Serving Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Trans*, Queer, Questioning, and Intersexed+ (LGBTQQI+)
Why Choose me to Share your Story?
Understanding Your Uniqueness
As a gay therapist, I understand what it feels like to live in a world where most things are geared for heterosexuality. When it comes to our mental health, why settle for therapy performed by someone, who may not be fully trained to understand our uniqueness? Indeed, many therapists from the dominant culture may advertise as LGBTQQI+ friendly or claim to be informed about the GLBTQQI+ community. Yet are they really? How comfortable are they with dealing with issues relating to a non-heterosexual lifestyle? Most importantly, how effective would they be in helping in issues surrounding coming out, dating, romance, and marriage and family? The truth is, our issues are unique in nature and requires someone skilled in understanding that uniqueness.
What do Lables Mean to You?
As a gay counselor, I recognize that in a world where people are so ready to label us, it is necessary for some to define themselves on their own terms. I am not much into trying to fit someone in a box that may or may not work for them. For me, labels are a social construct that are designed to limit the individual. However you define yourself, what is most important is that you stay true to yourself. For this reason, my goal as a LGBTQ+ therapist is to help others reach a place where they can live as their authentic self.
Working with You
Undoubtedly, wherever you are in your journey, I will meet you there. It is important to realize that no one person is in the same place. Now, it may be that some of you have fully accepted yourselves. Then there are those among you, who may still be searching for your own answers. In either case, I would like to have the honor and privilege of working with you.
What are Issues I Can Help You with?
~Transitioning
~Living with not transitioning
~Coming Out
~Coping with loneliness
~Internalized homophobia
~Relationship Challenges
~Intimate Partner Abuse
~Body Image
~Couples Counseling
~Career
~Marriage and Family
~ Healthy Boundaries
~Loss and Grief
~Trauma and Abuse
~Addiction Issues
Links & Resources
Political
Equality Federation
Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
National LGBTQ Task Force
Victory Fund
Bisexual
BIENESTAR
BiNetUSA
Bisexual.org
Bisexual Resource Center
Youth
Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
GSA Network
LGBTQ Student Resources & SupportPoint Foundation
Safe Schools Coalition
The Trevor Project
Military
The American Military Partner Association (AMDA)
American Veterans for Equal Rights
OutServe-Service Members Legal Defense Network
Palm Center
Transgender American Veterans Association
Veterans for Human Rights
Transgender
National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE)
Sylvia Rivera Law Project
Transgender Law Center
Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund
Aging
National Resource Center for LGBT Aging
Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders (SAGE)
Legal
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
Lambda Legal
The LGBT Bar
National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR)
People of Color
African American Resources
Chican@ and Latin@ Resources
Native American Resources
Asian American Resources
Jewish Resources
Immigrant Resources
Other Resources
Southerners On New Ground (Regional Queer liberation organization made up of Southern LGBTQ people)
General
Anti-Violence Project
CenterLink
COLAGE
GMHC
Matthew Shepard Foundation
Movement Advancement Project
Out & Equal
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
Straight for Equality
The Williams Institute
Some Facts...
Aging Adults
Aging LGBTQQI+ adults are more likely to be isolated, depressed and have suicidal ideations. Furthermore, aging LGBTQQI+ adults face additional barriers to health because of lack of social services and culturally competent providers~SAGE USA.ORG
Hate Crimes
“In the NCAVP report on hate violence, fifty percent of people, who died in violent hate crimes against LGBTQQI+ people were transgender women; the other half were male (mostly gender non-conforming males). Sexual assault and/or genital mutilation before or after their murders was a frequent occurrence.” It is important to note that violent hate crimes were predominant against people of color (53% hate crimes and 79% fatal deaths compared to LGBTQQI+, who identified as white). ~ Office for Victims of Crime
alcohol and Substance Abuse
Approximately 20% to 30% LGBTQQI+ individuals abuse substances compared to 9% of the straight community. And 25% abuse alcohol compared to 5% to 10% of the straight community (2).~Mental Health America
Suicide in youth and teens
LGBTQQI+ teens are four times more likely and questioning youth (ages 10-24 years old) are 3 times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts, engage in self-harming behaviors, and attempt suicide compared to straight teens. Not surprising, LGBTQQI+ youth’s suicide attempts were more serious in nature, necessitating visits to the hospital.~Mental Health America/NAMI
Bullying in School
As it pertains to bullying at school, LGBTQQI+ youth were more likely to be threatened with a weapon while in school grounds (10%). Thirty-four percent “were bullied on school property and 28% were bullied electronically.”~Centers for Disease Control
Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD
LGBTQQI+ youth and adults are three times more likely to develop a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder.~NAMI/Mental Health America/SAGE
