Episode #8
The Tax We Pay with Linda Kirkman + Jasper Peach
This week we hear from sex educator, sex therapist, and independent scholarDr Linda Kirkman, who reminds us that perimenopause and menopause can be a whole identity shake-up and this includes how we feel in our bodies, our relationships, and our sense of self in terms of intimacy, especially when things may not be working the way they used to. It can be a crisis or a catalyst or both! She discusses how intimacy doesn’t always mean taking your pants off and how lube can be your best friend, but not a substitute for arousal.
We also chat with Jasper Peach, a trans, non-binary and disabled writer and parent who shares an important conversation about navigating perimenopause and medical care when the systems aren’t built for you; from gendered clinics and dysphoria in gyno appointments to the financial and emotional taxes queer and neurodivergent people pay, and why community conversation and compassionate clinicians are as important as prescriptions. Listen for practical reflections on finding affirming care, and why solidarity and social support are real medicine.
Enjoy the episode, share with friends and we’d love you to comment/rate/review so other folks can find us!
SHOW NOTES
Turn the Corner Clinic – turnthecorner.com.au
Dr Sarah Van der Wal Bendigo Health
Slutdomby Dr Hilary Caldwell
Come as You Are and Come Togetherby Dr Emily Nagoski
Burnout Emily and Amelia Nagoski
Where did my Libido Go?By Dr Rosie King (support a local bookstore!)
The Feminist Survival Project Emily and Amelia Nagoski – podcast and website
Sex, Love and Science Podcast Lauren Muratore
Sexplicit Podcast Dr Anisa Varasteh
Curious Conversations About Sex Podcast – Roger Butler
Savage Lovecast Dan Savage
SPECIALIST BIO
Dr Linda Kirkman
Dr Linda Kirkman is a sex educator, sex therapist, and independent scholar with a background in education and public health. Her work covers sexuality, sexual health, and relationships across the lifespan. With a strengths-based, inclusive, and sex-critical approach that emphasises psychological safety, Linda’s work is current and engaging. Cats like her, although she is a dog person, owned by a Jack Russell terrier.
Website:www.lindakirkman.org
Jasper Peach
Jasper Peach is a trans, non-binary and disabled writer and parent. They are passionate about equitable access and inclusion, and dismantling misplaced shame via storytelling.
Their current project is a mosaic memoir A Thousand Spinning Plates on Fire. This work of narrative non-fiction is an exploration of life across the intersections of queer, disabled, fat bodied, transgender, parent, non-binary, neurodivergent and activist identities. Presented in prose, poetry and other forms, the work is non-linear and is the opposite of a redemption story with a neat and tidy ending. It is something new and lyrical, introducing the reader to satisfyingly loose ends. A scorchingly honest, tender and hopeful story of what it is to be human across intersections.
Insta: @jasperpeachsays