A Queer Understanding

Have you ever wondered how high-achieving professionals and members of the LGBTQ+ community navigate the complexities of therapy? Join us for a compelling conversation with Laurel Roberts-Meese, LMFT, a dedicated therapist and founder of the Laurel Therapy Collective, as she shares insights from her journey. From her early days in San Francisco to establishing a thriving practice in West Los Angeles, Laurel dives into her evolution as a therapist, her passion for EMDR therapy, and her commitment to holistic and narrative approaches that resonate deeply with diverse clients. Through her expertise, you'll learn about the transformative power of therapy tailored to the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community.

https://www.laureltherapy.net/ 
https://www.instagram.com/laureltherapycollective/ 
https://www.facebook.com/laureltherapycollective

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What if history was more colorful than you've ever imagined? Join us on A Queer Understanding as we sit down with Neil Laird, an accomplished documentary filmmaker and TV producer. Neil's journey is as fascinating as the stories he tells. Discover how his passion for cinema and history have converged into a mission to correct the misrepresentations of same-sex love in media through his creative ventures, including his comedic novels and engaging TikTok content.

https://bit.ly/PrimeTimePompeii
https://bit.ly/PrimeTimeTravelers

https://imdb.to/3YV5fok
https://bit.ly/NeilLairdTikTok
https://www.instagram.com/gay_history/

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Dr. Amy Herrick's story is a remarkable testament to the power of vulnerability and self-discovery. Professionally spanning genetics, chemistry, software engineering, and management, Amy's journey is a rich tapestry of personal growth and transformation. Throughout this discussion, we unravel the complexities of identity and gender, examining how they begin at birth and evolve under the influence of both inherent traits and societal norms. Amy shares insights that push against traditional definitions of femininity and masculinity, using historical and cultural examples to highlight the fluidity of these concepts. Her reflections offer a fresh perspective, shedding light on how gender and identity have been understood historically and how these understandings continue to evolve today.

https://www.amethysta.io/
https://genderidentitytoday.com/
https://genderidentitytoday.com/podcast/

https://www.instagram.com/amethystaherrick/
https://www.facebook.com/amethystadings
https://www.tiktok.com/@amethystaherrick

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What if the darkest times of your life could become your greatest strengths? Dr. Joshua Caraballo, an I-O psychologist, joins us to share his extraordinary journey of resilience and transformation. Through his memoir, "I'm Not Dead . . . Yet: How I Turned My Misfortunes Into Strengths," Joshua offers an unfiltered look at overcoming mental health battles, addiction, and cancer while embracing his queer identity. His story serves as a beacon of hope, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, as he reveals strategies for self-acceptance and the dismantling of harmful societal narratives.

https://www.drjosh.solutions/
https://www.facebook.com/DrJoshSolutions
https://www.instagram.com/dr_josh_solutions/ 

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What happens when your personal identity clashes with the beliefs you were raised with? Join us as Kyliegh Weathers, a former Mormon and now a Certified Attachment Coach, shares her extraordinary journey of self-acceptance and growth. Growing up as a lesbian in a conservative religious environment, Kyleigh opens up about the challenges she faced and how these experiences shaped her mission to foster healthier relationships through her coaching business, Queerly Attached. This episode is a heartfelt exploration into the world of attachment styles, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, where societal pressures and religious trauma often complicate relationship dynamics. Kyleigh also produces the podcast Exmo Lesbo KC Homo.
https://queerlyattached.net/ 
https://queerlyattached.net/podcast/ 
https://www.instagram.com/queerlyattached/ 
https://www.tiktok.com/@queerlyattached 

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Heather Gibbons shares her transformative journey from the corporate world to founding INMO Creative, a marketing agency driven by a passion for social impact. Influenced by Simon Sinek's "Find Your Why," she unpacks how experiences across various industries have fueled her commitment to making a positive impact. Her story underscores the power of meaningful work inspired by personal loss and health challenges, setting a compelling example for those seeking purpose-driven careers.

Heather shares candid reflections on navigating sexual orientation in the workplace, the challenges of queer parenthood and the significance of informed voting to protect these rights, the importance of allies, and the pivotal moments, like the George Floyd protests, that shaped her advocacy journey. Her experiences remind us of the potential we have to stand up and make a difference, one small gesture at a time.

https://www.instagram.com/inmo_creative/
https://www.facebook.com/inmocreative/

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Addison Moore, a dynamic Black and non-binary activist, shares their transformative journey from Georgia to Washington, D.C., reshaping the landscape of inclusive entrepreneurship and advocacy. You'll hear how Addison overcame a challenging childhood to own Dolly Queens Moving, a venture dedicated to serving the LGBTQ community, and their ambitions to expand into specialized remodeling and handy skills. Learn how Addison channels their passion for mutual aid and youth leadership through innovative approaches. Join us as we explore the critical role of youth in civic engagement as Addison highlights their work with Justice + Joy to inspire Gen Z to embrace local political participation. Addison offers fresh insights into the diverse challenges young people face, from economic inequity to reproductive justice, urging the vital need for their voices in crafting a fairer society.
IG: @thatkiddaddison
[email protected]

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What happens when a talented writer and illustrator channels personal struggles into powerful stories? Mark Julien, the acclaimed Canadian author behind the LGBTQ graphic novels "Just in Case and the Closet Monster: Hope" and "Becoming Able," joins us to share his inspiring journey. Mark opens up about the deeply personal motivations that led to his debut book, which serves as a heartfelt conversation with his late father. His tale of coming out to his family is as touching as it is humorous, showcasing the warmth and eventual acceptance he found, particularly through his mother's loving relationship with his husband, Stacy.
Join us for a compelling conversation that celebrates the power of authentic storytelling and its impact on the LGBTQ community.

https://markjulienillustration.com/

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Can a life-changing health scare lead to a flourishing jewelry business? Discover the remarkable journey of Jamal Wesley, who turned a crisis into a beacon of inclusivity and self-expression. With a 15-year background in the insurance industry, Jamal's pivot to creating a jewelry line that celebrates love and the LGBTQIA+ community is nothing short of inspiring. We'll explore his new book, "Authentically Authentic," and his YouTube series "Queer Love Letters," both of which underscore his mission to foster meaningful connections and champion authenticity. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of authenticity, love, and forgiveness, offering listeners invaluable insights and inspiration.

https://myauthenticbook.com/
https://bit.ly/QueerLoveLetters

Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding

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Matthew Reeves, a licensed professional counselor and nationally certified rehabilitation counselor, shares his powerful journey from a conservative upbringing to becoming the owner of Integral Mental Health Services. As a gay cis man who is legally blind, Matthew offers a unique lens on the mental health challenges within the LGBTQAI+ and disability communities. We talk about how his experiences shape his mission to help others transform their pain into strength, especially those dealing with trauma rooted in religious and spiritual backgrounds.

Matthew's narrative of personal growth and professional transformation underscores the beauty of embracing diverse perspectives. He opens up about the challenges of navigating relationships and identity, particularly when coming out isn't safe, and reflects on his struggles with self-censorship and the mixed reactions from his evangelical Christian family. Through it all, Matthew emphasizes self-compassion and the healing journey, offering valuable insights and advice to those facing similar struggles. Listen in for an inspiring conversation that highlights hope, resilience, and the power of specialized support.

Contact the hosts of A Queer Understanding

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