unrealistic or false promises, such as guaranteed admission, scholarships, or jobs

Conclusion

A master's degree in Germany can be a rewarding and beneficial experience for your personal and professional development. Germany offers high quality education, affordable costs, cultural diversity, and career prospects for international students. However, applying for a masters degree in Germany can be a challenging and complex process, which requires careful planning and preparation. If you need assistance and guidance, you can seek help from reputable and professional german study consultants who can help you achieve your academic goals and dreams.

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

By: Christina Buttons

Published: Apr 11, 2024

[ Figure 3 from “Clinical guidelines for children and adolescents experiencing gender dysphoria or incongruence: a systematic review of guideline quality (part 1)” ]

A new systematic review of international clinical guidelines for children and adolescents with gender dysphoria has exposed deceptive practices by respected medical authorities who recommend medical transitions for minors. These guidelines are often cited as uncontroversial and scientifically robust. However, the review reveals that these organizations have misled the public by basing their recommendations on insufficient evidence and inaccurately labeling their approach as “evidence-based.” Furthermore, they have engaged in a corrupt practice known as “circular referencing.” Instead of conducting independent evaluations, they have relied on endorsements of sex-trait modification for minors from other medical bodies, artificially creating a consensus on the issue.

Commissioned by NHS England and chaired by Dr. Hilary Cass, the University of York’s research team evaluated 23 international guidelines using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation tool to assess their quality. The study specifically examined how evidence informed recommendations, the development and agreement processes for these recommendations, the stakeholders involved, and how the guidelines referenced each other during their development.

Insufficient Evidence

The findings of the review were deeply concerning. It concluded that clinical guidelines globally used to treat gender-questioning children and adolescents were crafted in violation of international standards for guideline development. These guidelines recommended medical interventions for minors despite insufficient evidence, particularly regarding long-term treatment outcomes in adolescents. Additionally, they relied on other guidelines that recommended medical treatments as the basis for making similar recommendations.

Circular Referencing

The Endocrine Society (ES) and the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) published initial guidelines recommending youth medical transition in 2009 and 2012, respectively. These guidelines became foundational for many subsequent guidelines, shaping their content and recommendations despite the lack of evidence and rigor. In the Cass Review, Dr. Hilary Cass highlighted the ways in which WPATH and ES were closely interlinked, noting their mutual co-sponsorship and input into each other’s drafts. This coordinated effort suggests that WPATH and ES were colluding to grant undue credibility to their guidelines.

The corruption persisted in the formulation of national and regional guidelines by prominent organizations such as the American Psychological Association, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. It also extended to international guidelines from countries like Australia, Spain, Italy, and regions including Asia and the Pacific. Rather than grounding their recommendations in robust evidence, these guidelines deferred to the endorsements from the initial guidelines of WPATH and ES.

Years later, when WPATH and ES updated their guidelines, they referenced the same national and regional guidelines that had initially drawn from their recommendations. This perpetuated a cycle in which each iteration reinforced the others, each time without sufficient evidence to support the recommendations. Dr. Cass highlighted the problematic nature of this circular referencing, stating, “The circularity of this approach may explain why there has been an apparent consensus on key areas of practice despite the evidence being poor.”

Part 1 of the systematic review includes Figure 3, pictured above, which illustrates the various ways in which guidelines reference or influence each other. It shows how guidelines draw on the initial Endocrine Society (2009) and WPATH (2012) guidelines, which have influenced nearly all the national and regional guidelines identified. Additionally, it demonstrates how these subsequent guidelines cite and rely on each other, and how the latest Endocrine Society (2017) and WPATH (2022) guidelines have cited and drawn on the national and regional guidelines.

The systematic review highlights an example of this circular referencing: WPATH Version 8, published in 2022, identifies numerous national and regional guidelines published as early as 2012 as potentially valuable resources. It cites guidelines from the APA (2015), Australia (2018), New Zealand (2018), and University California, San Francisco (2016) multiple times to support their recommendations. Importantly, all of these guidelines were themselves significantly influenced by WPATH Version 7 (2012).

Broader Context

In the research world, such circular referencing is sometimes referred to as a citation cartel. This occurs when a group of academic authors collude to excessively cite each other's publications to artificially inflate their citation counts. However, what has occurred here differs slightly; their aim wasn’t to boost citation counts, but rather to enhance their own credibility through mutual referencing in the eyes of the public and other medical professionals. Nonetheless, this practice is highly unethical. By engaging in circular referencing, these medical bodies have actively deceived healthcare professionals and the public, leading them to believe in the validity and reliability of recommendations founded on weak evidence. 

Unfortunately, much of the transgender rights movement has advanced through an approach that heavily relies on appeals to authority. Organizations that once focused on Gay and Civil Rights, now pivoting to champion transgender rights, are deferred to as authoritative bodies by news outlets, schools, teachers' unions, and even the Biden administration, which seeks their guidance on transgender issues. Within academia, idea laundering has bestowed Queer Theory and Gender Theory, foundational to modern gender ideology, with the illusion of legitimacy.

Moreover, significant changes in federal regulations under Title IX, granting biological males (who identify as women) access to female-only spaces and sport categories, have occurred through a process known as institutional leapfrogging. In this process, judges and administrators take incremental steps, each citing the authority of the other, ultimately leading to the expansion of federal mandates.

Not Evidence-Based

WPATH, whose stated mission is to “promote evidence-based care,” and ES, who refers to their approach as “evidence-based transgender medicine,” along with any organization advocating for medical transition for minors, are misleading the public by portraying themselves as being “evidence-based.”

In an investigative report for the British Medical Journal (BMJ), Dr. Gordon Guyatt, a highly respected figure in the field of medical research methods and evidence evaluation, and who pioneered the evidence-based medicine (EBM) movement, stated that the current guidelines in the United States for managing gender dysphoria in adolescents should not be considered evidence-based. He emphasized that these guidelines fail to offer cautious and conditional recommendations appropriate for such low-quality evidence. Guyatt further underscored his concerns in a social media post, labeling these guidelines as "untrustworthy."

Similarly, the systematic review team arrived at the same conclusion: 

Most clinical guidance lacks an evidence-based approach and provides limited information about how recommendations were developed. The WPATH and Endocrine Society international guidelines, which like other guidance lack developmental rigour and transparency have, until recently, dominated the development of other guidelines. Healthcare professionals should consider the lack of quality and independence of available guidance when utilising this for practice.

In the end, the team was only able to recommend two guidelines for practice: the Finnish guideline published in 2020, and the Swedish guideline published in 2022. Both guidelines conducted their own systematic evidence reviews, concluding that the risks of medical transition outweigh any purported benefits. As a result, they do not recommend medical transition treatments for minors but instead prioritize mental health support.

WPATH, ES, and any medical authority that misrepresents guidelines recommending medical transition for minors as “evidence-based” betray public trust and fail those seeking reliable guidance. Healthcare professionals and regulatory bodies must hold guideline developers accountable for these deceptive practices and ensure transparency in the basis of future recommendations.

The National Health Service England issued a statement in response to the Cass Report and new systematic reviews, asserting that their findings "will not only shape the future of healthcare in this country for children and young people experiencing gender distress but will also be of major international importance and significance."

==

Nobody who has been following the "gender medicine" space or read the interim Cass review would be surprised with the outcome. Or the denial of the activists. Including the ones masquerading as medical professionals.

What might be the most surprising outcome of the Cass review is the level of fraud and collusion by ideologues involved in the way pseudoscience and outright fantasy ("puberty blockers are fully reversible") has been framed as some unquestionable truth ("the science is settled").

It was always fraud. This was always an ideology.