Reflections in comics: the views of queer artists in producing body image comics and how their work can improve health

ABSTRACT

Comics are an innovative way to translate health knowledge and research to service providers and communities. A theoretical framework intertwining poststructuralism and queer theory was used to explore the experiences of queer artists in the creation and production of body image comic anthology entitled Rainbow Reflections: Body Image Comics for Queer Men. The aim was to examine the beliefs of the artists about the potentiality of comics to address body image concerns for queer men. Body image concerns may create negative health experiences, isolation, loneliness, and sexual intimacy concerns. Nineteen self-identifying queer artists participated in the study. Discourse analysis revealed five threads of discourse that bring understanding on how comics can improve body image, and the health and well-being of both the artists through the act of creation and the reader through the act of consumption. Theses threads of discourse include: 1) Creating a unique language, 2) Revealing and healing themselves, 3) Exploring cultural influences, 4) Expanding spaces for queer men and their bodies, and 5) Connecting men. The findings reveal that comics can create knowledge and stimulate discussions about body image and has the potential to positively influence the health of queer men.

KEYWORDS:

• Gender
• graphic medicine
• body image
• gay
• bi
• trans
• queer
• men

Disclosure statement

The first and second authors of this manuscript are co-editors of Rainbow Reflections: Body Image Comics for Queer Men, the comic book discussed in this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research[ICS 155509]; Institute of Gender and Health [ICS 155509].

Notes on contributors

Phillip Joy

Dr. Phillip Joy is a graduate of the PhD in Health programme at Dalhousie University. He recently accepted an Assistant Professor position at Mount Saint Vincent University in the Applied Human Nutrition Department. His research interests include the nutritional health of LGBTQ+ communities.

Stéphanie E. M. Gauvin

Stéphanie E. M. Gauvin is a PhD Candidate in Clinical Psychology.

Megan Aston

Dr. Megan Aston is a Professor in the School of Nursing with an expertise in qualitative health research using feminist poststructuralism and discourse analysis.

Matthew Numer

Dr. Matthew Numer is an Associate Professor and his research interests include human sexuality, gender studies, and health promotion.