Gender Identity, Religious Trauma, and the Why behind OSTC Swapcast with Mental Illness Happy Hour

My Therapist is Out! Podcast - Ep 28 Gender Identity, Religious Trauma, and the Why behind OSTC Swapcast with Mental Illness Happy Hour

This week’s episode is a swapcast with the Mental Illness Happy Hour. Host Paul Gilmartin (he/him) interviews Open Space Therapy Collective founder Renae Johnson (they/them) about their personal story and how it led them to founding OSTC as a hub for queer and trans mental health care.

 In this episode Paul & Renae talk about:

• How religious trauma numbs us from ourselves
• How feeling like “not fitting anywhere” was the clue to help unlock the exploration into gender fluidity
• The never ending process of self-discovery
• Finding love in chosen family
• Importance of LGBTQ+ community building 

 

Join us as we dive into how Renae’s journey of intergenerational trauma and queer self-discovery led to finding chosen family, an authentic sense of self, and the desire to build a welcoming landing spot for the greater queer and trans community.

Mental Illness Happy Hour & Paul Gilmartin Bio: 

 

Comedian Paul Gilmartin hosts a weekly, hour-long audio podcast consisting of interviews with artists, friends and the occasional doctor. The show is geared towards anyone interested in or affected by depression, addiction and other mental challenges which are so prevalent in the creative arts.

 

Paul’s hope is that the show and this website will give people a place to connect, smile and feel the return of hope. The biggest myth about mental illness is that you are alone and there is no help.

 

From 1995 to 2011 Paul Gilmartin co-hosted TBS’ Dinner and a Movie. As a standup he has appeared 0n Comedy Central Presents: Paul Gilmartin and numerous other shows that everyone has since forgotten. He is a frequent guest on the Jimmy Dore Show performing political satire as right-wing Congressman Richard Martin. 

 

Paul was thrilled to be diagnosed with clinical depression in 1999 because it meant he wasn’t just an asshole. By 2003, he realized he was still an asshole and an alcoholic. Since 2003 he has been sober, mostly happy and a tiny bit less of an asshole.

OSTC Founder Renae Johnson Bio: 

 

Renae Johnson (they/them) founded Open Space Therapy Collective (OSTC), a group practice and community hub that focuses on mental health for and by the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities and their allies.  

 

Renae is an art therapist who specializes in working with queer artists who are exploring their gender identity and recovering from complex trauma. Previous to founding OSTC, Renae spent a decade in community mental health services, providing therapy and as an Operations Director in organizations serving people experiencing complex co-occurring diagnoses. Prior to their career as a therapist, Renae was a working artist who worked in figurative painting and sculpture. 

 

Renae is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Board Certified Art Therapist, and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional.  

 

To find more from Paul & MIHH visit:

https://mentalpod.com/

https://www.instagram.com/mentalpod/

 

To find more from OSTC visit:

https://www.openspacetherapycollective.com/meet-debbie

https://www.instagram.com/openspacetherapycollective/

https://www.tiktok.com/@openspacetherapy

https://www.tiktok.com/@mytherapistisout

https://www.instagram.com/mytherapistisout

 

Content warning: religious and intergenerational trauma, sexual abuse