People assume I spend most of my time manufacturing and shipping anatomically exact models all over the world. Truth is it represents only 10% of my time. 20% if I am developping new models.
So what is she doing the rest of the time?
🧐 Research and keeping up to date with the science –
My job is about mediating science between academia and fundamental research and the field of practice. Which means I keep up to date with the medical part. The anatomy part. The practice and delivery of care part. And the social and critical analysis of it all. It means I go from cadaveric dissection to anti-oppression workshop to training about hormone therapy with a stop at a demo for trans rights.
💬 Attending conferences on line or in person.
All of them. Because this is where I get in touch with professionals, their needs, their innovations, their passions, and it’s where all collaborations start.
🤝 Linking people together.
I go around. I have a foot in the french and english speaking worlds. I talk to hundreds of people face to face. Which mean I can put in contact those who still don’t know one another’s but should. I play matchmaker and watch new professional relationship thrive.
🕵♀️ Researching and geeking and writing
– sadly not enough – because doing so is a privilege of those who have a wage and don’t have to grind to arrive financially every month.
But if you have known me before SEX-ED +, you know I am a total nerd who has spent a huge amount of time reading, translating and making the concepts and actions of the reproductive justice movements accessible to the french speaking communities.
So of course, being a part of the World Association for Sexual Health comitee working on a definition of the concept of sexual justice was an irresistible attraction. I did what I could but couldn’t commit to it as much as I wanted. (Check the final thing here, the comitte has done an amazing job)
✊ Trying to keep aligned with my political values.
Always. Inclusivity. Accessiblity. Respect of rights. Giving back to communities.
👏 Mentoring and accompanying people.
Or just meeting them because it’s fun. Wether it’s a journalist who needs background info and to be pointed in the right direction. Or people who have a new project and want advice and guidance. Or just colleagues visiting Montreal and wanting to grab a coffee like Papaya project did this week.
This overview gives you an idea of what my weeks look like. I think my job is amazing. And invaluable. And requires skills and flexibility to navigate all those fields of competence without being specialized in any of them. And make really cool friends and colleagues along the way.
Problem – of course there is always a problem – All of this is not funded. Only 10% of my time is “bankable”. The rest is volunteer work. Extremely important, I think, for our field of practice. But still volunteer. And to be honest times are getting tough.
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