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-Mentioned in this episode (in order of appearance):Podcast feedback surveyThe 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 treatmentThe Sick Times: Research updates, May 27RECOVER-TLC Intervention Information Request formAdditional audio in this episode: Rude Mechanical Orchestra: Which Side Are You On? (orig. Florence Reece) 

Om Podcasten

Every week, co-hosts Miles Griffis and Betsy Ladyzhets talk with podcast producer James Salanga about the latest COVID-19 numbers, and Long COVID news, commentary, and research. No pandemic minimizing, gaslighting, or denial here! Still Here is an abridged version of The Sick Times’ newsletter, which publishes weekly. The Sick Times is a nonprofit newsroom chronicling the ongoing Long COVID crisis.