I'm really excited because I've been asked to speak to doctors and nurses at LSU Public Hospital in New Orleans during my upcoming visit there this summer.

On August 3, I'll be doing a lecture with a PowerPoint presentation. The title is "Sociocultural and Healthcare Implications of Body Piercing." It is a kind of stuffy name, but I think it will be very useful to professionals who work in medical settings. It will help them understand who gets pierced and why--and hopefully increase their sensitivity to pierced patients, especially if they have any negative attitudes or preconceived notions about us. I'll also be providing practical information for those who work with pierced patients, especially in the Emergency Room and Operating Room.

It is free to hospital employees, but the public can attend for $10.00. Here's some info including a sign up form.