{"title":"Books by Meg-John Barker","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"9781785780714","title":"Queer: A Graphic History","description":"\u003cp\u003e'Queer: A Graphic History Could Totally Change the Way You Think About Sex and Gender' ViceActivist-academic Meg-John Barker and cartoonist Jules Scheele illuminate the histories of queer thought and LGBTQ+ action in this groundbreaking non-fiction graphic novel.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrom identity politics and gender roles to privilege and exclusion, Queer explores how we came to view sex, gender and sexuality in the ways that we do; how these ideas get tangled up with our culture and our understanding of biology, psychology and sexology; and how these views have been disputed and challenged.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlong the way we look at key landmarks which shift our perspective of what's 'normal' - Alfred Kinsey's view of sexuality as a spectrum, Judith Butler's view of gendered behaviour as a performance, the play Wicked, or moments in Casino Royale when we're invited to view James Bond with the kind of desiring gaze usually directed at female bodies in mainstream media. Presented in a brilliantly engaging and witty style, this is a unique portrait of the universe of queer thinking.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43205076975794,"sku":"9781785780714","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781785780714.jpg?v=1786025630"},{"product_id":"9780857028433","title":"Sexuality and Gender for Mental Health Professionals","description":"Questions of sexuality and gender affect everyone and therefore have an inevitable relevance in the consulting room. Yet with interpretations and manifestations of both varying greatly from person to person, understanding the inherent complexities of sexuality and gender can be a daunting task for the health professional. Breaking down these complexities this practical guide familiarises the reader with all of the common and many of the less common sexualities, genders and relationship forms, and explains experiences and issues relating to each. The book contains:      \u003cp\u003e-Explanations of various forms of sexuality, gender and relationship structures\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003e-Common concerns relating to specific groups\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003e-Key practises relating to specific groups\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003e-The treatment of specific groups in contemporary Western society\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003e-Details of some rules and ideals that are commonly found within specific groups\u003c\/p\u003e  \u003cp\u003e-Suggestions for professional practice with these groups\u003c\/p\u003e    \u003cp\u003eIdeal for all members of the multidisciplinary team, this accessible book is relevant to practitioners across theoretical backgrounds. Whether you are a trainee or qualified psychotherapist, counsellor, nurse, medic, psychiatrist, social worker or applied psychologist, this is a vital text for your professional practice.\u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cstrong\u003eCHRISTINA RICHARDS \u003c\/strong\u003eis Senior Specialist Psychology Associate at the West London Mental Health NHS Trust (Charing Cross) Gender Identity Clinic. \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cbr\u003e  \u003cstrong\u003eMEG BARKER \u003c\/strong\u003eis a senior lecturer in psychology at the Open University and a sex and relationship therapist.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56295019479413,"sku":"9780857028433","price":45.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780857028433_c62f4ced-8ace-47b7-8a77-f2bf47419ccc.jpg?v=1786016124"},{"product_id":"9781138676497","title":"The Psychology of Sex","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhat can psychology teach us about sex?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHow do different bodies and brains respond sexually?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHow can we prevent people being stigmatised for their sexuality?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Psychology of Sex\u003c\/p\u003etakes you on a tour through the different ways that psychologists have created and sustained certain understandings of sex and sexuality. Bearing in mind the subjective nature of sex, the book explores cultural concerns around sexualisation, pornography, and sex addiction, as well as drawing on research from sexual communities and the applied area of sex therapy. \u003cp\u003eWhen so much of our relationship to sex happens in the mind, \u003ci\u003eThe Psychology of Sex \u003c\/i\u003eshows us how important it is to understand where our ideas about sex come from.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56297393914229,"sku":"9781138676497","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781138676497_97782895-48f0-4e94-b846-206ef7de992e.jpg?v=1786018296"},{"product_id":"9781785924798","title":"Life Isn't Binary","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'The book we all need for this moment in time.'\u003c\/b\u003e CN LESTER\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e'An absolute must read'\u003c\/b\u003e FOX FISHER\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e'A genius book' \u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eLIBRARY JOURNAL REVIEW\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMuch of society's thinking operates in a highly rigid and binary manner; something is good or bad, right or wrong, a success or a failure, and so on. Challenging this limited way of thinking, this ground-breaking book looks at how non-binary methods of thought can be applied to all aspects of life, and offer new and greater ways of understanding ourselves and how we relate to others.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUsing bisexual and non-binary gender experiences as a starting point, this book addresses the key issues with binary thinking regarding our relationships, bodies, emotions, wellbeing and our sense of identity and sets out a range of practices which may help us to think in more non-binary, both\/and, or uncertain ways.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA truly original and insightful piece, this guide encourages reflection on how we view and understand the world we live in and how we all bend, blur or break society's binary codes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56304647799157,"sku":"9781785924798","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781785924798_30f34d61-7592-4dc4-8017-b80075159488.jpg?v=1786025822"},{"product_id":"9781785784521","title":"Gender: A Graphic Guide","description":"'An outstanding work' - CN Lester, author of Trans Like MeJoin the creators of Queer: A Graphic History ('Could totally change the way you think about sex and gender' VICE) on an illustrated journey of gender exploration. Is masculinity 'toxic'? Why are public toilets such a political issue? How has feminism changed the available gender roles - and for whom? Why might we all benefit from challenging binary thinking about sex\/gender?In this unique illustrated guide, Meg-John Barker and Jules Scheele travel through our shifting understandings of gender across time and space - from ideas about masculinity and femininity, to non-binary and trans genders, to intersecting experiences of gender, race, sexuality, class, disability and more. Tackling current debates and tensions, which can divide communities and even cost lives, Barker and Scheele look to the past and the future to explore how we might all approach gender in more caring and celebratory ways.","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56305232281973,"sku":"9781785784521","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781785784521_f01296b9-0804-41f6-857f-909dcea2d303.jpg?v=1786025659"},{"product_id":"9781785927461","title":"How to Understand Your Gender","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Excellent' \u003c\/b\u003eKATE BORNSTEIN\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e'The compassionate, accessible manual the world has been waiting for' \u003c\/b\u003eLAURIE PENNY\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHave you ever questioned your own gender identity? Do you know somebody who is transgender or who identifies as non-binary? Do you ever feel confused when people talk about gender diversity?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis down-to-earth guide is for anybody who wants to know more about gender, from its biology, history and sociology, to how it plays a role in our relationships and interactions with family, friends, partners and strangers. It looks at practical ways people can express their own gender, and will help you to understand people whose gender might be different from your own. With activities and points for reflection throughout, this book will help people of all genders engage with gender diversity and explore the ideas in the book in relation to their own lived experiences.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56305569399157,"sku":"9781785927461","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781785927461_a92c5ba7-1713-4e29-ad98-abacc127fcec.jpg?v=1786025893"},{"product_id":"9781787756182","title":"How to Understand Your Sexuality","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'A goldmine of wisdom' \u003c\/b\u003eCYNDI DARNELL\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Gentle, kind and embracing'\u003c\/b\u003e JUNO ROCHE\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e'Interesting and engaging'\u003c\/b\u003e JUSTIN HANCOCK\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eGay, straight, queer, pansexual, demisexual, ace...? Sexuality is complex and diverse, but it doesn't have to be confusing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis down-to-earth guide is the ultimate companion for understanding, accepting and celebrating your sexuality. Written by two internationally renowned authors and therapists, the book explains how sexuality works in terms of our identities, attractions, desires and practices, and explores how it intersects with our personal experiences and the world around us.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith activities and reflection points throughout, it offers space to tune into yourself and think deeply about your own sexuality. You'll hear from people across the sexuality spectrum and in different relationship set-ups, and be inspired by the ideas of scholars, activists and practitioners. Sexuality is a vast and wonderful landscape - let this book guide you on your journey!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56305656889717,"sku":"9781787756182","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781787756182_6ebcbc43-acce-48d0-85fc-eb649e8c2b90.jpg?v=1786026602"},{"product_id":"9781787756540","title":"How to Understand Your Relationships","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e'Profound and vulnerable. An essential gift for all of us that relate' - Anne Mauro\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat do we mean when we say 'relationship'?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eHow do we separate our needs and desires from norms and expectations?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eHow can we approach our relationships with mutuality, care and compassion?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis down-to-earth guide is the ultimate companion for anybody who wants to examine their place in the world -- how we relate to ourselves, and others. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith considerations of historical, cultural, and  developmental contexts; explorations of relationship diversity as it manifests in queerness, the ace and aro spectrum, non-monogamy and neurodivergence ; and a look towards deeper, compassionate, interdependent ways to relate - this book will help people of all ages, backgrounds and identities explore their relational world.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56305794810229,"sku":"9781787756540","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781787756540_0f9533b9-4b9e-4610-90a1-52fa02e78448.jpg?v=1786026609"},{"product_id":"9781787752450","title":"Hell Yeah Self-Care!","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eTake a moment to pause... Breathe... And ask yourself, what does self-care mean to you?\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTimes are very tough-in a world that pushes us to go faster, be the best, and get ahead of others, we often forget to focus on ourselves, leaving us with anxiety, anger, burnout, stress, and trauma. In this creative workbook and journal leading mental health pioneers, Alex Iantaffi and Meg-John Barker, provide you with the tools to begin your self-care journey and develop sustainable self-care routines and rituals that work for you. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFeaturing a diverse range of experiential exercises, activities, and opportunities for reflection, while drawing upon a range of practices and approaches including systemic and existential therapies, Buddhist mindfulness, Pagan ritual, trauma-informed practice, intersectional feminism and more. This book explores self-care in all its forms and covers somatic self-care, plural selves, emotions and feelings, relationships, and care for others.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEmpowering, illuminating and written with authenticity and honesty throughout-this is a manual for everyone and will help you look after yourself on your path towards happiness and wellbeing.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56306607325557,"sku":"9781787752450","price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781787752450_15fd2f5b-9f00-4f8d-ab6b-8570f9b4a64e.jpg?v=1786026084"},{"product_id":"the-psychology-of-sex","title":"The Psychology of Sex","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Psychology of Sex\u003c\/i\u003e takes you on a tour through the different ways that psychology helps us understand sex and sexuality.This new edition features material on evolving sexual identities, as well as sexuality and technology and how digital platforms shape sexual behaviours.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57483498619253,"sku":"9781041217824","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781041217824.jpg?v=1786178667"},{"product_id":"sexuality","title":"Sexuality","description":"'Sexuality delivers the goods, making the history and theory of sexuality downright sexy ... I learned more in one session with this book than I've figured out in a lifetime.' Christine Burns MBE, author of Trans BritainThey're back! Writer Meg-John Barker and artist Jules Scheele once again team up in this cheeky and informative comic-book follow-up to Queer and Gender. Sex is everywhere. It's in the stories we love - and the stories we fear. It defines who we are and our place in society ... at least we're told it ought to.Sex and sexuality can seem like a house of horrors, full of monsters and potential pitfalls. We often live with fear, shame and frustration when it comes to our own sexuality, and with judgement when it comes to others'. Sex advice manuals, debates over sex work and stories of sexual \"dysfunction\" only add to our anxiety.With compassion, humour, erudition and a touch of the erotic, Meg-John Barker and Jules Scheele shine a light through the darkness and unmask the monsters.'The art introduces a set of reoccurring characters, tongue-in-cheek references to the Scooby-Doo gang, who journey through a haunted house confronting and unmasking the villains: patriarchy, white supremacy, ableism, and capitalism personified ... The sum: accessible, compassionate reading for readers wanting to think more deeply about sex, society, and how they intersect.' 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