Posts Tagged ‘glbt’

“The White House is lit up like a gay pride flag!”

July 27th, 2015

LGBT therapistIt was the night of the Supreme Court decision on marriage equality. I was at dinner with some friends and things were winding down. It was late, almost midnight, and I quickly checked Facebook and saw what seemed unbelievable. The White House was bathed in the six colors of the gay pride flag. I shouted out, “The White House is lit up like a gay pride flag!” I decided that I had to see it in person, so I rode my bike to the White House, arriving at 12:30 am.

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Queer is the New Cool

June 26th, 2014

What is it like when gender becomes so obscure and individualized that it seems to no longer matter as much as it did before…while still being an important part of someone’s identity and experience? Attend a conference for Trans*/GNC (Gender Non-conforming) folk and their allies and you’ll see for yourself, as I recently did, and you’ll realize how radically different, and accepting, the world can be.

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The Trouble with Passing

January 22nd, 2014

For many transgender people, particularly those who identify on the gender binary, “passing” is of particular importance.  And this makes a lot of sense to me.  I understand the very real concerns about people on the streets, at the job, or in a restroom recognizing you as transgender. There can be powerful, negative repercussions when that happens.  Unfortunately, we see this all the time and even have an annual day of mourning to those whose lives are lost due to the fear and hatred of others.  However, I have seen in my work that passing also comes with some troubles.

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Teens, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity

November 22nd, 2008

Sometimes when adolescents show behaviors and interests that differ from their peers, parents are ecstatic.  A physics genius, an interest in reading and writing rather than Wii!  Things like this excite parents.  When a teen shows affectional and sexual interest in their same-sex or when boys “act like girls” and girls “like boys” – well, this is when parents and caregivers often times get confused or concerned.

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A Proposition Not Worth Making

November 6th, 2008

In the wake of Proposition 8 passing in California, I’ve been reflecting on what this means for LGBT folk.  For those who don’t know, Proposition 8 is a referendum that passed a few days ago, creating a state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.

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Questioning Sexual Orientation

November 5th, 2008

For some folk, realizing that you are attracted to a person of the same sex can be a confusing and anxiety-producing experience.  All of the sudden, your life is not what you think it is.  Your dreams for the future seem less clear.     

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Good News for Same-Sex Couples!

October 27th, 2008

No – marriage equality hasn’t spread across the country…yet.  However, Dr. John Gottman of The Gottman Institute has learned some interesting things in his study of lesbian and gay couples.  And it appears that same-sex couples have something to teach straight couples. 

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Making Relationships Work

October 21st, 2008

I’ve been reading up on Couples Therapy lately.  It’s quite interesting what a specific researcher is saying.  Dr. John Gottman at the University of Washington in Seattle has been researching couples for years.  He has found the qualities that make or break a couple – and they’re not what we’ve come to expect.

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Questioning Gender Identity

October 20th, 2008

People questioning their gender identity need to be assured that their therapist is affirming and knowledgeable. I have educated myself, gained training, and have experience working with transgender folk and people uncomfortable with the gender they were assigned.

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