Review

Bodies and Barriers in Library Journal

By David Azzolina
Library Journal
March 1st 2020

Queer activists have been at the forefront of health activism for decades. Here, community activist Shanker brings together a new generation of advocates tackling health care issues. With a foreword by Rachel L. Levine (Pennsylvania State Coll. of Medicine) and an afterword by Kate Kendell, who previously led the National Center for Lesbian Rights, this collection features works from writers across the spectrum of lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender, and intersex populations. Among the various topics covered are pediatric concerns, informed consent, anal health, suicide survival, HIV stigma, and housing concerns for older LGBT adults. The book is organized by age group, from youth to adults, and each essay is by a contributor with experience in the field. The distinctive title references the reality that healthy bodies regularly require medical attention, and that our current health care system is inadequately prepared to cope with queer bodies. 

VERDICT Informative essays bring a contagious anger and passion to bear on the subject. On-the-ground activists and health care professionals will be well served by this recommended anthology.


Adrian Shanker is an award-winning activist and organizer whose career has centered on advancing progress for the LGBT community. He has worked as an arts fundraiser, labor organizer, marketing manager, and served as President of Equality Pennsylvania for three years before founding Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in Allentown, PA, where he serves as executive director. An accomplished organizer, Adrian has led numerous successful campaigns to advance LGBT progress through municipal nondiscrimination and relationship recognition laws and laws to protect LGBT youth from conversion therapy. A specialist in LGBT health policy, he has developed leading-edge health promotion campaigns to advance health equity through behavioral, clinical, and policy changes.

Bodies and Barriers: Queer Activists on Health

Back to Adrian Shanker’s Author Page