Podcasts about lgbt mental health

GayTherapyLA Podcast producer, Austen Weinhart, interviews host Ken Howard, LCSW, CST, on the history of Gay Men's Therapy and his own career path over 30 years as a gay men's specialist therapist, coach, sex therapist, author, and activisit. 

It's our last Friday show for the year! We are recapping a massive week of news both in NZ and Internationally. Illicit drugs are at the highest volume seen since the national wastewater testing programme started in 2018. Kieran McAnulty calls out the associate minister for housing for claims of drops in emergency housing. He asserts that the numbers are down because they aren't providing the help. Outline Aotearoa - another organisation at risk of losing critical funding to support LGBT Mental Health. Plus! Some good news burried below the headlines, and memes to send you into the weekend. ================================= Come support the work we're doing by becoming a Patron of ⁠⁠#BHN⁠⁠ www.patreon.com/BigHairyNews⁠ Merch available at www.BHNShop.nz Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/BigHairyNews Follow us on Twitter. @patbrittenden @Chewie_NZ Follow us on BlueSky @iamprettyawesome.bsy.social @xkaosmagex.bsky.social

Pride Celebration Month I chat with Jordan Green, who is one of the artist, and first time artist in the Black LGBTQ Graphic Anthology We Belong from Stackdeck Press. We talk about his journey, work, and life experiences that informed his work. As well as being Blerds and part of ONYX Men. Listen, share, and enjoy Links: IG: @jkgartz. https://stackeddeckpress.com

Candace McAfee, also known as Candace the Magnificent, is a Black queer genderfluid voice actor, TTRPG performer, streamer and writer. When they're not working, she enjoys obsessing over pop culture, collecting books, spending time with their two cats, and making beautiful things. Links: https://linktr.ee/candacethemagnificent IG: https://www.instagram.com/candacethemagnificent/ Black and Pink Abolition: https://www.blackandpink.org Bloom & Blight: https://twitter.com/BloomandBlight Other World Hollywood: https://www.chaosium.com/blogsignificant-streams-7-twelvesided-stories/ Chaotic Wholesome: https://www.chaoticwholesomepresents.com A Weekend with Friends of Jackson Elias- Queer Horror Panel: https://www.youtube.com/live/NGbjoZPzISc?si=S-fpLCk3HGPaT_-K Under a Black Rainbow: https://www.amazon.com/Under-Black-Rainbow-Bucho-Rodenberger/dp/B0CQ14ZQ64/

Democrats are calling for a boycott of the Mississippi State Fair after Republicans held a rally in support of former President Donald Trump.Then, LGBTQ youth in Mississippi are four times more likely to commit suicide. How can mental health services reduce that number?Plus, roadside markers are a way to preserve history where it happened. That's ahead in this week's History is Lunch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Celebrating Pride I chat with SS Ambrose (She/They) who is an Award Winning TTRPG Performer and the Creative Director and Founder of Othersider Studios. We discussed producing Actual Play games and Queer Horror. Listen, enjoy, and share. Links: IG& Twitter: ssambrose_ Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/othersiderstudios Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@othersiderstudios Bluesky: Othersider Studios A Weekend with Good Friends panel- Queer Horror https://www.youtube.com/live/NGbjoZPzISc?si=h5PPv1YmGAjIansc Game: Something is Wrong Here https://kiramagrann.itch.io/something-is-wrong-here

Ken discusses the subtle and insidious ways that religious moralism undermines professional mental health services delivery (psychotherapy) for the broader LGBTQ+ community and more specifically for gay men, and how to counter this. 

I chat with Dr. Erin Findley PsyD., who is a Psychologist in Napa, Ca who has interest and focus on working with Neurodiversity in Couples. Especially when both member of the relationship are Neurodiversity identities. So listen, learn, and share. Links: https://www.erinfindley.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-findley-psyd/

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we bring you a conversation centered around queer mental health and borderline personality disorder, with Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Jordan Werner. Jordan discusses the complexities of queer mental health and the patterns she sees in her LGBT-identifying clients: anxiety, shame, and identity issues. Jordan discusses the employment of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in her practice: a modality developed for the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Jordan explains the symptoms of BPD, common traits to look out for, and the challenges of diagnosing personality disorders. The discussion also covers the intersectionality of mental health and marginalized communities, the perception of BPD as a patriarchal diagnosis, and the potential for recovery through therapy. Lastly, Jordan teaches us TIPP Skills for when we feel dysregulated and want to calm ourselves down. The resources mentioned in this episode are: "I Hate You, Don't Leave Me" by Jerold J. Kreisman, MD Open Path Collective: https://openpathcollective.org/ Follow our guest @instadub92 and check out her website (she's taking new clients!) at www.jordanwtherapy.com Don't forget to subscribe, rate on Spotify, write a review on Apple, and share this episode with your spouse! For all other inquiries, please email madeitout@mgmt-entertainment.com

I chat with Dr. Erin Findley PsyD., who is a Psychologist in Napa, Ca is a Certificate Brainspotting and Consultant who also uses Brainspotting for Gaming in TableTop Roleplaying (TTRPG) as well as a few related topics. So listen, learn, and share. Links: https://www.erinfindley.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-findley-psyd/

Based on his 32 years as a gay men's specialist psychotherapist, sex therapist, and coach, Ken Howard, LCSW, CST gives 21 tips for gay men and how to recover from a breakup. 

Black History/Pride/ Celebration I chat with Dr. Damon Silas, about the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). We focus on what it is, how it works, and we demo it. This demo is focus for Black, LGBT, and Men who are seeking to their best selves. So please listen and share. Links:  https://damonsilaspsychology.com From Mourning To Knight: Overcoming Loss https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07949YRGS?ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_rSgqzbJEWMN1C&tag=kpembed-20&linkCode=kpe What's Your ACTION Plan? 6 Powerful Ways To Get Unstuck In Your Life Now http://books2read.com/u/mZ5qjR

I chat this time with Pam Punzalan, who I had chance to finally meet at Big Bad Con 2023. Pam is a Writier and Lead Editor on a numerous Table Top Roleplaying Games, The Executive Director of Dames Making Games of Toronto, Queer Advocate, and Gamer. We talk about their work on Blades in the Dark: Dagger Isles, as well as their work in bring more marginalized voice to the gaming world through their nonprofit and the venue of Big Bad Con. Additionally the challenges of being Queer and Immigrant in todays world. Links: Dames Making Games https://damesmakinggames.org IG, Twitter, & Bluesky: TheDoveTailor

Ken describes Gender Role Enforcement Rage: what it is, who is doing it, its harms, and what to do about it. 

Ken discusses the most common unconscious barriers gay men have to reaching their full potential from 30 years practicing therapy and coaching for gay men. 

Ken gives tips on how to start each day with a strong mental health to give inspiration and focus to meet our goals as gay men.  (To support the show, visit glow.fm/gaytherapylawithkenhowardlcswcst)

This week, Jarrod and Gabriel discuss the work of science journalist Catherine Price on her topic of fun. Are Gabriel and Jarrod capable of having fun? All signs point to maybe.Catherine Price Ted TalkCatherine Price for NPREmail: TheNervousNellies@gmail.comInstagram: Instagram.com/thenervousnelliesPatreon: Patreon.com/thenervousnelliesCover art by Gabriel M instagram.com/xxRoboSexualxxMusic by Yellow Omm provided by FreeMusicArchive.org

Celebrating Pride Month 2023 I chat with J Tebias Perry, a Gay Leatherman of Color. We discuss some of his life experiences in Leather, their work in as a writer, and their upcoming book Leather Mentorship: How to get it and how to benefit from it. J Tebias, explain some the work they have done for NCSF title abuse line, as part of the Titleholder Outreach Program. Additional we talk about their efforts to help others move past the generational trauma that has keep us for embrace our power and enjoying our lives here and in Europe. As well as a Myth and Realty around mental health. So check it out, and share. J Tebias Perry's Links J Tebias Perry - Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jtebias.perry JTebias.i.am - IG https://www.instagram.com/jtebias.i.am/ NCSF - National Coalition of Sexual Freedom https://ncsfreedom.org

Meg Talks with LGBT+ and Mental Health Influencer and digital content creator Heather Moradeyo. This week peeps we are getting into a totally new discussion topic. I know you guys are going to want a part 2,  we needed more time lol. This episode has a trigger warning attached for anyone sensitive to topics concerning: mental health sectioning, psychiatric wards, self harm & suicide. Heather and I get into a captivating  conversation, unpacking the true story behind the creative mind and social media mogul.  We uncover the synergy between Heather's life experiences and the dope work she is doing supporting the LGBT+ community in Nigeria. We talk about Heathers reality living with schizophrenia and what life is truly like on a psych ward.  Heather opens up about life in Lagos, searching for love in heterosexuality and being outed within her community back home

I continue my chats with my fellow Panelist from San Diego Comiccon, Mark A.J. Nazal. Mark is the an artist, a Director of Digital Content at CoSA VFX, a Primetime Emmy® Award-Winning Visual Effects Artist & Supervisor known for his work on Fox's Batman-based hit show Gotham, and Chief Creative Officer and a writer/creator for Diwata Komiks. We discuss the VFX industry, Filipino Cultural and History, the Comicbook culture in the Philippines, and Identity. As well as the Myth and Realities of mental health. Links: https://www.diwatakomiks.com/about-marknazal https://www.diwatakomiks.com

I chat with one of my fellow panelist from San Diego ComicCon, Robert Rice. Robert is an actor and one of the producers behind the LGBT centered show DemonHuntr on HereTV via Amazon. We talk about our panel at the ComicCon, their show DemonHuntr and how it came about. As well as how the pandemic effected their anxiety, as well as the anxiety of make their show. And the Myths and Realities of mental health. Links: @Robertrice87 https://www.facebook.com/robert.s.rice @DemonhuntrShow https://www.amazon.com/Demonhuntr-Season-1/dp/B09Q4CYM2T https://www.instagram.com/demonhuntrseries/?hl=en https://www.here.tv/series/demonhuntr

I chat with one of my fellow Panelist from San Deigo Comiccon, Chance Calloway. Chance is the a singer, writer, Flimmaker, and the Creator of the series Pretty Dudes which can be found on Amazon Prime. We discussed Chance life, creating the show, their mental health, and how the shows displays relationship, diversity, and ability. In addition we talk about the Myths and Realities of mental health. Links: https://www.chancecalloway.com Youtube: I Know Him So Well (Official Lyric Video) - AJ Rafael & Chance Calloway https://youtu.be/iGhtMDiStqw Pretty Dudes: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.c0b25b82-1a72-093d-9f9d-b7d64ecb8ab4?autoplay=0&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wb

This week we are joined by personal trainer and mental health advocate Jaime Filer in an uplifting episode. We get into misconceptions around eating disorders, overcoming social anxiety and how these conditions hold people back from improving their overall health. Here we go! Mental is the brain-child of Bobby Temps, who lives and thrives while managing his own mental health. Each Thursday we delve into a factor or condition that affects the mind and how to better manage it. You can now join our Subscription on Apple Podcasts to get new ad free extended episodes and support this cause… Petition to 'Get Mental Health Education on the School Curriculum' - Join us at bit.ly/MentalPetition Join the movement on: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram We also have a very blue website with loads of great resources HERE

Join hosts Amy Gordon (therapist) and Meg Specksgoor (comedian) in interviewing Angel Merritt (Professional Legal Guardian and Community Health Worker). In this podcast they discuss the dire state of queer mental health and some personal and systemic suggestions for creating a safer world for LGBTQIA2S+ folks. Transcription available @ https://www.rev.com/transcript-editor/shared/UrviQppbQB-a9cmLtEU1yvWlZ7TaDcoKqu_1KIj_uGEKfb5PoFjLhSXpNeZqHCImFaQh2ns3p7qVT4H1qmmhNeeh8zk?loadFrom=SharedLink References and Resources: Bailey, M. (n.d.). The danger of hiding who you are | Morgana Bailey - YouTube. Retrieved June 16, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2gbcVaZ448 Fish, Jessica N. “Future Directions in Understanding and Addressing Mental Health among LGBTQ Youth.” Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, vol. 49, no. 6, Nov. 2020, pp. 943–56. EBSCOhost, https://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2020.1815207 Forstag EH, editor. Reducing Inequalities Between Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Adolescents and Cisgender, Heterosexual Adolescents: Proceedings of a Workshop. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2022 Jan 6. 5, Promising Interventions in Mental, Emotional, and Physical Health. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK578801/ Glossary of terms. Human Rights Campaign. (n.d.). Retrieved June 15, 2022, from https://www.hrc.org/resources/glossary-of-terms Meyer, Ilan H., et al. “Minority Stress, Distress, and Suicide Attempts in Three Cohorts of Sexual Minority Adults: A U.S. Probability Sample.” PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, 3 Mar. 2021, https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0246827. Rethink.org. LGBT+ Mental Health. (n.d.). Retrieved June 15, 2022, from https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/living-with-mental-illness/wellbeing-physical-health/lgbtplus-mental-health/ Sage USA https://www.sageusa.org/what-we-do/?gclid=Cj0KCQjworiXBhDJARIsAMuzAuwpH_bV-VxK6L3u7vBx7Gpsy6jpiZueN3aHGfRID-yj8TuJcNR9XMsaAkSBEALw_wcB Jillian C. Shipherd PhD, Kelly E. Green PhD & Sarah Abramovitz BA (2010) Transgender Clients: Identifying and Minimizing Barriers to Mental Health Treatment, Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19359701003622875 The Trevor Project. (2022, May 18). Retrieved June 15, 2022, from https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/article/facts-about-lgbtq-youth-suicide/ Zambon, V. (2021, February 12). Depression and sexual orientation: Where to find support. Medical News Today. Retrieved June 15, 2022, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/lgbtqia-and-depression

Pride Month Celebration To celebrate Pride Month, we are switching away from our usual airing cycle, to being you more material around BIPOC Mental HEALTH and Life. Next up, I chat with Lida Vala, LMFT about her work with Trans Individuals around their Mental Health. Especially, her work in the area of Gender Based Complex Trauma. As well has her experience as a Trans, and BIPOC individual, of Persian Ancestry. We discuss Pride, how we use it survive and when it becomes maladaptive for our survival. In addition, to the film work with Transfinite, Lida Vala has been involves with. As well as the Myths and Realities around mental health. Lida.vala@gmail.com www.lidavala.com

Dr. Laura Roberts is joined by Dr. Petros Levounis, president-elect of the American Psychiatric Association, deputy editor at APA  Books to discuss The Pocket Guide to LGBTQ Mental Health (2020) and understanding the spectrum of human sexuality and fluidity. He also discusses his approach to motivational interviewing and his other published works. In this episode: The Pocket Guide to LGBTQ Mental Health (1:20) Understanding sexual fluidity (6:50) Understanding barriers to care (8:00) Other writings (11:02) Motivational Interviewing (12:30) the Buprenorphine waiver (20:09) Petros Levounis is professor and chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Stanford University where he studied chemistry and biophysics, before receiving his medical education at Stanford University School of Medicine and the Medical College of Pennsylvania. During medical school, he received an MA degree in sociology from Stanford before moving to New York City where he trained in psychiatry at Columbia University. He graduated from Columbia receiving the National Institute of Mental Health Outstanding Resident Award and went on to complete his fellowship in addiction psychiatry at New York University. He has written numerous articles and monographs; has lectured extensively on addiction topics throughout the United States and abroad; and has been interviewed by all major television networks. Dr. Levounis is a Betty Ford Scholar, a recipient of a U.S. State Department Speaker and Specialist Award, and an honorary member of the World Psychiatric Association. Resources: American Psychiatric Association Publishing: Technological Addictions (2022) American Psychiatric Association Publishing: The Pocket Guide to LGBTQ Mental Health (2020) American Psychiatric Association Publishing: Office-Based Buprenorphine Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder, 2nd Edition (2018) American Psychiatric Association Publishing:  Motivational Interviewing for Clinical Practice (2017) American Psychiatric Association Publishing: Pocket Guide to Addiction, Assessment and Treatment (2016) American Psychiatric Association Publishing:  The Behavioral Addictions (2015) American Psychiatric Association Publishing:  Addiction Casebook (2014) American Psychiatric Association Publishing: The LGBT Casebook (2012)  

Christians who hold to traditional teaching on biblical sexuality are sometimes accused of harming the mental health of LGBT people. In this episode the team explore whether biblical sexuality really does harm LGBT people, expose some of the assumptions and missteps behind that claim and look at how churches can be better at supporting everyone with mental health difficulties.Resources mentioned and relatedLGBT and Mental Health: What's the Link? Andrew BuntIsn't the Christian Sexual Ethic Harmful and Repressive? The Living Out TeamThe Mental Health and Well-Being of Celibate Gay Christians Mark Yarhouse and Olya ZaporozhetsWhat Does Good Pastoral Support Look Like? (Part 1) Andy RobinsonWhat Does Good Pastoral Support Look Like? (Part 2) Andy RobinsonWhat Does Good Pastoral Support Look Like? (Part 3) Andy RobinsonTake Your Time Ed ShawHow Biblically Inclusive Is Your Church? The Living Out Church Audit The Living Out TeamEngaging with LGBT Mental Health Andrew BuntA Christian Perspective on LGBTQ+ Mental Health Andrew BuntLGBTQ+ Suicide Andrew BuntIt's Time to Stop Weaponising Suicide Andrew BuntMind.org.ukStraight Jacket Matthew Todd 

Chris Pearson and The Log Books Podcast producer Shivani Dave with listening for LGBTQ+ History Month. Matthew and Brendan discuss their LGBT+ Mental Health podcast Bottoming, and talk about how the podcast originated as free therapy. Selly Thiam, host of AfroQueer, talks about how her podcast has found a wider audience since the beginning of the pandemic, and the surprising ways that the podcast has been shared to new listeners. Plus we'll hear extracts from: Queer Serial Prejudice and Pride The LGBT Sport Podcast The SG Boys Making Gay History If you have podcast recommendations for us, our email address is podcastradiohour@bbc.co.uk

Episode two of this series of the LagomMind mental health podcast spoke to Matthew Todd. Matthew is former editor of Attitude magazine and Straight Jacket, a book Elton John described as “an essential read for every gay man”.Hope you enjoy the show! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This month we have two very special PrideCasts to celebrate Pride month! We will be talking to Dr Sarah Stansfeld and Lesley Fraser about gay conversion therapy, active steps the government could take to support the LGBTQ+ community, and of course, the difficulties among patients and staff that have arisen during the pandemic.

This week we discuss mental health such as coping mechanisms and how to find a therapist with Dr.Plummer To contact Dr.Plummers team go to https://www.onyxtherapygroup.com Follow their IG @Onyxtherapygroup Follow us on IG @sheherdyke Email us sheherdyke@gmail.com Thank you for tuning in! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/sheherdyke/support

Hey listeners, this week we have a fellow therapist joining us.  Timothy Weymann is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, who has worked in the fields of addiction treatment; forensic psychology; program evaluation; education, research, consultation; and mental health counseling for over 13 years. He maintains a private practice in which he provides life and mental health counseling services through telehealth (i.e., telephone, Internet and video-conferencing) to adults who live throughout the states of Utah and Arizona. His private practice specialties include the treatment of: depression; anxiety; trauma; gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender concerns; relationship issues; grief, loss and life transitions; chronic illness, and pain; therapy for therapists; stress, and general growth.   In today's episode we are going to discuss LGBT definitions and go into mental health issues that impact the LGBT community. If you are interested in contacting Timothy and his services you can find his website www.timothyweymann.com

On this week's edition of "The Sports Kiki," Alex chats with LGBT mental health researcher Jack Turban about his research into Grindr, and safe sex practices during a pandemic. They also talk about the psychological impacts of the coronavirus lockdown on LGBT young people, and why physical distancing is particularly difficult for LGBT people. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a pretty typical stereotype: Hop on Instagram and you'll be greeted with so many ultra-hot gay couple pages, posting updates about their latest trip to Mykonos, matching Teslas, and meal prepping with their Equinox trainers. But why are gay guys so rich? How did they get here? And why is EVERY GAY GUY and his father taking trips to Mykonos? Research published on Psychology Today may have the answer. Source: Psychology Today: "Why Do Young Gay Men Try to Be the Best?" __ Make sure to subscribe to this podcast, and leave a review! Also make sure to check out our website for more content. http://thegaypro.com/   Twitter: @TheGayProFM Facebook: @TheGayPro Instagram: @TheGayPro YouTube: The Gay Pro: Empowering Gay Business Professionals

When it comes to mental health it affects every one of all nationalities. Doesn't matter what your background, religion, sexual preference, political views your mental health is important. When it comes to the LGBT+ community it's the same, nothing different about it. Today's podcast episode will be touching on various important topics and conversations about mental health and its  surroundings in  the LGBT+ community with today's guest and great friend Chris Ward. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

On this week's LGBTea, we have a special guest, Nat Dzamba. She offers insight and discussion surrounding the topics of older LGBT, mental health, and leisure. Nat's perspective provides clear explanations and examples of the ways in which older LGBT could use leisure in their everyday to better their own mental health outcomes. 

IDAHOBIT is tomorrow on the 17th May! Join Kelsey and George as they talk about mental health in the LGBT+ community, IDAHOBIT and what you can do to support it. Sources: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/bw0258-lgbti-mental-health-and-suicide-2013-2nd-edition.pdf?sfvrsn=2 Songs: Make it Part of the Dance - Caroline Dare (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-b2I6zCzzE) You Want Me - Abbey Glover (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHLQ77jHvO8) Over There - Jason Damot

Scout Schultz, a leader of the LGBT student group at the Georgia Institute of Technology was fatally shot by police on campus a few weeks ago— after police said the student refused officers' orders to drop a knife. There are reports that mental health challenges drove Schultz into a fatalistic situation. Tonight we look at dire mental health challenges that some LGBT people face and what to do about them. Joining me is my discussion panel regulars Brody Levesque and Karen Ocamb along with special guest Ellen Kahn. Ellen Kahn is the Director of the Children, Youth and Families Program at the Human Rights Campaign where she provides national leadership and expertise in public education and advocacy efforts on behalf of LGBT youth and families. Prior to joining HRC, Ellen served at the Whitman-Walker Health as Director of the Lesbian Services Program and Associate Director of LGBT Health Promotion.  Ellen was a founding Board member of Rainbow Families DC, the capital area's support and education organization for LGBT-headed families. 

Scout Schultz, a leader of the LGBT student group at the Georgia Institute of Technology was fatally shot by police on campus a few weeks ago— after police said the student refused officers’ orders to drop a knife. There are reports that mental health challenges drove Schultz into a fatalistic situation. Tonight we look at dire mental health challenges that some LGBT people face and what to do about them. Joining me is my discussion panel regulars Brody Levesque and Karen Ocamb along with special guest Ellen Kahn. Ellen Kahn is the Director of the Children, Youth and Families Program at the Human Rights Campaign where she provides national leadership and expertise in public education and advocacy efforts on behalf of LGBT youth and families. Prior to joining HRC, Ellen served at the Whitman-Walker Health as Director of the Lesbian Services Program and Associate Director of LGBT Health Promotion.  Ellen was a founding Board member of Rainbow Families DC, the capital area’s support and education organization for LGBT-headed families. 

This week I'm presenting the third and final part in a series of episodes based on the recent Department of Health conference on LGBT Mental Health, which took place at the end of May in Nottingham. (For more details see part one) I entitled my own presentation "Transgender Realities" and proceeded to pull very few punches about research-based evidence of trans people's experiences of health discrimination, in a factual approach aimed directly at the 130 healthcare professionals present. I regrettably had to publicly criticise Nottingham PCT itself, having adopted a commissioning policy which is clearly discriminatory and unlawful in my view. If you wish to follow the presentation slides then you'll find these here.

This week I'm presenting the second of three episodes in which you can hear the speakers at the recent Department of Health conference on LGBT Mental Health in Nottingham. (For more details see last week's part one). Tim Franks is the Chief Executive of PACE, a leading London-based charity which promotes mental health and well-being within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans community there. In his presentation Tim talks about the different reasons that LGBT people may have for connecting with Mental Health services. Like many of the day’s speakers he emphasises that whilst being different in these ways is not a mental illness, people have the experiences of discrimination to deal with and, of course, they can experience conditions such as depression or psychotic illnesses like anyone else. Tim also raises interesting perspectives about the way therapeutic relationships can benefit when service users don’t need to explain aspects of their identity and simply feel that their sexual orientation or gender presentation is accepted. He says that in PACE the service providers ‘come out’ about their position so that the service user doesn’t need to.

On 28th May the Department of Health organised a major conference on LGBT Mental Health in Nottingham. The event was attended by well over 100 health professionals and the day was led by Professor Clair Chilvers, who is the Chair of Nottingham Healthcare NHS Trust. In this and the following two episodes the speeches of some of the main presenters will be featured in full. For this first programme we hear the introduction from Surinder Sharma, National Director of the Department of Health's Equality and Human Rights Group. Surinder is then followed by Professor Anne Rogers, who holds the chair in Sociology of Health Care at the University of Manchester. Both of these speakers paint a progressive picture of the understanding of the role of mental health, and how thinking is changing (or needs to change) to meet the true needs of people without unnecessarily pathologising their difference. Copies of Powerpoint presentations and other materials from this conference are now online here.