Get It Out: On the Politics of Hysterectomy by medical sociologist Andréa Becker is out this month through New York University Press. Although hysterectomies are common worldwide procedures, they are not a mainstay topic of public discourse. Considering the droves of subjects that are affected by hysterectomies, they should be! This important project explores the […]
Let’s celebrate the life of Andrea Gibson, Colorado’s queer poet laureate
It’s not really Hard Copy’s style to announce a death as news but Andrea Gibson was a phenomenal fuckin’ burst of light on this planet and we’d like to take the opportunity to make you aware of them and their work if you’re not already a fan. As an activist and poet – as well […]
Have you heard of seminal plasma hypersensitivity?
An underdiagnosed sperm allergy is gaining more visibility. In fact, this is not an allergy to sperm itself, but to the proteins in the seminal plasma that carries the sperm. A 2024 study suggests that this allergy is more common than previously believed, partly because it often goes misdiagnosed. This condition does not solely affect women. […]
If you find a 200-year-old condom you probably shouldn’t use it…
An exhibition called “Safe Sex?” about 19th century sex work opened recently at the Netherlands’ national museum. A nearly 200-year-old condom that is adorned with erotic art is one of the fascinating objects that is on display. If you need a break from the onslaught of heavy and depressing sex news as of late, be […]
Planned Parenthood and its healthcare services in peril once again
Due to withholding of federal support Planned Parenthood has closed or is in the process of closing clinics located in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Utah, and Vermont. The non-profit intends to close over a third of its locations across Minnesota and Iowa alone. Planned Parenthood, which often gets caught in the crosshairs of […]
A small win for queer rights in conservative-led Italy
Italy’s Constitutional Court ruled recently that female couples who use in vitro fertilization (IVF) abroad can both be legally recognized as parents back in their home country, even for partners who are not the biological mothers. While this ruling does not change other laws under Italy’s conservative government, such as Italy’s current restricted access to IVF […]
Is Gender Affirming Care Gay Conversion Therapy?
It has long been known that the majority of youth who visited gender clinics, but did not ultimately transition, turn out to be gay or lesbian. Some LGB groups opposed to medicalization of gender dysphoric kids claim that internalized homophobia and the desire to pass as heterosexual are what drive many confused teens to want […]
The significance of sexual pleasure in healthcare
Dr. Ranjana Srivastava is an Australian oncologist. In this compelling opinion piece from The Guardian that we’ve linked here for you, Srivastava describes how “sexual health is one of the most affected – and woefully ignored – quality of life indicators in cancer patients.” Specifically, she ponders the common and often uncontested dismissal of “sexual […]
HHS releases systematic review of youth gender medicine
In response to an executive order by President Trump demanding a systematic review within 90 days, the Department of Health and Human Services released on May 1 a 409-page document reviewing the history and evidence surrounding medical treatment of minors with gender dysphoria. Given Trump’s politicization of the issue during the campaign and his subsequent […]
Trump administration axes more than $125M in LGBTQ health funding, upending research field.
The administration’s cancellation of hundreds of grants is dismantling the LGBTQ-focused research field, built out of nothing over a quarter-century.
HARD COPY: Trump administration continues its gutting of health research – targeting LGBTQ people This story by Benjamin Ryan and Aria Bendix speaks for itself, and what it says is nothing short of surreal and terrifying. The executive orders by the Trump administration that target transgender people and DEI initiatives are proving catastrophic for queer […]