On death and dying
Interview: ALOK is a life-affirming comedian, activist and poet who manages to weave the meaningful with comedic relief in a powerful way. This interview touches on lots of important themes, but includes some beautiful thoughts on death and the human experience.
TV Series: Dying for Sex is a comedy drama mini series loosely based on a true story of a 30 something woman's journey of self discovery after a terminal illness diagnosis. A brilliant exploration of human sexuality, self-discovery, the importance of friendship and chosen family and a very accurate depiction of the dying process.
Discussion: Queer and Trans Deathcare - Revolutionising How We Handle Death (2021 Discussion) - A valuable and insightful conversation between queer death workers based in the US, Canada and the UK, sharing experiences, insights and hopes for the future.
Article: Queering Death – Why The Death Care Industry Needs Queer Grassroots Collectives by Sage Agee (talkdeath.com)
Clare Fuller RGN MSc is a knowledgeable professional offering loads of great resources via her website Speak for Me, and offers support with advance care planning and lasting power of attorney.
TalkDeath is the hub for a changing death-conscious public. TalkDeath aims to bridge the gap between death professionals and the general public, helping people make informed end-of-life decisions.
A funeral guide for queer people, and those who support them. Some LGBTQIA+ people may ask, how can I be sure my wishes will be respected when I die? If you are a queer person, or are planning a funeral for a queer loved one, this booklet is for you.
Discussion: Death on Screen: Films To Encourage Conversations from Lifting the Lid International Festival - Hosted by Canadian film scholar Prof. Dan Vena, this session introduced participants to a collaboratively-generated list of films that can be referenced when seeking media material on representations of death, dying, and grief. Dan introduced some key titles and then invited the audience to share their own recommendations.
Books: With the End in Mind by Kathryn Mannix, a memoir style insight into experiences as a palliative care doctor. The stories she shares help people to connect more with the natural process of dying and how to better support loved ones.
Events: At a Death Cafe people, often strangers, gather to eat cake, drink tea and discuss death. The objective is 'to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their (finite) lives'. It is a discussion group rather than a grief support or counselling session and Death Cafes happen regularly in cities and towns all over the world.
The Good Funeral Guide - The Good Funeral Guide is the UK’s ONLY not-for-profit independent information resource for funeral advice.
Events: Dying Matters is a week of awareness annually in May - Hospice UK’s Dying Matters campaign is working with you to create an open culture in which we’re comfortable talking about death, dying and grief.
Books: Do Death For a Life Better Lived by Amanda Blainey, a useful ‘how to’ guide, particularly if you or someone you know is facing the practicalities leading up to and after death.
Events: Lifting The Lid International Festival of Death & Dying (Online Festival in November)