I wouldn't say that, Chris. No.
I'd be polite on general terms i.e. not too assertive. Each to their own
but I *always say Good morning (etc) Dr Saeed
[as the comedian said I call him Dr Saeed because that's his name... I
think that was Tommy Cooper]
and later doctor
It took him years to get the honorific; he may as well enjoy it
Sometimes I ask him how he is but he usually beats me to it
I did when I started with him initiate a discussion on what had led to my
going to see him and I did say that I had called the practice manager of
my last surgery a fool. For any interest it may have: he asked me why, I
told him, and he laughed, saying he understood.
I mention this because it might be best all round if you were upfront
about the past. I wouldn't say _queer_. This is not in any sense
ideological etc, just meeting people where they may be when you cannot
know. Up to you, of course. Think of it pedagogically. I'd say _I'm gay_
and say you had some trouble in the past, maybe _difficulties_ is better.
Say you think you have been discriminated against or at least treated
prejudicially.
I wouldn't tell him details. Let him ask if he wants to. Your aim must be
to get good medical advice and support.
Oh, if he wants to ask about drugs, he can.
In some ways it can be interesting to see what they do ask. Some never ask
about one's sex life. Which I find odd. I mean the lack, not the sex life.
I offer it as a for instance.
My bloke, first male doctor I have had since the early 80s... They seemed
terribly pleased that they got me a male doctor. It threw me a bit but
he's ok. My bloke seemed inordinately pleased when I said that I had no
intention of stopping what I do EVER
I hope that's of some use. Think - the odds aren't that poor that's he's
gay himself, even if he stays shtumm
best
L
On Wed, August 1, 2012 02:00, chris Jones wrote:
> Still trying to get adequate treatment and pain relief. Been lying awake
> most nights in pain. Have a new doctor; so what should I say?
>
> Hello, my name's chris jones,
> that queer junky poet from/ late 80s early 90s
>
>
> Well, I grew up quick and I grew up mean.
> My fist got hard and my wits got keen.
> Roamed from town to town to hide my shame,
>
>
-----
Lawrence Upton
Visiting Fellow, Music Dept,
Goldsmiths, University of London
New Cross, London SE14 6NW
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