Kimiko does cancer
At the age of twenty-five, Kimiko Tobimatsu was a queer, mixed-race woman with no prior history of health problems when her life was profoundly disrupted by a diagnosis of breast cancer.
Suddenly, Kimiko was thrust into a complex and unfamiliar reality defined by constant medical appointments, evaluations, and treatments, as well as difficult conversations with her partner and parents.Beautifully illustrated with sensitivity by Keet Geniza, Kimiko Does Cancer is a graphic memoir that challenges conventional cancer narratives by presenting the experience through the lens of a young woman. The work addresses subjects such as dating while in menopause, balancing professional responsibilities with treatment, and navigating interactions with well-meaning friends, health care providers, and fellow cancer survivors whose perspectives differ from Kimiko’s own.
Read an excellent review of this book Straight Cancer in a Queer Body (Polyphony) or purchase it here from Arsenal Pulp Press.
Kimiko also shares her story in this Refinery29 piece “What Breast Cancer Awareness Month & The Pink Ribbon Get Wrong“.
Kimiko’s story is also part of this Global News video Outside the Margins which discusses queer, trans and non-binary people’s experiences with cancer care in Canada.
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