As an LGBTQ+ therapist, my own lived experiences have been some of the most foundational motivators of my professional growth. In working with clients of all backgrounds and orientations, I will often hear statements like, “I have never told this to anyone before” or “it feels good to have someone to talk with where I don’t feel judged.” Disclosure and vulnerability are key components of any healing process. With that being said, how and when we become vulnerable has much to do with our own sense of safety around the person(s) we are talking to. 

The “Coming Out” process, which in sexual minority terminology is the ongoing process of sharing our identities with people in our lives, often begins with those closest to us. My aim as a therapist has always been to create safer spaces in an often unsafe feeling world. I practice within the Minority Stress Model, which honors unique psycho-social stressors facing marginalized identities, and I would be happy to share these ideas with clients, who are either grappling with internalized stigma, or allies and would like to learn more about friends and partners who are experiencing minority status-related stresses. 

With the rise in legislation aimed at suppressing LGBTQ+ identities, especially those that are Transgender, Non-Binary, or Gender Non-Conforming, I believe that now is an especially important time for therapists to step up for our clients who may be struggling to feel safety and affirmation in their experiences. This year, for the first time ever, I had the privilege of attending the Contemporary Relationships Conference in Lexington, Kentucky. Immersing myself in the collective knowledge of this LGBTQ+ themed panel of speakers was both uplifting, and a stark reminder of some of daunting challenges specific to providing affirming care in a part of the United States  that has seen significant legislative regression in the past year alone. I am proud to announce that our practice founder Adriana Gil-Wilkerson, Phd, LMFT-S and I will be certified by 2024 as Queer and Trans Affirming Professionals (QTAP). So, in conclusion, I hope this June is replenishing for you however you identify. To our collective healing. 

*For more on Minority Stress Model: https://www.apa.org/pi/aids/resources/exchange/2012/04/minority-stress

*Note-For more on the Contemporary Relationships Conference and QTAP certification click: https://www.contemporaryrelationships.com/