Dr. Michael Eason is a psychologist who specialises in many different areas; one being affirmative therapy for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Michael explains the difference between gender identity and sexual orientation. We focus our conversation on transgender support and explore many of the challenges that trans youth and their families face.  Michael emphasises how important family support is for any LGBTQ+ youth who are in the process of exploring their identity. Families face many changes when a child expresses that they are transgender, and Michael gives tips on how to approach this new chapter in a child’s life. We also discuss how schools should develop diversity and inclusion policies and create a culture of acceptance and support for all LGBTQ+ teens. Michael shares his own coming out story as a gay teen growing up in the USA in a religious family. This experience enables Michael to really connect with the LGBTQ+ people that he works with today. We talk about the unethical practices of gay conversion therapy and the impact that being excommunicated from Church can have on someone already feeling alone in their search for inclusion and support. There are LGBTQ+ friendly church communities and we encourage people to find them if they are religious and are being shunned. Michael reminds us that all humans need love and a sense of belonging and loneliness can lead to mental health issues and self-harm. Michael leaves us with some excellent resources for LGBTQ+ people to access. This is a podcast that will hopefully open your heart and your mind.

Dr Micheal Eason: https://www.mindnlife.com/hong-kong-therapists/

Glaad: https://www.glaad.org/

It Gets Better: https://itgetsbetter.org/

Transgender support for Students: http://www.transstudent.org/        

Promo: Latter Day Lesbian Podcast:  https://latterdaylesbian.org/index.html

A Listener Note: If you feel you need support, please visit your local GP, a counsellor or contact the Samaritans in Hong Kong on 28960000. If you are a student, you can talk to a teacher that you feel will support you. If you live in another country, please contact your local Lifeline or Crisis Centre in your area. You can also seek out LGBTQ+ support groups in your area.

Hong Kong Confidential Details

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