Posts Tagged ‘lgbt’

“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.

Read the rest of this page »

Sojourner’s Truth

March 20th, 2015

build your confidenceI’m not man enough, says one trans male client. I question my masculinity, says another cis male client. Am I as much of a woman as a cis woman?, asks a trans female client. Why doesn’t my life matter?, asks an African American cis male client. Questions like these pop up with much regularity in my work. People questioning their authenticity because cultural “norms” and life experiences make them feel out of place, invalidated, and just plain crappy about themselves.

Read the rest of this page »

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.

Read the rest of this page »

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.

Read the rest of this page »

Gender Therapist – Gender Therapy

September 19th, 2010

gender therapistMost people never question their gender – they don’t even realize that they have a gender identity.  It just is.  For others, the path is different.  If you identify as transgender, transsexual, Female to Male, Male to Female, Genderqueer, or any way other than Cisgendered, you know that path.  And sometimes, you may find it helpful to have a therapist journey with you.

Read the rest of this page »

Sex and Self-Esteem

February 13th, 2009

The December 2008 Journal of Health & Science reported that gay men who feel sexually undesirable are more likely to have risky sex (The Advocate, February 2009 issue).  Gay men with positive body images are more likely to insist that their partners use condoms.  In other words, gay men who feel good about themselves make better decisions about their health.

Read the rest of this page »

Overcoming Marginalized Experiences

December 21st, 2008

Almost any day, when I read the newspaper, I am confronted with the ways social forces try to marginalize minority folks, their experiences, and opinions.  Women, People of Color, Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual folks, and Transgender people are often told to quit complaining.  “You’re taking things too seriously.”  “It’s not as bad as you make it out to be.”  “You’re ridiculous.”  All of these messages, from my point of view, are the greater culture’s effort to maintain status quo and keep others from living their lives the way it was meant to be.

Read the rest of this page »

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.

Read the rest of this page »

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.     

Read the rest of this page »

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. 

Read the rest of this page »