Intersectional Psychology

Content note: This episode references transphobic arguments and objections to gender-affirming health care (GAHC) in our discussion and explanation of the guidelines for GAHC. If you’re unable to engage with these topics right now, you are welcome to skip this episode or come back to it when you feel better resourced. 

In this powerful follow-up, host Aurora Brown and Dr Anastacia Tomson, MD, dive deeper into the complexities of gender-affirming healthcare in South Africa. They tackle systemic barriers, debunk pervasive myths, and explore how institutions — from clinics to workplaces — can truly support trans and gender-diverse (TGD) communities. Dr Tomson’s insights blend clinical expertise with lived experience, offering actionable steps towards dignity-centered care.

📸 @anaphylaxus

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📄 Download a transcript of this episode on IntersectionalPsychology.com.

00:00:00 Land acknowledgement

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Tomson, A., McLachlan, C., Wattrus, C., Adams, K., Addinall, R., Bothma, R., Jankelowitz, L., Kotze, E., Luvuno, Z., Madlala, N., Matyila, S., Padavatan, A., Pillay, M., Rakumakoe, M., Tomson-Myburgh, M., Venter, W., & de Vries, E. (2021). Southern African HIV Clinicians Society gender-affirming healthcare guideline for South Africa. Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine, 22(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhivmed.v22i1.1299

McKinney, A. Among the Stars, no piano edit. ZapSplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/among-the-stars-no-piano-soothing-ambient-choir-portrays-panoramic-space-good-for-landscapes/ 

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Content note: This episode discusses transphobic objections to gender-affirming health care (GAHC) in our explanation of the guidelines for GAHC. If you’re unable to engage with these topics right now, you are welcome to skip this episode or come back to it when you feel better resourced. 

What if the evidence does exist — and it’s just being willfully ignored?

In this episode, clinical psychologist and PsySSA SGD executive member Thembisile Dlamini joins us to unpack the Practice Guidelines for Psychology Professionals Working with Sexually and Gender-Diverse People (2nd edition). These groundbreaking guidelines, published by the Psychological Society of South Africa and the African LGBTQIA+ Human Rights Project, are the only comprehensive, evidence-based mental health guidelines of their kind on the African continent. Together, we explore the real research behind gender-affirming care, the values that underpin the guidelines, and the very deliberate misinformation being spread by anti-trans movements.

We also discuss the role of psychology professionals in countering stigma, upholding self-determination, supporting diverse family structures, and advocating for social justice. If you’re a mental health practitioner, an LGBTQIA+ ally, or someone navigating your own identity, this conversation is for you. Thembisile brings warmth, insight, and clarity to a subject that is too often clouded by fearmongering and bad-faith debate. Spoiler: the evidence is real, the guidelines are robust, and gender-affirming care is mental health care.

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00:00:00 Land acknowledgement

Psychological Society of South Africa. (2025). Practice Guidelines For Psychology Professionals Working With Sexually And Gender-Diverse People. Johannesburg: Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA).

See Privacy Policy at https://intersectionalpsychology.com/privacy-policy/

Content note: This episode references transphobic arguments and objections to gender-affirming health care (GAHC) in our discussion and explanation of the guidelines for GAHC. If you’re unable to engage with these topics right now, you are welcome to skip this episode or come back to it when you feel better resourced. 

This episode kicks off a multi-part series on the health of trans and gender-diverse (TGD) communities in South Africa. Dr Anastacia Tomson — medical doctor, activist, and lead author of South Africa's groundbreaking gender-affirming healthcare guidelines — joins us to dispel myths, clarify misconceptions, and highlight the life-saving importance of evidence-based, compassionate care.

📸 @anaphylaxus

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🔗 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts 

You can contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund at https://www.pcrf.net/ 

📄 Download a transcript of this episode on IntersectionalPsychology.com.

00:00:00 Land acknowledgement

00:00:28 Title credits

00:00:43 Health disclaimer

00:01:38 Welcome and introduction

00:05:11 About the work of Dr Anastacia Tomson

00:11:16 The real values underpinning gender-affirming health care (GAHC)

00:19:27 The actual access to GAHC

00:23:32 Gender-inclusive language 101

00:27:01 Non-medical gender-affirming practices

00:33:23 What is hormone therapy actually?

00:41:38 What is gender-affirming surgery actually?

00:50:59 A future for everyone

00:56:17 End credits

Tomson, A., McLachlan, C., Wattrus, C., Adams, K., Addinall, R., Bothma, R., Jankelowitz, L., Kotze, E., Luvuno, Z., Madlala, N., Matyila, S., Padavatan, A., Pillay, M., Rakumakoe, M., Tomson-Myburgh, M., Venter, W., & de Vries, E. (2021). Southern African HIV Clinicians Society gender-affirming healthcare guideline for South Africa. Southern African Journal of HIV Medicine, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.4102/sajhivmed.v22i1.1299 

Tomson, A. (2020). Always Anastacia. Jeppestown: Jonathan Ball Publishers.

McKinney, A. Among the Stars, no piano edit. ZapSplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/among-the-stars-no-piano-soothing-ambient-choir-portrays-panoramic-space-good-for-landscapes/

Miles, D. Shades of Orange. ZapSplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/shades-of-orange-a-serene-relaxing-warm-ambient-piece-with-slow-mellow-chords-perfect-for-relaxation-meditation-etc/

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Aurora drops into your feed for a brief announcement in lieu of this week's episode. 

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This episode is a gentle full-body breath awareness practice cultivating self-compassion through mindful breathing. It builds on the diaphragmatic breathing we did in our last relaxation practice to help you soften into your body, release judgment, and affirm your inherent worth.

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You can contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund at https://www.pcrf.net/ 

📄 Download a transcript of this episode at IntersectionalPsychology.com.

00:00:00 Land acknowledgement

This episode of Intersectional Psychology was researched, written, recorded, and edited by Aurora Brown.

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Aurora and Neesha delve deeper into trauma-informed counselling for children in South Africa. They discuss the lingering effects of systemic oppression, practical approaches to trauma care for young clients, and how parents and professionals can support healing. Neesha also shares essential self-care strategies for those working in emotionally demanding fields.

Download a transcript of this episode on IntersectionalPsychology.com.

📧 [email protected]

📸 Instagram.com/neeshachhiba_rc_counselling

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00:00:00 Land acknowledgement

00:00:28 Title credits

00:00:49 Welcome and introduction

00:01:17 Power, freedom, and difference in mental health care

00:09:36 Trauma-informed mental health care with children

00:20:11 How parents can support the mental health of their children

00:29:11 Trauma-informed self care

00:33:07 Navigating the future of child mental health care

00:34:37 End credits

🎞 Watch the YouTube video of this episode

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📮 Got feedback or questions? Reach out at @IntersectionalPsychology

You can contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund at https://www.pcrf.net/ 

This episode of Intersectional Psychology was researched, written, recorded, and edited by Aurora Brown.

Cochrane, L. and Chellan, W. (2017). "The Group Areas Act affected us all": Apartheid and Socio-Religious Change in the Cape Town Muslim Community, South Africa, Oral History Forum D’histoire Orale, 2. http://www.oralhistoryforum.ca/index.php/ohf/article/download/644/724.

DeepTheme Audio. Analog Bubbles. ZapSplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/analog-bubbles-dreamy-calm-and-carefree-musical-bumper-stinger-intro-outro/

Miles, D. Shades of Orange. ZapSplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/shades-of-orange-a-serene-relaxing-warm-ambient-piece-with-slow-mellow-chords-perfect-for-relaxation-meditation-etc/

Ngubane, N.P. and De Gama, B.Z. (2024). The influence of culture on the cause, diagnosis and treatment of serious mental illness (Ufufunyana): Perspectives of traditional health practitioners in the Harry Gwala District, KwaZulu-Natal, Culture Medicine and Psychiatry, 48(3), pp. 634–654. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11013-024-09863-7.

Perks, B. (2024). Trauma Proof. ITHAKA.

Yehuda, R. (2022). How parents' trauma leaves biological traces in children, SCIAM.

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In this episode, Aurora sits down with Registered Counsellor Neesha Chhiba to explore decolonial approaches to counselling children in South Africa. They discuss the historical, socioeconomic, and cultural factors shaping mental health challenges, the limitations of Western-centric psychology, and practical ways to integrate culturally responsive care into practice.

📧 [email protected]

📸 Instagram.com/neeshachhiba_rc_counselling

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 🌈 Share this episode with someone who loves to learn

 📮 Got feedback or questions? Reach out at @IntersectionalPsychology

 🎁 Support this podcast and access bonus content, including additional episodes and interviews, as well as more guided mindfulness sessions, go to Patreon.com/IntersectionalPsychology. As an independent media creator, I really appreciate your support.

You can contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund at https://www.pcrf.net/ 

Download a transcript of this episode on IntersectionalPsychology.com.

00:00:00 Land acknowledgement

00:00:28 Title credits

00:00:52 Welcome and introduction

00:01:54 About the work of Neesha Chhiba

00:12:43 Factors impacting the mental health of children in South Africa

00:29:30 Decolonial practice with children

00:42:34 End credits

Cochrane, L. and Chellan, W. (2017). "The Group Areas Act affected us all": Apartheid and Socio-Religious Change in the Cape Town Muslim Community, South Africa, Oral History Forum D’histoire Orale, 2. http://www.oralhistoryforum.ca/index.php/ohf/article/download/644/724.

DeepTheme Audio. Analog Bubbles. ZapSplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/analog-bubbles-dreamy-calm-and-carefree-musical-bumper-stinger-intro-outro/

Miles, D. Shades of Orange. ZapSplat. https://www.zapsplat.com/music/shades-of-orange-a-serene-relaxing-warm-ambient-piece-with-slow-mellow-chords-perfect-for-relaxation-meditation-etc/

Ngubane, N.P. and De Gama, B.Z. (2024). The influence of culture on the cause, diagnosis and treatment of serious mental illness (Ufufunyana): Perspectives of traditional health practitioners in the Harry Gwala District, KwaZulu-Natal, Culture Medicine and Psychiatry, 48(3), pp. 634–654. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11013-024-09863-7

Perks, B. (2024). Trauma Proof. ITHAKA.

Yehuda, R. (2022). How parents' trauma leaves biological traces in children, SCIAM.

Content note: This episode includes discussions of apartheid, colonialism, Gaza, genocide, and gender-based violence. If you’re unable to engage with these topics right now, you are welcome to skip this episode or come back to it when you feel better resourced. 

In this powerful episode, activist and Registered Counsellor Shaheeda Sadeck joins us again to discuss the underreported realities of Islamophobia in South Africa, the mental health struggles of lesbian Muslim women, and why South Africa has taken such a bold stance against the genocide in Gaza. From hate crimes against mosques to the legacy of apartheid and its parallels with Palestinian oppression, this conversation bridges faith, justice, and decolonial psychology. 

Shaheeda also shares insights from her groundbreaking research on queer Muslim women in Cape Town and the urgent need for mental health practitioners to advocate for Palestinian liberation.

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🌈 Rate and share this episode 

📮 Got feedback or questions? Reach out at @IntersectionalPsychology

🎁 Support this podcast and access bonus content, including additional episodes and interviews, as well as more guided mindfulness sessions, go to Patreon.com/IntersectionalPsychology. As an independent media creator, I really appreciate your support.

You can contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund at https://www.pcrf.net/ 

Download a transcript of this episode on IntersectionalPsychology.com.

📌 Support the Institute for Healing of Memories (IHOM): https://healing-memories.org/donate/

👇 Chapters

00:00:00 Land acknowledgement

This episode of Intersectional Psychology was researched, written, recorded, and edited by Aurora Brown.

🎶Additional music credits

Content note: This episode includes discussions of apartheid, colonialism, grief and loss, gender-based violence, and intergenerational trauma. If you’re unable to engage with these topics right now, you are welcome to skip this episode or come back to it when you feel better resourced. 

In this powerful conversation, activist and Registered Counsellor Shaheeda Sadeck joins me to unpack what decolonial mental health looks like in practice — from schools and communities to spiritual spaces and activist networks.

We talk about the psychological legacy of apartheid, Shaheeda's work with marginalised communities in Cape Town, how social practice and multiculturalism enhance psychology, and the role of traditional healing in mental healthcare. You’ll walk away from this conversation inspired, challenged, and ready to rethink what healing really means.

🔗 Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts

🌈 Rate and share this episode 

📮 Got feedback or questions? Reach out at @IntersectionalPsychology

🎁 Support this podcast and access bonus content, including additional episodes and interviews, as well as more guided mindfulness sessions, go to Patreon.com/IntersectionalPsychology. As an independent media creator, I really appreciate your support.

You can contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund at https://www.pcrf.net/ 

Download a transcript of this episode on IntersectionalPsychology.com.

📌 Support the Institute for Healing of Memories (IHOM): https://healing-memories.org/donate/

00:00:00 Land acknowledgement

00:00:28 Title credits and content note

00:01:13 Welcome and introduction

00:05:06 About the work of Shaheeda Sadeck

00:19:16 The historical, socioeconomic, and cultural factors impacting mental health

00:26:12 Decolonising mental health explained

00:38:13 How social practice and multiculturalism enhance psychology

00:47:02 End credits

This episode of Intersectional Psychology was researched, written, recorded, and edited by Aurora Brown.

In this debut relaxation session from the Intersectional Psychology podcast, Aurora Brown guides you through a diaphragmatic (or "belly") breathing practice — the foundational technique for nervous system regulation. Whether you're new to relaxation exercises or already building a daily practice, this episode offers a grounding, affirming space to reconnect with your breath, body, and inner safety.

You'll learn how deep breathing calms the brain's stress responses, helping to bring your body into a parasympathetic state — where rest, recovery, and healing become possible.

🌬️ The science of diaphragmatic breathing

🧠 How breathwork calms the amygdala and activates the vagus nerve

🌊 A guided 3-3-6 breathing rhythm to regulate anxiety and panic

❤️ Affirming modifications for diverse bodies and abilities

🌿 The role of breath in building long-term emotional resilience

✅ Practice seated or lying down — whatever feels safe

Download a transcript of this episode on IntersectionalPsychology.com.

00:00:00-00:00:18 Title cards and announcements

00:00:19-00:05:48 Welcome and introduction to diaphragmatic breathing

00:05:49-00:16:59 Diaphragmatic breathing relaxation practice

00:17:00-00:19:50 Why we need an intersectional model

This episode of Intersectional Psychology was researched, written, recorded, and edited by Aurora Brown.

Follow the podcast to catch next week’s episode — which features our first guest in conversation on decolonising mental health!

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You can contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund at https://www.pcrf.net/ 

Cavé, J. (2024) Diaphragmatic breathing frontloading. Johannesburg: Impact Training.

Cunningham, R. (2017). Yoga for athletes. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Goldfried, M.R. & Davison, G.C. (1995-2005). Diaphragmatic Breathing. The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Kaufman, K.A., Glass, C.R., & Pineau, T.R. (2018). Mindful sport performance enhancement: Mental training for athletes and coaches. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Porges, S.W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-regulation. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.