Aliza and Sue welcome Heather Rae Barker for a deep dive into how chronic pain shows up in Star Trek. Frequent pain-related questions like “Do the Borg feel pain?” and “Why does Geordi refuse pain relief for his visor?” are explored, before revisiting the DS9 episode “Melora” and finding modern day parallels to accessibility and the burdens of adaptability.
Hosts: Aliza and Sue
Guest: Heather Rae Barker – @heatherraebarker (they/she)
Editor: Sue
Links:
- Nociception and Star Trek
- Reddit thread “Are Borg in Constant Pain?”
- What Star Trek Got Wrong about Geordi’s Disabilities by Janet Jay
- WAW Episode 38: Disability and Ableism in Trek
- Bonus: Trekking Through the Pain by John DeQuadros
Additional Resources:
- Administration for Community Living
- National Disability Organizations and Resources
- American Association of People with Disabilities
- Attention Deficit Disorder Association
- Autistic Self Advocacy Network
- Autoimmune Association
- National Fibromyalgia Association
- Doctor Patient Forum (Pain Management Awareness)
- Job Accommodation Network
- Don’t Punish Pain Rallies