LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Coming Out of Cancer Brings the Disease Out of the Closet |
The Mautner Project for Lesbians With Cancer announced its sponsorship of a groundbreaking new work, Coming Out of Cancer: Writings from the Lesbian Cancer Epidemic. Edited by award-winning writer and cancer-survivor Victoria A. Brownworth and published by Seal Press, Coming Out of Cancer is the first anthology to address the devastating effect of cancer on the lesbian community. "Unlike healthcare providers, insurance companies and researchers, cancer does not discriminate against lesbians," says Mautner Project Executive Director Kathleen DeBold. Because of this, cancer has run rampant in the lesbian community, taking the lives of many of its most beloved and distinguished writers and activists and devastating the lives of countless others. Unlike AIDS, however, which has galvanized the gay community, the impact of cancer on women who partner with women continues to go unrecognized. "The Mautner Project's hope is that Coming Out of Cancer will bring the disease-that-dare-not-speak-its-name out of the closet once and for all," says DeBold. With unflinching honesty, flashes of outrage and a penetrating insight that comes from facing death, the contributors, including Rachel Carson, Joan Nestle, Audre Lorde, Pat Parker, Adrienne Rich, Marilyn Hacker, Ruthann Robson, Dr. Susan Love, and Barbara Smith, eloquently define the impact of cancer on individual lesbians and on the lesbian community. Offering wisdom, comfort and the power of knowledge, these writers address the myriad ways cancer has changed their lives: the effect it has on sexuality and relationships, the intersection with race and class, the urgent desire to know the source of cancer, and the lossboth personal and collective that accompanies deadly disease. Coming Out of Cancer offers a richly textured exploration of our community's unflagging strength, tenacious activism and determination to survive against all odds. Proceeds from the book will be used to fund cancer education and direct services for women who partner with women. Copies of Coming Out of Cancer are available at your local bookstore, or you may order them directly from The Mautner Project ($14.95, plus $5.00 shipping and handling). Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Mautner Project is the only national organization dedicated to fighting the lesbian cancer epidemic. In addition to providing direct services to lesbians with cancer, their families and caregivers, the Mautner Project provides information and counseling to the lesbian community about cancer; educates the healthcare community about the special concerns of lesbian families; and is a leading advocate for lesbian health issues. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 10, No. 14, Oct. 20, 2000. |