When it comes black women's health outcomes, generally speaking the picture isn't pretty. We deal with medical misogynoir on top of being overrepresented with increasing severity for a host of diseases and conditions.

From the very beginning, addressing our health concerns has been a priority for Black Ballad, from the articles that we publish to digital and in-person events. Read our archive of original writing and journalism from black women and non-binary writers right now.

“As a mixed-race person, Joel’s likelihood of finding a stem cell match was less than 20%.”

– The Yorkshire Family Taking On Racial Disparities In Stem Cell Transplants And Winning

“More people live with binge eating disorder than anorexia or bulimia, and it is black women who are more likely to experience this type of eating disorder.”

– Black Women And The Silence Around Binge Eating Disorder

“I put the science to the oldest woman in my life circle, 93-year-old Daisy Hemmings. She decided to learn ballroom dancing after watching a television programme.”

– On Turning 61: Aging, Health & Vitality As An Older Black Woman

“That Wendy Williams’ diagnosis is a reflection of the morality of her character is a variant of ableism.”

– Wendy Williams Has The Right To Be Ill Without Judgement & Moralising

“I think it’s quite complex. To me, it’s like any other form of surgical body modification and this happens to be one that fits in with beauty standards held by the Black community.”

– The Rise & Real Dangers Behind Brazilian Butt Lifts

“Many women feel unable to masturbate as they lack knowledge of the female anatomy and unsure about how to self-stimulate.”

– Masturbation Isn't Dirty

“When I hear these stories, I think: that so easily could have been me. I am only where I am today because I had people who believed in me.”

– Feminism Must Do Better By Disabled Women And Girls

“Lifting helped me a lot with my discipline, my health and my anxiety.”

– “I Feel Good, I Love How I Look” – Inside The Lives Of Black Women Bodybuilders

“I still don’t really go outside unless it’s for walks or going to get some fresh air.”

– For Those With Sickle Cell Disease, Lockdown Continues

“Being in The Valleys and with all the disruptions from Covid, checking on my contraceptive pill supply was not at the top of my to-do list.”

– The Pill, The Pandemic And Lockdown In The Welsh Valleys