Still Here (6/16/25): Working to ban mask bans in Illinois; Colorado art exhibit uplifting artists with Long COVID

In this episode of Still Here: Disabled writer and photographer Megan E. Doherty talks about her recent op-ed covering Illinois advocates' work on legislation that would ban mask bans in Illinois. And writer and artist Kelsey Simpkins discusses a gallery exhibit that opened last month in Colorado showcasing the work of artists with Long COVID.

Plus, in research, we're looking at the rapid responses to a op-ed in The BMJ (British Medical Journal) that spread false claims about ME, and we'll also give a short update on RECOVER-TLC.

The transcript for this podcast is⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ available on The Sick Times’ website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. You can jump to specific sections of the podcast and transcript below:

(00:00:00) Intro

(00:02:14) Working to ban mask bans in Illinois

(00:11:25) Colorado art exhibit uplifting artists with Long COVID

(00:22:52) Research: Rapid responses to false claims about ME/CFS in a BMJ op-ed; update on RECOVER-TLC

(00:25:46) Outro

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Mentioned in this episode (in order of appearance):

• Podcast feedback survey
• The Sick Times: Illinois could become the first state in the country to ban mask bans. Here’s how we created the bill to do it.
• The Sick Times: Colorado art exhibition showcases creative expressions of Long COVID, advocates for research and treatment
• The Sick Times: Research updates, May 27
• RECOVER-TLC Intervention Information Request form

Additional audio in this episode: 

• Rude Mechanical Orchestra: Which Side Are You On? (orig. Florence Reece)