My Therapist Is Out!

In Part Two of this closing Q&A episode, Renae Johnson and Kristen Crowe turn toward healing — not as a finish line, but as an ongoing, collective practice. Responding to listener questions, they talk openly about navigating hate-based violence, political attacks, and community trauma without shutting down or spiraling.The conversation explores when storytelling can be healing — and when it can feel unsafe or draining — along with how to tell the difference between staying engaged and pushing ourselves past our limits. Renae and Kristen reflect on burnout, activism, therapy during crisis, and what it means to care deeply while still protecting our nervous systems. They close the series by reminding listeners that healing doesn’t require perfection, isolation, or constant resilience — it happens in relationship, in community, and often in small, imperfect steps taken together.TakeawaysShowing up for marginalized communities requires humility and a willingness to learn.Performative activism can be harmful; genuine support is essential.Community dynamics can amplify emotional responses, both positive and negative.Using privilege to support marginalized voices is necessary but should be approached carefully.Everyone needs support, especially in times of crisis.Noted in this episode: The follow-up Bonus Episode with Jose and Renae is coming soon - subscribe to TTP: thetraumatherapistproject.com/podcastsQueer Moment of Joy Guest 1: Beth Rosenberg She/Her @squishicactusQueer Moment of Joy Guest 2: James He/Him Host Bios: Kristen Crowe LPCC, BC-DMT (they/them) Is Licensed Therapist, Dance Therapist, and Clinical Supervisor with Open Space Therapy Collective. Kristen specializes in working somatically with adults and partners to help heal the mind-body connection so you can feel more grounded and vibrant every day.Renae Johnson, LPCC, ATR-BC (they/them) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, and the Founder of Open Space Therapy Collective, a group practice offering affirming, social justice-driven mental health care for the LGBTQ+ & QTPOC community. In addition to their clinical work, Renae produces community wellness events like Queerly Connected and is a founding member of the LA Queer Coalition, creating spaces where queer and trans people can gather, heal, organize, and celebrate. As a speaker, consultant, and activist, Renae is passionate about building systems of care that honor the full humanity of queer and trans individuals—and equipping healthcare and wellness providers with the tools to do the same.To find more from us visit:Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.comInstagram: @openspacetherapycollective TikTok: @openspacetherapy Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisoutYouTube: @openspacetherapycollectiveKeywords: LGBTQ+ mental health podcast, identity-based harm, queer trauma and healing, community care in LGBTQ+ spaces, hate-based trauma recovery, radical healing for marginalized communities, queer therapists podcast, LGBTQ+ collective healing, trauma-informed community care, storytelling as healing in queer communities

In Part One of this listener Q&A, hosts and therapists Renae Johnson (they/them) and Kristen Crowe (they/them) respond to questions from the My Therapist Is Out! community about identity-based harm and what it actually feels like to live inside it. Together, they unpack why so many queer and marginalized folks feel chronically exhausted, disconnected, or unsure whether what they’re carrying “counts” as trauma.Renae and Kristen explore how identity-based harm shows up in the body, in relationships, and in community spaces — especially when those spaces don’t feel as safe or healing as we hoped. They talk about the tension between wanting connection and needing protection, how to support immigrant and targeted communities without centering ourselves, and what community care can look like when we’re already stretched thin. This episode offers validation, clarity, and permission to name what’s happening — without needing to have all the answers yet.TakeawaysThe conversation highlights the exhaustion felt by queer individuals in today's society.Understanding the difference between personal trauma and collective trauma is crucial.Community care plays a vital role in healing from identity-based harm.Emotional responses can be complex and intertwined with societal issues.It's important to recognize the impact of social media on our emotional well-being.Queer Moment of Joy Guest 1: Charlie Montiel He/They @charlieboytattooQueer Moment of Joy Guest 2: Rae Hamilton-Vargo They/Them @rae_hvHost Bios: Kristen Crowe LPCC, BC-DMT (they/them) Is Licensed Therapist, Dance Therapist, and Clinical Supervisor with Open Space Therapy Collective. Kristen specializes in working somatically with adults and partners to help heal the mind-body connection so you can feel more grounded and vibrant every day.Renae Johnson, LPCC, ATR-BC (they/them) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, and the Founder of Open Space Therapy Collective, a group practice offering affirming, social justice-driven mental health care for the LGBTQ+ & QTPOC community. In addition to their clinical work, Renae produces community wellness events like Queerly Connected and is a founding member of the LA Queer Coalition, creating spaces where queer and trans people can gather, heal, organize, and celebrate. As a speaker, consultant, and activist, Renae is passionate about building systems of care that honor the full humanity of queer and trans individuals—and equipping healthcare and wellness providers with the tools to do the same.To find more from us visit:Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.comInstagram: @openspacetherapycollective TikTok: @openspacetherapy Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisoutYouTube: @openspacetherapycollectiveKeywords: LGBTQ+ mental health podcast, identity-based harm, queer trauma and healing, community care in LGBTQ+ spaces, hate-based trauma recovery, radical healing for marginalized communities, queer therapists podcast, LGBTQ+ collective healing, trauma-informed community care, storytelling as healing in queer communities

In this episode of My Therapist Is Out!therapists Allison Smith (she/they) and Gio Nigro (they/them) dig into how identity-based harm—like microaggressions, cultural erasure, and systemic exclusion—shows up in LGBTQ+ lives and bodies. They explore why healing doesn’t happen in isolation, the role of therapy in reconnecting us to ourselves and each other, and how community care, mutual support, and shared vulnerability build real resilience. Through a lens that honors cultural heritage and generational strength, this conversation offers practical ways to move from disconnection toward belonging—without asking anyone to shrink, assimilate, or heal alone.TakeawaysIdentity-based harm encompasses violence, discrimination, and microaggressions.Microaggressions can have a compounding effect on individuals' mental health.Community support is crucial for healing from identity-based harm.Therapy can help clients navigate the challenges of identity-based harm.Building support systems is essential for mental well-being.Connection with others can mitigate feelings of isolation.Activism can foster a sense of community and belonging.Cultural heritage plays a vital role in individual identity and resilience.Vulnerability is necessary for building meaningful connections.Practical steps can help individuals engage with their communities.Queer Moment of Joy Guest 1: Clark He/Him @wondermountaincabinQueer Moment of Joy Guest 2: Fafa She/HerHost Bio: Gio Nigro LCSW (they/them) is a Licensed Therapist with Open Space Therapy Collective. Gio specializes in working with queer adults and older adults who struggle to understand their identity and behaviors and who desire to gain confidence and release shame from their past experiences.Allison Smith LCSW (she/they) is a Licensed Therapist at Open Space Therapy Collective. Allison specializes in  integrating trauma-informed, abolitionist frameworks to support clients in exploring identity, relationships, and cultural connections. To find more from us visit:Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.comInstagram: @openspacetherapycollective TikTok: @openspacetherapy Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisoutYouTube: @openspacetherapycollectiveKeywords: identity-based harm, community care, microaggressions, lgbtq herapy, queer support systems, activism, cultural heritage, generational strength, connection, vulnerability

Renae Johnson (they/them) sits down with Jose Rosario (he/him) of Phoenix Empowered for a powerful conversation about identity, storytelling, and mental health as pathways to collective healing. Jose shares his lived experience as a queer Latino man with a disability and how storytelling has become both a personal and political act—one that resists erasure, challenges identity-based harm, and creates space for radical healing. Together, they explore how hate-based trauma and systemic oppression show up in the body and mind, why representation in mental health is necessary but not enough, and how community care and cultural practices can foster real empowerment. This conversation names anxiety not as a personal flaw, but as a rational response to ongoing threats, and invites listeners to engage in community, storytelling, and advocacy as acts of resistance and care. Through the lens of Phoenix Empowered, Renae and Jose remind us that healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens when we are seen, heard, and held in community.TakeawaysStorytelling is a powerful tool for healing.Identity-based harm includes various forms of violence, not just physical.Representation in mental health is crucial but not sufficient.Community support is essential for healing and empowerment.Radical healing involves understanding systemic oppression.Cultural practices play a significant role in healing.Anxiety can be a response to systemic threats.Engagement in community can be a form of resistance.Phoenix Empowered aims to amplify marginalized voices. Mentioned in this Episode: Jose’s Ted TalkQueer Moment of Joy Guest 1: Harley He/They @bb.musicstudioGuest 2: Shauna She/Her @palsbarlaGuest Bio : José Rosario is a mental health activist, researcher, and clinician and founder of The Phoenix Empowered, a nonprofit that helps organizations develop culturally-informed mental and social health protocols. José’s lived experience as a gay, Latino person who uses a wheelchair has informed both his clinical practice and his consulting work with organizations such as Home Depot, DoorDash, Shell and Johnson & Johnson. José has spoken at TEDx, Washington State University, University of California Irvine, Arizona State University, ATOP MeaningfulWorld United Nations Affiliate Org, and the National Association of Councils for Developmental Disabilities, among many others. He has served as an American Psychological Association (APA) Interdisciplinary Minority Fellow and is an active member of the APA’s Division of Trauma Psychology Policy and Anti-Oppression Committees. He also serves on the Community Advisory Board for the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office and the Congressional Advisory Board for former Congressman James Langevin. He has been honored with the Chris Martin Humanitarian Award and the Victoria Lederberg Award for Excellence in Psychology. Host Bio: Renae Johnson, LPCC, ATR-BC (they/them) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, and the Founder of Open Space Therapy Collective, a group practice offering affirming, social justice-driven mental health care for the LGBTQ+ & QTPOC community. With clinical expertise in complex trauma, identity development, and creative expression, Renae blends therapeutic depth with a commitment to equity and inclusion.Renae produces community wellness events like Queerly Connected and is a founding member of the LA Queer Coalition, creating spaces where queer and trans people can gather, heal, organize, and celebrate. As a speaker, consultant, and activist, Renae is passionate about building systems of care that honor the full humanity of queer and trans individuals—and equipping healthcare and wellness providers with the tools to do the same.To find more from us visit:Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.comInstagram: @openspacetherapycollective TikTok: @openspacetherapy Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisoutYouTube: @openspacetherapycollective

In this episode of My Therapist Is Out!, therapists Kristen Crowe (they/them) and Terra Friedman (she/her) unpack how identity-based harm disconnects us from our bodies—and from each other. Through somatic, relational, and systemic lenses, they explore why so many LGBTQ+, BIPOC, disabled, neurodivergent, and immigrant folks feel “too much” in some spaces and “not enough” in others, and how disembodiment can become a survival strategy in unsafe systems. Grounded in real therapy room conversations and lived experience, this episode names the impact of racism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of marginalization—while offering compassionate, practical ways to reconnect with your body, access community care, and remember that you don’t have to be fully healed to take up space or belong.TakeawaysIdentity-based harm targets individuals based on their identity.Embodiment involves awareness of one's physical and emotional state.Community care is a collective responsibility for well-being.Disconnection from the body can lead to isolation.Healing often occurs within community settings.Societal norms can create barriers to connection.Finding the right community can be a gradual process.It's important to listen to your body's needs.You don't have to be fully healed to engage with others.Taking small steps can lead to greater community involvement.Keywordsidentity-based harm, community care, embodiment, mental health, LGBTQ+, therapy, self-discovery, healing, connection, supportMentioned in this Episode: Instagram accounts: @beingqueerinla @silentbookclubla @beingqueerinla @sapphicla @everywhereisqueer @heyfam @queerasiansocialclub Queer Moment of Joy Guest 1: Matthew Schmuck He/Him @matthewschmuckGuest 2: Katherine Kottaras She/They @katherinekotarasKristen Crowe BC-DMT, LPCC, CST Bio : Kristen (they/them) Is Licensed Therapist, Dance Therapist, Sex Therapists and Clinical Director with Open Space Therapy Collective. Kristen specializes in working somatically with adults and partners to help heal the mind-body connection so you can feel more grounded and vibrant every day.Terra Friedman AMFT Bio: Terra (she/her) is an Associate Therapist with Open Space Therapy Collective. Terra specializes in working with high achieving womxn who experience anxiety. Terra also works with couples and partners who are currently in or exploring non-monogamous relationships.To find more from us visit:Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.comInstagram: @openspacetherapycollective TikTok: @openspacetherapy Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisoutYouTube: @openspacetherapycollective

In this episode of My Therapist Is Out!, we’re joined by Veronica Velazquez (she/her) from LA Queer Coalition to talk about what real allyship looks like in action—especially as immigrant communities face increasing harm, surveillance, and ICE activity. Together, we explore how LGBTQ+ communities can show up in meaningful, practical ways that go beyond statements of support.This conversation breaks down how to respond to ICE raids, protect community safety, and participate in mutual aid without causing harm or burnout. Veronica shares grounded, accessible strategies for advocacy, organizing, and care—while naming the emotional toll these moments take on queer and immigrant communities alike.Whether you’re looking for concrete steps, clearer boundaries, or ways to stay engaged while protecting your mental health, this episode offers tools for showing up with intention, accountability, and solidarity.In this episode, we cover:What allyship looks like during ICE raids and increased surveillanceHow LGBTQ+ communities can support immigrant neighbors safely and effectivelyMutual aid, community safety strategies, and local organizing effortsNavigating fear, anger, and burnout while staying engagedWhy community care is essential when institutions failThis episode is a call to action—and a reminder that collective care and solidarity are powerful tools for survival and change.🎧 Listen now and learn how to turn care into action.Queer Moment of Joy Guest 1: Devan Rose he/them @dvn_rseQueer Moment of Joy Guest 2: Michael Vandie he/him @minivandicampGuest Bio : Veronica Velazquez (she/her) is the founder of RadCraft Design, where she specializes in usability—making systems easier to navigate—and optimization—making them more effective and efficient. Earlier this year, during the LA fires, Veronica recognized how her skill set could be applied beyond tech to support community care. Since then, she has used her expertise to help build effective mutual aid networks, create accessible information campaigns, and organize events that engage communities in environmental advocacy and collective support.As a Colombian-American, Veronica experiences firsthand the threats facing immigrant and communities of color. As a community organizer and activist, she understands the urgent need for allyship, training, and coordinated action to protect and support those most at risk—especially during times of heightened harm and systemic failure.https://www.icescream.org/https://radcraftdesign.com/@verosoraptorLA Queer Coalition Bio: LA Queer Coalition (LAQC) is a grassroots collective of LGBTQ+ organizations, activists, and community members working to protect, uplift, and mobilize queer and trans communities across Los Angeles. Rooted in intersectionality and collective action, LAQC focuses on community safety, mutual aid, advocacy, and rapid response to systemic harm—particularly at the intersections of queerness, immigration, race, and economic justice. Through coalition-building and on-the-ground organizing, LAQC creates pathways for community care and resistance when institutions fail to protect our most vulnerable.https://www.laqueercoalition.org/@laqueercoalitionTo find more from OSTC visit:Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.comInstagram: @openspacetherapycollective TikTok: @openspacetherapy Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisoutYouTube: @openspacetherapycollectiveKeywords: #AllyshipInAction #QueerAndImmigrantSolidarity #CommunityCare #MutualAid #ICEAwareness #ProtectOurCommunities #LGBTQAdvocacy #ImmigrantJustice #CollectiveCare #GrassrootsOrganizing #CommunitySafety #QueerResistance #MentalHealthInActivism #SolidarityNotStatement #CareAsResistance

 In this first episode of our series, Ernesto Martinez introduces the concept of identity-based harm and the power of community care. Centered on LGBTQ+ experiences, Ernesto discusses the mental health impacts of discrimination, systemic violence, and ongoing political targeting, highlighting how anger can unite rather than isolate. The episode explores the historical roots of mutual aid within queer movements—from 1970s grassroots organizing to HIV/AIDS activism—and points to present-day actions shaping community wellness. Listeners are invited to reflect on their role in fostering collective care and imagine the blueprint for future LGBTQ+ mental health and support.Takeaways:Identity-based harm includes discrimination, stereotyping, verbal abuse, and systemic violations of rights.Community-based care encompasses mutual aid, protests, boycotts, harm reduction, and preventive responses.Historical LGBTQ+ movements, including activism during the AIDS epidemic, inform modern approaches to care.Mental health impacts of identity-based harm can manifest as hypervigilance, anxiety, depression, and fatigue.Anger can act as a unifying force when channeled toward collective action.Present-day community care continues to address gaps left by institutions failing under political pressures.Recognizing your role in community care is a step toward shaping inclusive, intersectional wellness practices.Mentioned in this Episode: LA Queer CoalitionPhoenix EmpoweredMTIO Episodes:“Can Rage Be Healthy?” with Debbie Whyte“Decolonize Your Health” with Lynsi Stevens (Crystal Case Apothecary)Queer Moment of Joy Guest 1: Julia she/they @juliamaeabramsQueer Moment of Joy Guest 2: Meredith she/her @pezmerHost Bio: Ernesto Martinez APCC, AMFT (they/elle/he/el) is an Associate Therapist with Open Space Therapy Collective. Ernesto specializes in working with Adults, Teens, & Parents of Gender Expansive Children, Adult Children of (im)Migrants to transform challenges into stepping stones towards self-compassion, fulfillment, and confidence. To find more from us visit:Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.comInstagram: @openspacetherapycollective TikTok: @openspacetherapy Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisoutYouTube: @openspacetherapycollectiveKeywords: #LGBTQCommunity #QueerHealing #CommunityCare #IdentityBasedHarm #MutualAid #HarmReduction #QueerWellness #MentalHealthMatters #CollectiveCare #BIPOCMentalHealth #TransAdvocacy #QueerResistance #InclusiveCare #SocialJusticeWork #HealingInCommunity

In Part Two of our LGBTQ+ Neurodiversity Q&A, host Renae Johnson (they/them) returns with Mikey Whited (they/them, Psych NP) to dive into the practical side of living as a neurodivergent queer adult. From managing executive dysfunction and workplace advocacy to creating sensory-friendly spaces at home, this episode is packed with strategies to help your neurodivergent brain thrive—not just survive.They also explore the deeper work of healing, identity, and self-acceptance: how to tell the difference between protective masking and harmful masking, ways to unlearn internalized ableism, and how to support yourself or loved ones in embracing neurodivergent identity. Together, Renae and Mikey remind us that thriving as a neurodivergent person means finding joy, connection, and authenticity in your daily life.Takeaways:Realistic strategies for managing executive dysfunction when even “basic tasks” feel impossibleAdvocating for yourself in school, work, or social spaces without fear of stigmaRecognizing burnout and creating space to recoverHow to make your home environment sensory-friendly and supportiveDistinguishing between masking for safety and masking that harms mental healthTools to unlearn internalized ableism and shameSupporting loved ones in understanding and accepting their neurodivergent identityWhat thriving looks like beyond coping: embracing strengths, joy, and authenticityPart Two closes out our practical and personal dive into LGBTQ+ neurodiversity, offering tools, insights, and encouragement to navigate daily life, relationships, and self-care with confidence and compassion.Queer Moment of Joy Guest 1: Cornelius He/Him @corneliusjonesjrQueer Moment of Joy Guest 2: Brough She/HerGuest Bio : Mikey Whited RN, MSN, PMHNP-BC (they/them) is a psychiatric nurse practitioner working in Los Angeles, California. Mikey specializes in queer and trans psychiatric medication and mental health care for adults and older teens. Mikey is passionate about changing the psychiatry paradigm and providing quality medication education and care for clients in a way that will ACTUALLY work to help clients achieve their lifestyle goals.Host Bio: Renae Johnson, LPCC, ATR-BC (they/them) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, and the Founder of Open Space Therapy Collective, a group practice offering affirming, social justice-driven mental health care for the LGBTQ+ & QTPOC community. With clinical expertise in complex trauma, identity development, and creative expression, Renae blends therapeutic depth with a commitment to equity and inclusion.In addition to their clinical work, Renae produces community wellness events like Queerly Connected and is a founding member of the LA Queer Coalition, creating spaces where queer and trans people can gather, heal, organize, and celebrate. As a speaker, consultant, and activist, Renae is passionate about building systems of care that honor the full humanity of queer and trans individuals—and equipping healthcare and wellness providers with the tools to do the same.To find more from us visit:Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.comInstagram: @openspacetherapycollective TikTok: @openspacetherapy Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisoutYouTube: @openspacetherapycollectiveKeywords: #LGBTQCommunity #NeurodivergentLiving #QueerAndNeurodivergent #ExecutiveDysfunction #WorkplaceAdvocacy #SensoryFriendly #NeurodivergentJoy #AuthenticLiving #MaskingAndUnmasking #InternalizedAbleism #SelfAcceptance #NeurodivergentPride #CommunitySupport #HealingAndGrowth #ThrivingNotSurviving #MentalHealthMatters #InclusiveSpaces #QueerHealing #NeurodivergentStrengths

LGBTQ+ Neurodiversity Q&A (Part One) — Closing Reflections on the Series with Renae Johnson (they/them) & Mikey Whited, Psych NP (they/them)As we wrap up our Neurodiversity Series, host Renae Johnson and returning guest Mikey Whited sit down to answer your biggest questions about neurodivergence through a queer mental health lens. From how to know if you’re neurodivergent, to navigating communication and emotional regulation in relationships, this episode brings together the key themes from across the series—self-understanding, acceptance, and the radical power of community care.Together, they unpack what it actually looks like to live as a neurodivergent queer adult, the nuances of ADHD and autism, and why trauma and chronic stress can sometimes blur those lines. This isn’t just a Q&A—it’s a grounding conversation about belonging, validation, and learning to work with your brain, not against it.Series Takeaways:Understanding how ADHD, autism, and sensory differences overlap and divergeWhy so many LGBTQ+ folks are late-diagnosed and how systemic bias plays a roleThe difference between trauma responses and neurodivergent traitsBuilding communication that centers curiosity over correctionWhy emotional regulation is a practice, not a performanceThe role of community in unmasking, healing, and finding joyThis episode closes out our six-part journey into LGBTQ+ neurodiversity—but the conversation doesn’t end here. Keep revisiting these stories, share them with your people, and remember: your brain is not broken. It’s beautifully, uniquely yours.Queer Moment of Joy Guest 1: Chi, She, @bigchii888Queer Moment of Joy Guest 2: Paige, She/Her, @paigeraycreativeGuest Bio : Mikey Whited RN, MSN, PMHNP-BC (they/them) is a psychiatric nurse practitioner working in Los Angeles, California. Mikey specializes in queer and trans psychiatric medication and mental health care for adults and older teens. Mikey is passionate about changing the psychiatry paradigm and providing quality medication education and care for clients in a way that will ACTUALLY work to help clients achieve their lifestyle goals.Host Bio: Renae Johnson, LPCC, ATR-BC (they/them) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, and the Founder of Open Space Therapy Collective, a group practice offering affirming, social justice-driven mental health care for the LGBTQ+ & QTPOC community. With clinical expertise in complex trauma, identity development, and creative expression, Renae blends therapeutic depth with a commitment to equity and inclusion.In addition to their clinical work, Renae produces community wellness events like Queerly Connected and is a founding member of the LA Queer Coalition, creating spaces where queer and trans people can gather, heal, organize, and celebrate. As a speaker, consultant, and activist, Renae is passionate about building systems of care that honor the full humanity of queer and trans individuals—and equipping healthcare and wellness providers with the tools to do the same.To find more from us visit:Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.comInstagram: @openspacetherapycollective TikTok: @openspacetherapy Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisoutYouTube: @openspacetherapycollectiveKeywords:  #Neurodiversity #ADHD #AutismAcceptance #QueerMentalHealth #NeurodivergentVoices #CommunityCare #SelfUnderstanding #EmotionalRegulation #TraumaHealing #Unmasking #Acceptance #SensoryDifferences #LateDiagnosis #Neuroqueer #RadicalSelfAcceptance #HealingJourney #NeurodivergentCommunity #MentalHealthAwareness #YourBrainIsBeautiful

In this episode of My Therapist is Out!, Kristen Crowe (they/them) and Ernesto Martinez (they/he) dive into what it really means to navigate the world as queer and neurodivergent. Together, they unpack how neurotypical standards often miss the mark, why compassionate frameworks matter, and how therapy can shift when it’s designed with neurodiverse folks in mind. From the pressures of societal expectations to the beauty of play, experimentation, and self-acceptance, Kristen and Ernesto remind us that thriving means rewriting the rules — not squeezing into them.TakeawaysNeurodiversity encompasses a wide range of cognitive variations.Understanding neurodivergence requires a compassionate and non-pathological lens.Societal standards often fail to accommodate neurodiverse individuals.Communication needs vary greatly among neurodiverse people.Intersectionality plays a crucial role in understanding neurodiverse experiences.Access to care is a significant barrier for many neurodiverse individuals.Self-diagnosis can be a valid and empowering process.Community support is essential for neurodiverse individuals.Therapists should be aware of systemic issues affecting their clients.Exploration and play are vital in understanding one's neurodiverse identity.Mentioned in this Episode: NeeDoh https://myneedoh.com/Queer Moment of Joy Guest 1: Manny They/Them @projectqlaQueer Moment of Joy Guest 2: Sage She/They @e_sage_Hosts Bio: Kristen Crowe LPCC, BC-DMT (they/them) Is Licensed Therapist, Dance Therapist, and Clinical Supervisor with Open Space Therapy Collective. Kristen specializes in working somatically with adults and partners to help heal the mind-body connection so you can feel more grounded and vibrant every day.Ernesto Martinez APCC, AMFT (they/elle/he/el) is an Associate Therapist with Open Space Therapy Collective. Ernesto specializes in working with Adults, Teens, & Parents of Gender Expansive Children, Adult Children of (im)Migrants to transform challenges into stepping stones towards self-compassion, fulfillment, and confidence. 🌈 About Open Space Therapy CollectiveOpen Space Therapy Collective (OSTC) is a queer- and trans-led mental health collective built on the belief that therapy should feel like a place where every part of you belongs. Our team of LGBTQ+ and QTPOC therapists create space for healing that is affirming, justice-driven, and rooted in community care. From navigating identity to unpacking trauma to celebrating joy, OSTC is here for the full spectrum of queer experience.To find more from us visit:Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.comInstagram: @openspacetherapycollective TikTok: @openspacetherapy Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisoutYouTube: @openspacetherapycollectiveKeywords: neurodiversity, neurodivergence, therapy, mental health, queer identity, self-diagnosis, community support, societal standards, communication, intersectionality

In part two, Mikey and Jennie return with Renae to move from personal stories into professional insight. As a Psych NP and ADHD Coach, they unpack the science of ADHD, the role of brain chemistry, and the ways misdiagnosis and stigma often cloud understanding. The conversation dives into medication, lifestyle strategies, and how neurodivergent brilliance can shine when supported instead of suppressed. From queerness and ADHD overlap to reclaiming creativity and authenticity, this episode is all about seeing ADHD as a source of power, not just struggle.TakeawaysADHD can present differently based on gender and upbringing.Stimming is a common behavior in ADHD that helps with focus.Emotional regulation is a significant challenge for those with ADHD.There is a higher prevalence of ADHD in the queer community.Masking can lead to a loss of authenticity and self-identity.ADHD can often be misdiagnosed as anxiety or depression.Cultural perspectives greatly influence the understanding of ADHD.Positive traits of ADHD include creativity and spontaneity.Understanding brain chemistry is crucial for managing ADHD.Personal experiences with ADHD can vary widely, even within families.Mentioned in this Episode: Medications mentioned in episode:Stimulant Medications: Adderall, Ritalin, Focalin, Concerta, Vyvanse, Dextroamphetamine, Amphetamine saltsNon-Stimulant Medications: Wellbutrin (bupropion), Strattera (atomoxetine), GuanfacineQueer Moment of Joy Guest 1: Celena Pentagulio she/her Queer Moment of Joy Guest 2: Kate she/herGuest Bio : Jennie Larsen, MA (she/her), is an education specialist working in San Jose, CA. She holds an elementary and a special education credential and has a masters in education leadership. Jennie is also an executive function coach. Her passion is making education accessible for all students, with focuses in phonics and executive functioning skills. Mikey Whited RN, MSN, PMHNP-BC (they/them) is a psychiatric nurse practitioner working in Los Angeles, California. Mikey specializes in queer and trans psychiatric medication and mental health care for adults and older teens. Mikey is passionate about changing the psychiatry paradigm and providing quality medication education and care for clients in a way that will ACTUALLY work to help clients achieve their lifestyle goals.Host Bio: Renae Johnson, LPCC, ATR-BC (they/them) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, and the Founder of Open Space Therapy Collective, a group practice offering affirming, social justice-driven mental health care for the LGBTQ+ & QTPOC community. With clinical expertise in complex trauma, identity development, and creative expression, Renae blends therapeutic depth with a commitment to equity and inclusion.In addition to their clinical work, Renae produces community wellness events like Queerly Connected and is a founding member of the LA Queer Coalition, creating spaces where queer and trans people can gather, heal, organize, and celebrate. As a speaker, consultant, and activist, Renae is passionate about building systems of care that honor the full humanity of queer and trans individuals—and equipping healthcare and wellness providers with the tools to do the same.To find more from us visit:Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.comInstagram: @openspacetherapycollective TikTok: @openspacetherapy Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisoutYouTube: @openspacetherapycollectiveKeywords: #ADHD #ADHDAwareness #Neurodivergent #Neurospicy #Neurodiversity #Stimulants #NonStimulants #MentalHealthMeds #PsychiatricCare #BodyDoubling #RoutineBuilding #FidgetTools #QueerTherapist #QueerJoy #QueerCommunity #MentalHealthInQueerSpaces

Host and therapist Renae Johnson (they/them) sits down with siblings Mikey Whited, Psych NP (they/them), and Jennie Larsen, ADHD Coach and Teacher (she/her), for an honest look at what it’s like to grow up with ADHD side by side. Together they share stories of navigating childhood, the different ways ADHD showed up for each of them, and what it was like to watch each other’s journeys unfold. From masking and stimming to the ways gender expectations shaped their experiences, this episode explores the challenges and gifts of ADHD through a personal, family lens.TakeawaysADHD can present differently based on gender and upbringing.Stimming is a common behavior in ADHD that helps with focus.Emotional regulation is a significant challenge for those with ADHD.There is a higher prevalence of ADHD in the queer community.Masking can lead to a loss of authenticity and self-identity.ADHD can often be misdiagnosed as anxiety or depression.Cultural perspectives greatly influence the understanding of ADHD.Positive traits of ADHD include creativity and spontaneity.Understanding brain chemistry is crucial for managing ADHD.Personal experiences with ADHD can vary widely, even within families.Mentioned in this Episode: K-pop Demon Hunters – “Golden” Queer Moment of Joy Guest 1: Brandon Delsid @brandondelsidQueer Moment of Joy Guest 2: Emily Baker she/they @you.joylifeGuest Bio : Jennie Larsen, MA (she/her), is an education specialist working in San Jose, CA. She holds an elementary and a special education credential and has a masters in education leadership. Jennie is also an executive function coach. Her passion is making education accessible for all students, with focuses in phonics and executive functioning skills. Mikey Whited RN, MSN, PMHNP-BC (they/them) is a psychiatric nurse practitioner working in Los Angeles, California. Mikey specializes in queer and trans psychiatric medication and mental health care for adults and older teens. Mikey is passionate about changing the psychiatry paradigm and providing quality medication education and care for clients in a way that will ACTUALLY work to help clients achieve their lifestyle goals.Host Bio: Renae Johnson, LPCC, ATR-BC (they/them) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, and the Founder of Open Space Therapy Collective, a group practice offering affirming, social justice-driven mental health care for the LGBTQ+ & QTPOC community. With clinical expertise in complex trauma, identity development, and creative expression, Renae blends therapeutic depth with a commitment to equity and inclusion.In addition to their clinical work, Renae produces community wellness events like Queerly Connected and is a founding member of the LA Queer Coalition, creating spaces where queer and trans people can gather, heal, organize, and celebrate. As a speaker, consultant, and activist, Renae is passionate about building systems of care that honor the full humanity of queer and trans individuals—and equipping healthcare and wellness providers with the tools to do the same.To find more from us visit:Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.comInstagram: @openspacetherapycollective TikTok: @openspacetherapy Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisoutYouTube: @openspacetherapycollectiveKeywords: #ADHD#Neurodivergent#Neurospicy#Masking#Unmasking#EmotionalRegulation#Hyperfixation#QueerAndNeurodivergent#PositiveADHDTraits#ParentingWithADHD#DiagnosisJourney

In this episode, OSTC therapist Allison Smith, LCSW (she/they), kicks off our new series on LGBTQ+ Neurodiversity by exploring what it really means to live at the intersection of queer and neurodivergent identities. From ADHD and autism to dyslexia and beyond, we dive into how neurodivergence shapes experiences, relationships, and access to care—while also celebrating the strengths, creativity, and resilience of neurodivergent folks.We’ll cover the history of neurodiversity, the ways societal barriers create real challenges, and why shifting the conversation from “disorder” to difference is crucial. Allison highlights the dual minority experiences many queer neurodivergent people navigate, the systemic biases that affect diagnosis and treatment, and the contributions neurodivergent individuals make to communities and advocacy.Whether you’re neurodivergent, an ally, or just curious, this episode offers a thoughtful, compassionate, and sometimes surprising look at identity, stigma, and the power of inclusion.TakeawaysNeurodivergence includes conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and more.The term neurodivergence was popularized in the 1990s by Judy Singer.Neurodiversity shifts the focus from pathology to inclusivity.The social model of disability emphasizes societal barriers over individual deficits.Neurodivergent individuals often face stigma and misinformation.Historical treatment of neurodivergent individuals has been tied to eugenics and ableism.Women and people of color are often underdiagnosed due to systemic biases.Neurodivergent individuals may experience dual minority status in the queer community.Access to mental health care can be prohibitively expensive and difficult to obtain.Many neurodivergent individuals contribute significantly to society and advocacy. Mentioned in this Episode: Judy Singer — sociologist with autism, popularized the term “neurodivergence”Jim Sinclair — activist, known for anti-cure positionGreta Thunberg — activist, autism and environmental advocacyQueer Moment of Joy Guests:  Jimmy Chen @itsjimmychenStuart Stock-Tucker He/Him @stuartstocktucker24Host Bio: Allison Smith LCSW (she/they) is a Clinical Social Worker at Open Space Therapy Collective. Allison specializes in working with teens and adults. Allison integrates trauma-informed, abolitionist, and anti-colonial frameworks into their practice, supporting clients in exploring identity, relationships, ENM dynamics, and cultural connections. 🌈 About Open Space Therapy CollectiveOpen Space Therapy Collective (OSTC) is a queer- and trans-led mental health collective built on the belief that therapy should feel like a place where every part of you belongs. Our team of LGBTQ+ and QTPOC therapists create space for healing that is affirming, justice-driven, and rooted in community care. From navigating identity to unpacking trauma to celebrating joy, OSTC is here for the full spectrum of queer experience.To find more from us visit:Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.comInstagram: @openspacetherapycollective TikTok: @openspacetherapy Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisoutYouTube: @openspacetherapycollectiveKeywords: neurodivergence, ADHD, autism, mental health, queer community, stigma, neurodiversity movement, intersectionality, access to care, historical context, LGBTQ mental health

In this episode, Renae Johnson (they/them) sits down with Charlie Sprinkman (they/he), founder of Everywhere is Queer, to talk about what it really means to build and sustain queer safe spaces. From Charlie’s journey out of a conservative upbringing to becoming a leader in queer visibility, this conversation dives into the power of community, the challenges of creating inclusive businesses, and why visibility matters now more than ever.We’ll explore how queer-owned spaces aren’t just about safety—they’re about joy, representation, and fueling a broader queer economy. Charlie brings honesty, humor, and insight to the realities of running a queer-centered platform, the pushback that comes with it, and the growth that happens when community shows up for you.If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to create a world where we can live more authentically—and why those spaces are essential to our survival and our joy—this episode is for you.Mentioned in this Episode: Camp Brave Trails Dylan Mulvaney’s TikTok Queer Moment of Joy Guest:Queer Moment of Joy Guest 1: Julian Montanez He/Him from DTLA Proud @dtlaproudQueer Moment of Joy Guest 2: Neverending Nina She/Her @neverendingninanotesGuest Bio : Charlie Sprinkman (he/they) is the founder of the free Everywhere Is Queer App. EIQ is becoming one of the largest queer-owned organization directories in the world, if not the largest! EIQ hosts over 16,700+ queer-owned organizations globally. EIQ's mission is to connect the queer, trans and ally community with safer spaces, all while supporting queer entrepreneurs. EIQ's app is free and available globally!Links:App - iOS and AndroidInstagram: @everywhereisqueer (158K)TikTok: @everywhereisqueer (115K)Website: www.everywhereisqueer.comHost Bio: Renae Johnson, LPCC, ATR-BC (they/them) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, and the Founder of Open Space Therapy Collective, a group practice offering affirming, social justice-driven mental health care for the LGBTQ+ & QTPOC community. With clinical expertise in complex trauma, identity development, and creative expression, Renae blends therapeutic depth with a commitment to equity and inclusion.In addition to their clinical work, Renae produces community wellness events like Queerly Connected and is a founding member of the LA Queer Coalition, creating spaces where queer and trans people can gather, heal, organize, and celebrate. As a speaker, consultant, and activist, Renae is passionate about building systems of care that honor the full humanity of queer and trans individuals—and equipping healthcare and wellness providers with the tools to do the same.To find more from us visit:Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.comInstagram: @openspacetherapycollective TikTok: @openspacetherapy Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisoutYouTube: @openspacetherapycollectiveKeywords: Queer Community, Safe Spaces, LGBTQ+ Mental Health, Inclusivity, Queer-Owned Businesses, Community Building, Visibility, LGBTQ+ Support, Queer Economy, Personal Transformation, Authenticity

Sometimes it’s not just rest you need. Sometimes, it’s a radical reimagining of what you’re carrying—and what you need to set down for good.In this mini summer check-in episode, Kristen Crowe (they/them), therapist and dance/movement therapist at Open Space Therapy Collective, drops in with a soft but honest reflection on what it means when rest stops working. They explore the emotional labor so many LGBTQ+ folks are holding, especially in this political moment, and the difference between being tired and being over-capacity.Together, we ask: What if your exhaustion isn’t just about needing a nap, but about needing to renegotiate the expectations you’ve internalized about what you should be able to do?This is your permission slip to get honest about your limits, make sustainable choices, and remember you’re not meant to carry it all alone.🌀 For more mental health support and reflection, catch up on past episodes of My Therapist is Out! while we take our summer rest. We’ll be back soon.Host Bio: Kristen Crowe LPCC, BC-DMT (they/them) Is Licensed Therapist, Dance Therapist, and Clinical Supervisor with Open Space Therapy Collective. Kristen specializes in working somatically with adults and partners to help heal the mind-body connection so you can feel more grounded and vibrant every day.To find more from us visit:Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.comInstagram: @openspacetherapycollective TikTok: @openspacetherapy Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisoutYouTube: @openspacetherapycollective

While My Therapist is Out! is on a summer break, we're still popping into your feed with bite-sized mental health moments to keep you grounded and connected. In this mini check-in, therapist Terra Friedman (she/her) invites you to rethink how you're resting—and whether it's really working for you.Drawing from Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith’s 7 types of rest, Terra offers a compassionate reminder that not all rest is created equal. If you're emotionally exhausted but spending your downtime doom-scrolling, you're probably not giving your nervous system what it actually needs. In just a few minutes, Terra walks you through how to recognize different kinds of fatigue and tune into the kind of rest that nourishes your queer, brilliant self.Because for LGBTQ+ folks, intentional rest isn’t just self-care—it’s resistance.💤 Emotional rest. 🎭 Social rest. 🧠 Mental rest. 🎨 Creative rest. 💡 Sensory rest. 💪 Physical rest. 💫 Spiritual rest.Whether you’re in the middle of protest season, planning queer joy events, or just trying to stay afloat in a chaotic world—this is your gentle nudge to pause with purpose.🎙️ Take five minutes with us. You deserve it.Host Bio: Terra Friedman AFMT (she/her) is an Associate Therapist with Open Space Therapy Collective. Terra specializes in working with high achieving womxn who experience anxiety. Terra also works with couples and partners who are currently in or exploring non-monogamous relationships.To find more from us visit:Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.comInstagram: @openspacetherapycollective TikTok: @openspacetherapy Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisoutYouTube: @openspacetherapycollective

While My Therapist is Out! is on summer break, we’re popping into your feed with a mini mental health check-in. This bite-sized episode features therapist Ernesto Martinez (they/he), offering grounded reflections on what it means when anger begins to surface — especially for LGBTQ+ folks in healing.Sometimes when we’re reconnecting to parts of ourselves that have been shut down by trauma, grief, or survival mode, anger shows up first. Ernesto breaks down why that’s not something to fear — but something to get curious about.Whether you're resting, protesting, or somewhere in between this summer, this episode invites you to reflect:Is your anger trying to tell you something?What boundaries are you ready to reinforce?Where is your body asking for agency or care?This check-in is a reminder that healing isn’t always soft — and that sometimes, anger is a sign we’re coming back online.Tap in, take a breath, and remember: your rage is worthy of tenderness too.Queer Moment of Joy Guest: Celia Mandela (she/her) @celiamandela, Hannah Hewes-Clark (she/her) @hannah.holding.space, Jamie Kaufman (he/they) @jamiekaufmanphotoHost Bio: Ernesto Martinez APCC, AMFT (they/elle/he/el) is an Associate Therapist with Open Space Therapy Collective. Ernesto specializes in working with Adults, Teens, & Parents of Gender Expansive Children, Adult Children of (im)Migrants to transform challenges into stepping stones towards self-compassion, fulfillment, and confidence. To find more from us visit:Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.comInstagram: @openspacetherapycollective TikTok: @openspacetherapy Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisoutYouTube: @openspacetherapycollective

My Therapist Is Out! is taking a little summer break — but don’t worry, we’re not leaving you hanging.Every two weeks, our queer therapists will still be sliding into your feed with bite-sized mental health check-ins.Think of it as your gentle reminder to pause, breathe, and take care of your sweet self.And if you're out there organizing, protesting, showing up in your full activist heart — we see you. Just a reminder: rest is part of the work. You don’t have to burn out to prove your commitment. Breaks are necessary. Breaks are allowed. You deserve sustainability, not just survival.New full episodes return soon — but until then, we’ve got you.Queer Moment of Joy Guest: Kyle Flentie @kyleflentie, Jennifer Messina @jennifercmessina, Jak Tafalla-Vargas @igobyjak Host Bio: Renae Johnson, LPCC, ATR-BC (they/them) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, and the Founder of Open Space Therapy Collective, a group practice offering affirming, justice-driven mental health care for the LGBTQ+ community. With clinical expertise in complex trauma, identity development, and creative expression, Renae blends therapeutic depth with a commitment to equity and inclusion.In addition to their clinical work, Renae produces community wellness events like Queerly Connected and is a founding member of the LA Queer Events Coalition, creating spaces where queer and trans people can gather, heal, and celebrate. They also host the podcast My Therapist is Out!, exploring mental health through a queer lens.As a speaker, consultant, and activist, Renae is passionate about building systems of care that honor the full humanity of queer and trans individuals—and equipping providers with the tools to do the same.To find more from us visit:Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.comInstagram: @openspacetherapycollective TikTok: @openspacetherapy Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisoutYouTube: @openspacetherapycollective

What happens when you mix scissors, stories, and queer magic? You get Folklore—a radically warm and inclusive salon built by community, for community.In this heartfelt episode of My Therapist is Out!, host Renae Johnson (they/them) sits down with artist, stylist, and community organizer Pony Lee Musgrave (he/they). From cutting hair to cutting through social norms, Pony shares their journey of creating Folklore, a queer-affirming space rooted in softness, storytelling, and collective resilience.TakeawaysBuilding intentional spaces that celebrate queer identityThe emotional labor and joy of community careWhy vulnerability is a superpower, not a weaknessHonoring our queer ancestors and holding space for our historyThe small, everyday rituals that keep us connected and groundedLeadership involves vulnerability and allowing oneself to fall apart.Community support is crucial during times of crisis.Local actions can lead to significant change.Honoring queer ancestors is essential for future generations.Storytelling helps preserve queer history and culture.The Butch Barber chair symbolizes a connection to queer activism.Queer Moment of Joy Guest: Hannah @hanxperez and Mandoh @MandohGuest Bio : Pony Lee Musgrave(they/he) is born and raised in East LA, Pony is a multidisciplinary Artist , barber, leather Person and owner of Folklore Salon & Barber. Pony has had an active part of community organizing for the Los Angeles Queer community since 2009.Salonfolklore.comIG: folklore.laNew Project: The restoration of Nancy Valverde’s Barber Chair . Known as The Butch Barber of East LA who was jailed and harassed by LAPD for wearing men's clothing. This project will have  a collection of performances, stories of resistance and queer perseverance while rebuilding the chair. All archived. Maybe a book? Who knows. Here is her history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_ValverdeHost Bio: Renae Johnson, LPCC, ATR-BC (they/them) is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Board-Certified Art Therapist, and the Founder of Open Space Therapy Collective, a group practice offering affirming, justice-driven mental health care for the LGBTQ+ community. With clinical expertise in complex trauma, identity development, and creative expression, Renae blends therapeutic depth with a commitment to equity and inclusion.In addition to their clinical work, Renae produces community wellness events like Queerly Connected and is a founding member of the LA Queer Events Coalition, creating spaces where queer and trans people can gather, heal, and celebrate. They also host the podcast My Therapist is Out!, exploring mental health through a queer lens.As a speaker, consultant, and activist, Renae is passionate about building systems of care that honor the full humanity of queer and trans individuals—and equipping providers with the tools to do the same.To find more from us visit:Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.comInstagram: @openspacetherapycollective TikTok: @openspacetherapy Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisoutYouTube: @openspacetherapycollectiveKeywords: queer community, leadership, resilience, activism, Folklore, Butch Barber chair, LGBTQ+ history, community building, personal journey

🎙️ My Therapist is Out! Presents: The TGI TownHall – 100 Days In, Our Lives on the LineWhat does safety, justice, and visibility look like for trans, gender-expansive, and intersex (TGI) communities under the current administration? We’re 100 days in—and it’s time to take stock.In this special episode, My Therapist is Out! is proud to present the TGI TownHall, produced by the LA Queer Events Coalition and The Unique Woman’s Coalition. As a founding member of LA QEC, Open Space Therapy Collective is honored to uplift this urgent conversation centering TGI voices and leadership.✨ The TownHall opens with a powerful letter from Queen Shannon of The Unique Woman’s Coalition—an emotional, truth-telling call to action addressed directly to the current administration.Then, our dynamic panel dives into the realities TGI folks are facing across the country. Panelists include: 🎤 Melissa Marquette – Gender Services Program Manager 🎤 Tracie Alexander – Founder, Unique Trans-ition, Inc. 🎤 Debin Smith – Trans retired principal, Daniel Pearl High School 🎤 Jenny Pizer – Chief Legal Officer, Lambda Legal 🎙️ Moderated by NiK Kacy of NiK Kacy PresentsThey unpack how shifting policies are impacting trans lives in real time, highlight the urgency for trans-led solutions, and offer bold visions for collective care and community safety. From healthcare access to legal defense to the power of storytelling, this TownHall is both a reckoning and a rally cry.📣 This episode is for everyone who believes in collective liberation and knows that trans justice is justice.🎧 Listen now and stay in the fight.TakeawaysWhy the first 100 days of any administration matter for TGI communitiesThe role of direct action, advocacy, and visibility in protecting trans livesLegal insights from Lambda Legal on recent and upcoming policy changesThe critical need for gender-affirming healthcare and accessIntergenerational perspectives on surviving and thriving as trans folksThe importance of community organizing and trans-led solutionsHow to show up for the TGI community beyond Pride MonthWhat liberation could look like when TGI voices lead the wayQueer Moment of Joy Guests: PJ & Jackie LA Queer Events Coalition: Unites the queer community to amplify our collective power, protect our rights, & create positive change for the LGBTQ+ community of LA. Coalition members include: BabyGay, The Secret Circus, Girls Gays Theys, Gay DoLA, Equality Fashion Week, NiK Kacy Presents, Open Space Therapy Collective, The Unitē App, DTLA Proud, Kiso Los Angeles, DTLA Proud, The Black Cat, Empowerment in Heels, LA Civil Rights, WIth Love Projects, Strapped, Pony Goldhttps://www.instagram.com/laqueereventscoalition/https://www.theuwc.org/Unique Woman’s Coalition: Rooted in community, we are dedicated to shaping the next generation of Black Trans leaders through transformative mentorship, meaningful engagement, and unwavering community care. Together, we honor our legacy while building a future of empowerment, equity, and resilience.Connie Norman Transgender Empowerment Center: Transgender and Non-Binary individuals comprise two of the most marginalized groups in our society. The Center provides much-needed services in one convenient, safe, and welcoming place.Named after Connie Norman, known as the ‘AIDS Diva,’ a fearless Transgender and AIDS activist who died in 1996, this center acts as a home to raise up and empower the next generation of activists and members of our community. We are home to several Trans-led organizations including FLUX powered by AHF, TransCanWork, the Unique Woman’s Coalition (UWC), Mirror Memoirs, ProjectQ, Unique Point of Refuge, and The Trans Chorus of Los Angeles.https://connienorman.org/To find more from us visit:Website: https://www.openspacetherapycollective.comInstagram: @openspacetherapycollective TikTok: @openspacetherapy Spotify: @MyTherapistisOut Apple Podcasts: @mytherapistisoutYouTube: @openspacetherapycollective