Queer and Here: Let’s Talk Mental Health

In this conversation, Hillary shares her deeply personal journey through childhood trauma, family dynamics, and the impact of loss. She reflects on her relationship with her mother, the challenges of growing up in a dysfunctional family, and the struggles of navigating her identity as a queer individual. Through vulnerability and honesty, Hillary discusses the importance of therapy, the weight of shame and guilt, and the resilience...

In this conversation, Stephanie shares her journey as a queer writer and the founder of the literary journal 'Let's Say Gay,' which aims to create safe spaces for queer youth. She discusses the impact of recent legislative changes in Florida on LGBTQ+ youth, the importance of storytelling and representation, and the empowerment that comes from community and expression. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by queer youth...

In this conversation, Bryan Stanton shares their journey as a queer educator, discussing their experiences in Texas and the challenges they faced in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights within the educational system. They highlight the importance of community support, innovative teaching methods, and the impact of their transition to New York City. Bryan emphasizes the ongoing struggles within the education system and the need for advocacy...

In this episode of Queer and Here, host Alicia Nolan welcomes the hosts of Leftist Lezzies, Kelly Wise and KB King, to discuss the intersection of queer identity and politics. They explore their motivations for starting the podcast, the impact of political decisions on mental health, and the importance of community and allyship in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The conversation also addresses the challenges faced by transgender indiv...

In this conversation, Enfys Book discusses their journey as a queer author and spiritual leader, sharing insights from their latest book 'Queer Rites'. They explore the importance of personal sovereignty, the significance of rituals in queer rites of passage, and the challenges of navigating identity and acceptance within family dynamics. The discussion also touches on mental health and the need for supportive practices in the quee...

Summary

In this conversation, Marcie Macari shares her profound journey through religious trauma, identity struggles, and the search for community and acceptance as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. She reflects on her experiences of being stranded in Africa, navigating relationships, and the impact of her upbringing in a fundamentalist Christian environment. Marcie also reads a poignant piece from a queer anthology that encapsulat...

In this conversation, Natalie Jovanic shares their journey as a non-binary counselor, discussing their experiences with childhood trauma, the challenges of navigating identity, and the healing process through various therapeutic modalities. They emphasize the importance of understanding systemic oppression, the role of literature in healing, and the significance of setting boundaries for self-care. Natalie also highlights their wor...

In this conversation, Van Ethan Levy shares their extensive work as an advocate and educator for trans and non-binary identities, discussing their personal journey, the challenges faced by the LGBTQ community, and the importance of creating safe spaces. They highlight the impact of societal norms and the current political climate on mental health, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in addressing transphobia and a...

In this conversation, Sadie Smith, a psychological counselor and music therapist, discusses her journey from Canada to Berlin, her work with queer individuals, and the importance of music therapy in mental health. She explores the concept of polyamorous families, the global landscape of LGBTQ rights, and the challenges faced by trans individuals. Sadie emphasizes the healing power of music and how it can be used to express emotions...

In this conversation, Ren shares their journey of self-discovery and gender identity within the dance world. They discuss their experiences growing up as a dancer, the challenges of coming out as non-binary, and the impact of costuming choices on their mental health and performance. Ren emphasizes the importance of communication and support in navigating these challenges, as well as the need for greater understanding and acceptance...

In this conversation, Cam Murphy, a somatic body psychotherapist, discusses the intricacies of somatic therapy and EMDR, particularly in relation to trauma. They share their personal journey into the mental health field, emphasizing the importance of establishing a safe therapeutic relationship before delving into trauma work. The discussion also highlights the challenges of finding a queer therapist and the systemic issues within ...

Summary

In this conversation, therapist Ben Stimpson shares his journey into therapy, focusing on his work with the queer community and the importance of narrative and spirituality in therapy. He discusses the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, particularly in the UK, and the cultural narratives that shape societal attitudes. Ben also reflects on his move back to the UK and the differences in therapeutic approaches between N...

In this conversation, Jacob discusses his debut album 'Love J. Henry', which began as a love letter to his husband and evolved into a profound exploration of self-love and personal trauma. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of mental health, visibility, and authenticity in creative expression, as well as the power of storytelling in music to connect with others on an emotional level. Jay shares insights on vulnerability, the jo...

In this episode of Queer and Here, host Alicia Nolan engages in a heartfelt conversation with Candace Combs, exploring the intersection of mental health and the LGBTQ+ community. They discuss the importance of mental wellness, the impact of stress on physical health, particularly TMJ, and the necessity of using one's voice in activism. Candace shares her journey from the tech industry to wellness, emphasizing the importance of comm...

In this episode of Queer and Here, host Alicia Nolan engages in a heartfelt conversation with drag artist Jessica L'Whor about her journey of self-discovery, the challenges of navigating identity within a complex family dynamic, and the importance of self-love and acceptance. Jessica shares her experiences of coming out, the impact of her father's rejection, and her path to finding joy and authenticity in her life. The discussion h...

Summary

In this episode of Queer and Here, host Alicia Nolan engages in a heartfelt conversation with Alex Vaughan, a trans non-binary individual and fitness professional. They discuss the importance of allyship in the fitness industry, the journey of coming out later in life, and the challenges faced as a transgender parent navigating the court system. The conversation emphasizes the need for compassion, understanding, and advocac...

In this episode of Queer and Here, host Alicia Nolan discusses the pressing issue of election anxiety within the LGBTQ+ community, especially in light of recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Joined by guests Debbie Scheer and Devyn Box, they explore the emotional toll of political discourse, the importance of community support, and strategies for self-care during election season. The conversation emphasizes the need for resilience, humo...

Summary

In this inaugural episode of the Queer in Here podcast, host Alicia Nolan introduces the vision behind the show, which focuses on mental health within the LGBTQ community. She shares her personal journey, including the profound impact of her wife's suicide on her life and her subsequent mission to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. The episode outlines the importance of community support and the nee...