Living in a heteronormative world presents unique challenges for queer individuals. The assumption that heterosexuality is the norm can lead to marginalization, discrimination, and limited opportunities. The challenges faced by queer individuals in a heteronormative world are substantial and unavoidable. How do you navigate and thrive in various aspects of life? What’s your path to […] Read more “Thriving in a Heteronormative World: Queer Empowering Skills and Actions”
Thriving in a Heteronormative World: Queer Empowering Skills and Actions
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Estimated: 3 minutes to read
Nurturing Understanding of Trans Experiences
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FeaturedEstimated: 5 minutes to read
At LifeWorks, we believe that the infinite experiences of gender that exist make the world a more vibrant and beautiful place. However, for those whose upbringing modeled only two very narrowly defined categories of gender, it can be difficult to know how to learn more. We are living in a time when we (at least […] Read more “Nurturing Understanding of Trans Experiences”
LGBTQIA+ Self-Care and Empowerment: How Can Therapy Help?
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Estimated: 5 minutes to read
You know that psychotherapy can play a vital role in supporting the self-care, self-expression, and personal empowerment you want as an LGBTQIA+ individual. Yet, navigating the complexities of identity, societal challenges, and emotional well-being can be overwhelming. How does psychotherapy help and what steps can you take to build momentum in a positive direction for yourself? Read more “LGBTQIA+ Self-Care and Empowerment: How Can Therapy Help?”
Queer Inner Strength: Overcoming Internalized Stigma and Shame
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FeaturedEstimated: 3 minutes to read
Internalized stigma and shame can have a profound impact on the well-being and self-worth of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Society’s prejudice and misunderstanding often lead to the internalization of negative beliefs and feelings of shame. Exploring the impact of internalized stigma and shame on LGBTQIA+ individuals, I offer some strategies for healing and building inner strength. By […] Read more “Queer Inner Strength: Overcoming Internalized Stigma and Shame”
Making a Dream a Reality – TheListforUs
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Estimated: 3 minutes to read
In 2021, Ari Groner, LCSW, and the Assistant Director of Juniper Center, launched TheListforUs (thelistforus.com), a one-stop-shop collection of Chicagoland resources for trans, and non-binary individuals and the people that support them. The site is organized into different categories including groups, medical providers, books, good & services, and much more! TheListforUs began when Ari was […] Read more “Making a Dream a Reality – TheListforUs”
The Otherness of Aging Transgender
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Estimated: 5 minutes to read
Aging is a process we all experience whether we are very mindful of it or not. From the moment we are formed, we begin to encounter the material and psychic impacts of a body governed by time. These experiences, nested within cultural, historical, and sociopolitical contexts, evoke myriad thoughts, feelings, and sensations across a lifespan. […] Read more “The Otherness of Aging Transgender”
Constructing a Queer Life: On the Choice to Parent, or Be Child-Free
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Estimated: 5 minutes to read
Many people grow up following a cultural life script: you go to school, get a job, marry your one true love and start a family. Happily Ever After! At least, that’s a common scenario many cultures, based on heteronormativity, have historically supported. But as many of us grow up, we realize that that version of […] Read more “Constructing a Queer Life: On the Choice to Parent, or Be Child-Free”
Misgendering: When You Make a Mistake
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Estimated: 2 minutes to read
Understanding Misgendering Misgendering is the act of attributing the wrong gender to someone. Using the wrong pronoun when talking about someone in the third person is a form of misgendering. The verb misgender can also describe any reference to a person in which they are gendered incorrectly. For example, saying “yes sir” to someone who […] Read more “Misgendering: When You Make a Mistake”
In the Shadow of Disney World
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Estimated: 5 minutes to read
ORLANDO SHOOTING JUNE 11, 2016 When I think Orlando, I think of sun filled days, blue skies, parents and grandparents offering up days of fun and excitement, showering their children with the time of their lives at Disney World. But from yesterday on, I will think of Orlando in a different way. I will think […] Read more “In the Shadow of Disney World”
Returning to Therapy — A Profound Act of Self-care
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Estimated: 4 minutes to read
by Cindy Trawinski, Psy.D., Dipl. PW & Rami Henrich, LCSW, Dipl. PW “I can’t believe I’m here… again.” Some people returning to therapy for the second, third, or fifth time often wonder “why do I need to go back to therapy?” “was there something I should have handled the last time around?” “maybe I am […] Read more “Returning to Therapy — A Profound Act of Self-care”
How To Be a LGBT Ally
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Estimated: 1 minute to read
This post originally appeared on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) blog on October 5, 2105, in advance of National Coming Out Day. It was written by Hayley Miller, Senior Digital Media Associate. We think it contains valuable information for anyone wanting to become more affirming and supportive to LGBT friends and family members. For a […] Read more “How To Be a LGBT Ally”
A New Polyamory Book: Stories from the Polycule
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Estimated: 6 minutes to read
We are pleased to announce that our friend and associate, sociologist and researcher, Dr. Elisabeth Sheff has just published her newest book, Stories from the Polycule: Real Life in Polyamorous Families. The first of its kind, this anthology collects stories and essays written by and about real people living in “polycules”: the networks between people in polyamorous […] Read more “A New Polyamory Book: Stories from the Polycule”
Everyone Has Bias
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Estimated: 4 minutes to read
No one is immune from bias, not even us therapists! Everyone has bias. Therapist bias takes many forms, especially with regards to clients’ sexuality, gender, erotic orientation, etc… Bias ranges from misinformed opinions about BDSM to confusing polyamory with infidelity to other subtle perceptions, beliefs and attitudes. Bias is a part of us all and […] Read more “Everyone Has Bias”
Therapist Bias
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by Cindy Trawinski, Psy.D. & Rami Henrich, LCSW Bias influences all of us — even therapists. In fact, one 2011 study indicates that as many as 50% of clients identifying as polyamorous had seen therapists that they felt lacked cultural competency or were biased. Meanwhile, a 2006 study by Drs. Keely Kolmes, Wendy Stock, and […] Read more “Therapist Bias”