Identity-based harm isn’t only something we think about—it’s something that stays with us, shaping how safe it feels to be in our bodies. Identity-based harm can feel deeply personal, but it’s rooted in systemic marginalization that impacts our sense of self-worth and belonging.

As a queer therapist, I want to name something I see over and over again in the therapy room—and in our communities: when people are harmed because of who they are, that harm doesn’t just live in the mind. It lives in the body. And over time, it quietly erodes our sense of belonging.

Identity-based harm can show up in ways both overt and subtle, shaping our lives, our relationships, and our sense of safety in the world. Policies, laws, and institutional practices that criminalize or erase LGBTQ+ identities can reinforce these wounds, creating cumulative effects on mental health that ripple through communities and generations.

There’s something powerful about finally admitting to yourself: I want to live authentically. I want relationships where I’m cared for as much as I care for others. I want to breathe easier. I want to be free.

Living as a neurodivergent queer adult comes with its own set of challenges—and its own opportunities for creativity, resilience, and joy. Let’s discuss realistic strategies for tackling daily responsibilities without burning out, and ways to advocate for yourself at school or work without fear of stigma or discrimination.

Neurodiversity isn’t just a clinical term—it’s a way of recognizing the amazing variety of human brains and experiences. For LGBTQ+ folks, being neurodivergent often intersects with identity in ways that shape how we navigate relationships, community, and self-understanding.

Here’s the real: being both queer and neurodivergent can feel like trying to dance to music everyone else is hearing in slow-mo. And that’s okay. Actually, it’s better than okay. It’s a chance to remix the whole damn thing…

ADHD shows up differently for everyone, and if you’re LGBTQ+, you might notice how your identity shapes the way you experience and cope with it. Let’s discuss and reflect on this on this.

For LGBTQ+ people living with neurodiversity, the world can often feel like too much and not enough at the same time. And while there’s been a growing understanding of both neurodiversity and LGBTQ+ identities on their own, there’s still so little space where those experiences are honored together.

There’s something life-saving about walking into a room where you don’t have to explain yourself. That’s the power of queer community—and why safe spaces aren’t just nice to have, they’re essential for our survival and thriving.

We talk a lot about rest in the mental health world. And for good reason. Rest is necessary. Rest is sacred. But sometimes… it’s not enough.

When the world feels heavy, rest is essential. Simply laying on the couch with your phone might give the illusion of rest, but if you're still overstimulated, emotionally raw, or spiritually disconnected, you may wake up feeling even more drained.

Anger is often misunderstood, especially in the mental health world. Many of us are taught to fear or suppress it. For LGBTQ+ folks in particular, anger can feel taboo. We’re often expected to be grateful, polite, digestible. Anger doesn’t fit neatly into that box. But what if we told you that an upturn in anger might not be a problem, but a sign of healing?

When you're out there fighting for justice, showing up for your people, and pushing back against policies and systems that harm LGBTQ+ and BIPOC lives, it can feel like there's never time to stop. But here’s the truth: rest is part of the work. Play is part of the work. And you deserve both.

At Open Space Therapy Collective, we’ve learned that authentic leadership in LGBTQ+ spaces isn’t about climbing some invisible ladder or performing perfection. It’s about showing up as your full, messy, beautiful self.

Pride is supposed to be a celebration—a space to show up as our full, unfiltered selves and find joy in community. If you’re feeling the weight of it all as Pride season approaches, you’re not alone. Let’s talk about what it means to care for ourselves in this moment and show up in ways that honor our mental health.

For many LGBTQ+ people, especially those who have experienced trauma, the body can feel like a battleground. Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) invites something different: a chance to come home to yourself- let’s explore what it is.

Coming out is rarely a one-time event. For some, coming out might be liberating and affirming. For others, it might feel disorienting, isolating, or even dangerous. One thing is clear: being in community with others who have shared experiences can make all the difference.

Have you ever walked into a room and instantly scanned for safety? That constant sense of alertness is something many LGBTQ+ folks know all too well. It’s called hypervigilance, and while it can be a survival skill in hostile environments, it’s exhausting—and over time, it can take a real toll on our mental and physical health.

In Episode 58 of My Therapist is Out!, we had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Crystal Whiteaker from Crystal Lily Creative to explore the profound impact of leading with core values. So, what does it really mean to lead with your core values, and how do you begin the process of identifying them? Let’s dive in.