Queer Magic Podcast

The real divide in the LGBTQIA+ community is not just politics - it's the stories we inherit, the labels we defend, and the fear of losing hard-won safety. Luis Cornejo and Grace Walcott get into the tensions shaping queer life right now, from trans backlash and internalized oppression to the surprising ways older and younger generations can actually heal each other.

Grace Walcott, a licensed marriage and family therapist, registered drama therapist, filmmaker, actor, and author, created River of Life LGBTQ+ to open up the conversation most people avoid: why queer people sometimes police one another, why “queer” means radically different things to different people, and how shame can hide inside even the communities built to liberate us. Through a powerful intergenerational process with participants ranging from their teens to their 80s, Grace shows how shared witnessing can turn conflict into compassion.

Luis brings his own lived experience as a genderqueer therapist and creator to the table, making this a deeply personal and emotionally honest conversation about identity, belonging, and what it takes to stop shrinking yourself for acceptance.

Together, they break down:

• how internalized oppression shows up inside LGBTQIA+ communities.
• why language like queer, trans, bisexual, and gender-expansive can carry radically different meaning.
• what happens when elders and youth sit in the same room and tell the truth.
• how the fight for visibility has shifted, but never really ended.
• why nonmonogamy, pleasure, and relationship structure are part of the same freedom conversation.

If you’ve ever felt out of place in queer spaces, struggled with labels, or wondered why the community can feel both expansive and deeply divided, this episode will hit hard. It’s about more than conflict... it’s about survival, nuance, and the magic of being seen without having to fit inside someone else’s box.Perfect for queer listeners, allies, therapists, and anyone navigating identity, community, or the pressure to “make sense” to the world. This one asks better questions - and leaves you with more compassion than certainty.

More about Grace

Grace Walcott (She/Her, He/Him), also known as Gracie X, is a director, actor, Drama Therapist, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and the author of Wide Open: My Adventures in Polyamory, Open Marriage and Loving On My Own Terms. A graduate of the California Institute of Integral Studies' Drama Therapy program, Walcott currently leads groups and sees individual clients throughout Oakland and the Bay Area.
Her first film, Ginger Snaps, based on her long-running San Francisco stage hit Grace Under Pressure, a feminist revenge fantasy about a woman whose breasts come alive with the ability to shoot, screened at Frameline SF LGBTQ+ Film Festival, Outfest in Los Angeles, the Berlin Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, and on PBS.
Her new film, River of Life LGBTQ+, a multigenerational documentary where drama therapy transforms stories — from bar raids to modern backlash — into healing, as elders and youth repair community rifts and reclaim belonging and radical joy, streams worldwide on October 13th on Amazon, Apple TV, and YouTube.
RiverofLifeLGBTQ.com
www.GraceWalcott.com

⚠️ Content Note / Trigger Warning

This episode includes discussion of childhood sexual abuse, spiritual abuse, and religious trauma. Please listen with care and take breaks if needed.

In this episode of the Queer Magic Podcast, I sit down with therapist and spiritual practitioner Sonia Fregoso, LMFT, to explore the intersection of spirituality, healing, trauma, and personal autonomy.

Sonia and I go way back, we first met early in our careers as therapists, and it has been powerful to witness how her work has evolved over the years. What began in traditional mental health spaces has expanded into a deeply personal and spiritual approach to healing that blends somatic awareness, cultural practices, and spiritual exploration.

Together we talk about:

• The difference between spirituality and religion

• Religious trauma and reclaiming personal belief systems

• The role of the body in healing emotional and spiritual wounds

• Spiritual authority, autonomy, and discernment

• Colonization and disconnection from ancestral knowledge

• The importance of somatic awareness and embodiment

• How therapists can move beyond rigid clinical frameworks to hold human-centered space

Sonia also shares about her personal healing journey—including navigating spiritual abuse, trauma, and the process of rebuilding spirituality on her own terms.

At its core, this conversation is about reclaiming agency over your beliefs, reconnecting with your body, and remembering that spirituality can be something you define for yourself.

As Sonia beautifully reminds us in this episode:

“Spirituality is what you make of it.”

About the Guest

Sonia Fregoso, LMFT

Sonia Fregoso is a licensed marriage and family therapist and spiritual practitioner who describes her work as that of a mystical somatic curandera. Her approach blends trauma-informed therapy, somatic awareness, and spiritual healing practices to help people reconnect with their bodies, release emotional pain, and reclaim their spiritual autonomy.

Through her work, Sonia guides clients toward deeper embodiment and healing through practices such as emotional energy work, cord cutting, and somatic awareness. Her philosophy centers on helping people reconnect to their own inner wisdom and spiritual authority, rather than relying on external systems of control.

Her practice emphasizes storytelling, presence, and embodiment as pathways toward emotional and spiritual transformation.

Connect with Sonia

Website:

https://obsidianwoman.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/lasoniafregoso/

What does trauma-informed care actually look like when you’re queer, navigating identity, safety, relationships, culture, and systems that weren’t built with you in mind?

In this episode of the Queer Magic Podcast, host Luis Cornejo (he/they) sits down with Janae R. Borrego, M.A., LMFT, CCTP, C-EMDR, CIMHP, CMIP (she/all) to break down what trauma-informed care really means for LGBTQ+ folks ... beyond buzzwords, checklists, and surface-level inclusivity.

Together, they unpack the difference between “big T” and “little t” trauma, how microaggressions, chronic stress, and systemic harm compound over time, and why many queer people don’t always recognize their experiences as trauma until it shows up in their nervous system, relationships, or sense of safety.

Janae shares how trauma-informed care shows up in real therapeutic practice: building trust, honoring lived experience, understanding cultural and identity-based stressors, and creating spaces where clients don’t have to educate their therapist just to feel seen. The conversation also explores therapist self-awareness, implicit bias, accessibility in mental health care, and what it truly means to center client autonomy and safety, especially for marginalized communities.

Whether you’re a queer person navigating your own healing, a clinician wanting to deepen your practice, or someone curious about how trauma actually lives in the body and mind, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical insight.

Because trauma-informed care isn’t just a framework... it’s a way of showing up.

 Connect with Janae / Learn More

• 🌐 Website: janaeborregolmft.com

• 📸 Instagram (Personal): @janaeborregolmft

• 🧠 Instagram (Practice): @jbpsychotherapycc

• 🌈 LGBTQ+ Affirming Program: rainbowhillrecovery.com

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• The difference between “big T” and “little t” trauma — and why both matter

• How microaggressions and systemic oppression impact mental health over time

• What trauma-informed therapy looks like beyond buzzwords and surface allyship

• Why safety, trust, and autonomy are foundational in queer-affirming care

• The role of therapist self-awareness, bias, and lived experience

• How trauma can show up in relationships, identity, and the nervous system

• What LGBTQ+ folks deserve from their mental health providers

• How to advocate for yourself in therapeutic spaces

Summary

In this episode of the Queer Magic Podcast, host Luis Cornejo engages in a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Laura about the transformative power of movement and dance as a means of healing and self-expression. They explore the importance of joy, cultural connections through music, and the intersection of queerness and dance.

Dr. Laura shares her personal journey of finding liberation through movement, the challenges of societal expectations, and the significance of community in the dance world. The episode concludes with practical advice for those looking to embrace dance as a healing practice, regardless of their experience level.

Takeaways

Cultivating joy is essential for resilience.

Movement can spark joy and healing.

Dance connects us to our cultural roots.

Healing practices can be diverse and multifaceted.

Dance helps release trauma stored in our bodies.

Queerness and dance intersect in powerful ways.

Liberation through movement requires vulnerability.

Community in dance fosters connection and support.

New dancers should embrace the learning process.

Dancing at home can be a great way to start.

About Dr. Laura Minero, PhD, LP:

Dr. Laura Minero (she/ella) is a Latinx, queer, gender-expansive, formerly undocumented licensed psychologist and founder/CEO of Alchemy Psychology Colectivo Inc. She specializes in serving BIPOC, 2SQT+, Spanish-speaking, and immigrant communities through anti-racist, trauma-informed, and liberation-focused care.

A nationally recognized speaker and consultant, Dr. Minero has delivered 150+ keynotes and trainings across global and U.S. audiences. She earned her PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and is a published scientific author whose research on undocumented and asylum-seeking transgender immigrants has shaped national policy conversations.

Her work has received multiple state and national awards, including honors from the APA, National Latinx Psychological Association, and recognition as a Queer leader and community advocate.

Ways to Connect

Instagram: @alchemypsychologycolectivo

Website: www.alchemypsychologycolectivoinc.com

In this episode of Queer Magic, we delve into the transformative world of visual storytelling with Yulissa Mendoza (They/Elle), a third-generation Latine multimedia artist hailing from the semi-rural community of Muscoy in San Bernardino, CA.  Yulissa’s work as a photographer and mixed-media installation artist is deeply rooted in creating safe spaces that encourage full self-expression and exploration.

Join us as we discuss Yulissa’s journey, from their early inspirations to their commitment to amplifying marginalized voices. We explore how they challenge traditional gender roles while honoring cultural heritage, and how their art pushes the boundaries of fashion and culture. Yulissa shares insights into their creative process, the importance of community, and their vision for a more inclusive art world.

Tune in to hear how Yulissa captures the essence of queer magic through their lens, creating spaces where authenticity thrives and every story is valued.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! (YouTube coming soon).

Learn more about my styling packages on my website

www.luis-cornejo.com

#QueerMagicPodcast #YulissaMendoza #QueerArt #LGBTQCreatives #SafeSpaces #VisualStorytelling #InclusiveArt #LatineArtists #BreakingBoundaries #AmplifyVoices

In this episode of Queer Magic, we delve into the transformative world of visual storytelling with Yulissa Mendoza (They/Elle), a third-generation Latine multimedia artist hailing from the semi-rural community of Muscoy in San Bernardino, CA.  Yulissa’s work as a photographer and mixed-media installation artist is deeply rooted in creating safe spaces that encourage full self-expression and exploration.

Join us as we discuss Yulissa’s journey, from their early inspirations to their commitment to amplifying marginalized voices. We explore how they challenge traditional gender roles while honoring cultural heritage, and how their art pushes the boundaries of fashion and culture. Yulissa shares insights into their creative process, the importance of community, and their vision for a more inclusive art world.

Tune in to hear how Yulissa captures the essence of queer magic through their lens, creating spaces where authenticity thrives and every story is valued.

Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! (YouTube coming soon).

#QueerMagicPodcast #YulissaMendoza #QueerArt #LGBTQCreatives #SafeSpaces #VisualStorytelling #InclusiveArt #LatineArtists #BreakingBoundaries #AmplifyVoices

Episode Title: Empowering At-Risk Queer Youth with Antonio Mateo Garcia

In this episode of Queer Magic, we explore the urgent realities faced by at-risk Queer youth and the power of community-driven support. My guest, Antonio Mateo Garcia (he/they), a queer Latinx transgender man and founder of HELP by AMG, shares his powerful journey from overcoming homelessness to leading a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting those in need.

Antonio’s lived experiences, from navigating life as a neurodivergent individual to pursuing a master’s degree in nonprofit management, have shaped his passion for advocacy and direct action. Together, we discuss the systemic barriers Queer youth face, the importance of mentorship, and how we can all contribute to creating safer, more supportive spaces for the next generation.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, empowerment, and the actionable steps we can take to make a real difference.

🎧 Available now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Podcasts.

🎙 Episode Title: Healing Your Inner Child & Celebrating Queer Latinx Joy 

Welcome back to The Queer Magic Podcast! In this episode, host Luis Cornejo (He/They) sits down with Angel Fabián Rivera, an actor, host, and Latino content creator reshaping narratives in entertainment. You’ve seen Angel in Planealongside Gerard Butler, West Side Story, and Border Baby, as well as on stage in Shrek the Musical, Little Shop of Horrors, and more. In 2024, he took on a major role as the host of the New York Latino Film Festival, leading him to launch Lights Camera Latino, a podcast amplifying Latino voices in media.

Together, Luis and Angel dive into a powerful and deeply personal conversation about:

✨ Healing the Inner Child – Navigating childhood experiences of suppression, shame, and resilience as queer Latinx individuals

🌈 The Power of Joy – Finding moments of self-expression despite societal and cultural expectations

🧡 Family, Identity & Generational Healing – Understanding parental grief, cultural expectations, and creating space for authenticity

🎭 Survival & Self-Discovery – How creativity, performance, and passion helped them reclaim their narratives

This episode is a heartfelt journey through both the struggles and the triumphs of growing up queer and Latinx. Angel and Luis reflect on what they would tell their younger selves, the ways they found joy even in difficult times, and how they continue to embrace their full, unapologetic selves today.

🔗 Tune in now and join us in this conversation on queer joy, healing, and self-expression!

🌟 Follow Angel:

📲 Instagram & TikTok: @AngelFabianRivera

🎬 Watch Angel in Plane on Amazon Prime!

🎙 Check out Lights Camera Latino Podcast

💜 Stay connected with The Queer Magic Podcast for more conversations that empower, inspire, and celebrate our community!

Rage is often dismissed, misunderstood, or silenced—but what if we saw it as something powerful, necessary, and even healing? In this episode of Queer Magic, I sit down with Andres Larios Brown, a passionate therapist, advocate, educator, and community organizer, to dive deep into the role of rage in queer liberation.

Andrés Larios Brown (they/elle) is a Utah-based Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist dedicated to healing within LGBTQ+ communities. As Training Director and Partner at Simple Modern Therapy & Institute, Andrés focuses on trauma healing and well-being for those who feel marginalized or othered. They specialize in identity development and reclaiming healing practices for queer, trans, and BIPOC communities and are trained in various modalities, including EMDR, psychedelic-assisted therapy for PTSD, curanderismo, and Radical Healing for QTBIPOC communities.

Beyond therapy, Andrés is deeply committed to education and advocacy. They create and facilitate trainings for therapists and serve as a faculty member at Utah Valley University’s Masters of Social Work program and the University of Oregon’s Couples & Family Therapy program. Their research and expertise extend into academia, with co-authored contributions to The Routledge International Handbook of Couple and Family Therapy and various scholarly articles.

With a background in community organizing, intersectional activism, and social justice work, Andrés bridges the gap between research and clinical practice, ensuring that healing is both accessible and transformative for LGBTQ+ individuals. They and their husband of seven years live in northern Utah, where they prioritize time with family and loved ones.

Together, we explore:

🔥 What queer rage really is and why it matters

🔥 How anger can be a tool for activism, healing, and self-empowerment

🔥 The emotional and generational weight of being queer in a world that tries to erase us

🔥 Ways to channel rage into action without burnout

Queer rage isn’t just about anger—it’s about survival, resistance, and reclaiming our right to exist fully and unapologetically. This is a conversation about power, emotion, and the fire that fuels change.

Tune in, share your thoughts, and let’s break the silence around the emotions we’ve been told to suppress.

Connect with Andres

Instagram: @alabrown22 @simplemoderntherapy

https://simplemodern.org/
https://www.andreslariosbrown.com/

First off, I want to thank ALL of you for supporting the Queer Magic Podcast. You have inspired me, motivated me, and empowered me to share my story.

I am getting ready to plan out the 2nd season of the podcast and one of the questions that has been coming up for me is "What is the purpose of the podcast?" In this special message, I share some thoughts and hopes for the upcoming season.

I would also love to hear from all of you and your thoughts on the podcast and any ideas you have for season 2!