Being your own Patient Advocate as a Chronically Ill Woman with Alexis Bennett Artwork

The Sick Gaze

Welcome to the Sick Gaze podcast, a series where we dive deep into the complexities of life with chronic illness, attempt to break down gendered barriers within healthcare, and advocate for disability justice. Drawing inspiration from Laura Mulvey’s concept of the male-gaze, The Sick Gaze challenges the existing narrative norms by offering a platform for diverse lived experiences. In a world where stories are often filtered through able-bodied perspectives, our podcast strives to bring visibility to invisible conditions. Join us as we navigate the complexities of life with chronic illness, fostering empathy, understanding, and ultimately, creating a community that embraces and validates the stories that have long remained in the shadows.

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The Sick Gaze

Being your own Patient Advocate as a Chronically Ill Woman with Alexis Bennett

January 04, 2025 • Molly Dickerson • Season 2 • Episode 7

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In this episode of The Sick Gaze, we talk with Alexis Bennett, a biracial woman living with lupus in the South. Alexis shares her journey of navigating the complexities of chronic illness while advocating for herself in a healthcare system that often overlooks women of color and young people. From recognizing red flags in medical settings to finding her voice during appointments, Alexis offers insights on how she champions her own care. Together, we explore the intersections of identity, geography, and chronic illness, and how Alexis transforms these challenges into strategies for self-advocacy. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, representation, and reclaiming agency in healthcare.

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If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at dickersonmm@g.cofc.edu and follow @thesickgazepod on instagram!