How to Survive the Apocalypse: A Queer Person’s Guide to Living in America

In this episode, Chelsea Johnson LMFT takes soundbites from LGBTQIA+ folks all over North Carolina, and asks them one question, "What does Pride feel like for you this year?" The responses were inspiring, to say the least. Interested in expanding your community? Check out our brand new "Trans* Pen-Pals Mentorship Program" here, open to all trans* folks 18+ living in the U.S.: h...

In this episode, Chelsea Johnson LMFT discusses the common impacts of religious trauma and it's historical impacts on LGBTQIA2S+ individuals. Joined by Barbara Hodapp, LCSW (she/her), they explore how folks can recognize they have experienced harm through a faith or religious community experience, and how they might begin to recover and heal. Barbara's Practice: https://catalystnc.com/barb...

In this episode, Chelsea Johnson LMFT (she/her) discusses how folks get to access "safety". Joined by Jadelynn St Dre, LMFT CST (she/her), they discuss how colonialism and systemic oppression has hindered who can access safety and when, and how we can recognize "safe enough vs. safe" for ourselves, and identify and cultivate those spaces both in therapy and with our community....

In this episode, Chelsea Johnson LMFT discusses the unique experience LGBTQIA+ identified parents and caregivers are having during this current massive cultural shift. Joined by Kelsey Smith Crowe, LCSW LCAS, they discuss ways LGBTQIA+ parents can better navigate their current experiences of overwhelm, grief, burnout, and loss. Mentioned in this episode: https://honesthistory.co/collections/magazi...

In this episode, Chelsea Johnson LMFT discusses the "QASL" model of family therapy, created by August Tousignant-Stanton LMFT, and it's applications for queer-identified youth and their caregivers. Joined by August, they discuss the timeliness of this model, how to learn more about it, and core concepts and interventions therapists can utilize. Links mentioned in this episode: Denver...

In this episode, Chelsea Johnson, LMFT (she/her) discusses how to best support youth and their caregivers during this time of heightened stress for LGBTQIA-identified minors. Joined by Mack Kirsch, LCMHCA (they/them), they discuss how parents can best support their kids and themselves through this climate, and ways youth can find the support they need. Organizations mentioned in this episode: Camp...

In this episode, Chelsea Johnson LMFT (she/her) explores the origins of "community care" in LGBTQIA2S+ and BIPOC populations, and how community care is more important for our community than ever. Joined by Diana Parra, LCMHCA (they/them/elle), they discuss the use and benefit of Somatic Experiencing tools in the fight for liberation and community care. Resources mentioned in this episode...

In this episode, Chelsea Johnson LMFT (she/her) discusses major current cultural shifts and divisiveness, how we learn from the past and how we got here as a society, and what queer folks can actually do in this present time to further liberation work. Joined by James Moran, LCMHCA (he/him), they discuss these topics and also real-life events that are unfolding as this podcast is being recorded. J...

In this episode, Chelsea Johnson, LMFT shares stories from researchers all over NC and the US who are leading the charge in developing accurate, comprehensive research to better serve transgender and gender-diverse folx in their healthcare and educational rights in states with restrictive legislation. Featured in this episode: - Shug Miller (they/them) UPENN - Nicolas Pardo (he/him) USC - Jemm Mer...

In this episode, Chelsea Johnson, LMFT shares information about new and exciting research for TGD* folks in the South, coming out of Duke University! Jemm Merritt (they/them), with the DREAM Project at Duke, shares information about how to sign up to participate, get involved, and shape research on gender-affirming care in America. Calling all TGD* folks 18+ in the Southeast US! Duke needs your in...

In this episode, Chelsea Johnson LMFT discussed the intersection of neurodivergence and queerness in our world. Joined by a long-standing close friend and queer human, Zachary Kopciak, they unpack this concept, themes of gender non-conformity, and finding "home" as a queer person with chosen family. Article mentioned in this podcast: The Link Between Neurodivergence and Queerness, Explai...

In this episode, Chelsea Johnson LMFT explores the prevalence of PTSD and experience of traumatic stress within the LGBTQIA+ community, and ways to regulate your nervous system during triggers and uncertainty. Joined by LK Bissel, LCMHC, they discuss "glimmers", what's going on in the state of Florida, and protective factors. Links mentioned in this episode: https://www.wonderlustpllc.com/ https:/...

In this episode, Chelsea Johnson LMFT explores the topic of "erasure", and hidden part of our identities we may hold. Joined by Dr. Brittany Bate, they discuss increasing visibility and support for these parts of ourselves that often feel unseen, as well as erasure at larger systemic levels in our culture. Be Bold Psychology (Groups and Individual Therapy Services mentioned in this episo...

In this episode, Chelsea Johnson, LMFT explores the "queer awakening" of the pandemic, and the cascade of self-identified "late bloomer" queers that came out in recent years. Topics unique to this experience are explored, and Chelsea is joined by Brianna (Hicks) Lassen, LCMHC to unpack what folks in this population may be experiencing and how they can feel valid in the community. Brianna's Practic...

In this episode, Chelsea Johnson LMFT explores topics of ritual, grief, and death amongst folx in the LGBTQIA+ community. Joined by EO Mendelsohn, LMFTA (founder of Queer Death Club), they do a deeper dive into queer bodies and their value, inclusivity (or lack thereof) as it pertains to loss and death, and ways we can open conversations around these topics with others. LINK TO QUEER DEATH CLUB: h...

In this episode, Chelsea Johnson, LMFT unpacks how to find the right place to share your voice and story, engaging with the systems that oppress us while still surviving, and the choices we get to make. Joined by "Mama" and ZeeZee", queer parents and full-time working folx who have spent the majority of their adult life as out queer people in very governed spaces, they discuss the complexities of...

Chelsea Johnson, LMFT explores what "self-care" as a queer person looks like and throws traditional ideas about self-care in the trash can. Together with Julien Alarie, LCMHC-A, they explore ideas of "micro self-care" and what makes certain forms of self-care unique to the queer community. BOOK MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: https://www.amazon.com/Come-You-Are-Surprising-Transform/dp/1982165316/ref=sr...

In this episode, Chelsea Johnson, LMFT does a deep dive into the "inner oppressor" inside most queer folx, and how we recognize and stop this voice from impacting our authenticity and mental health. Joined by Adriana Gomez-Nichols, LCMHC, together they discuss strategies and concepts related to this, and how we can support and celebrate other LGBTQIA+ folx, rather than replicate discrimi...

Chelsea Johnson, LMFT discusses anti-trans legislation being passed all over the United States, and resources available to trans and gender non-conforming youth and their families. Special thanks to activist Kristen Havlik for her grassroots work on gathering and disseminating this information to youth and their families. Kristen Havlik: https://www.instagram.com/kristenhavliknc/ Southern Trans Em...

In this first Episode, Chelsea Johnson, LMFT opens up about her own personal journey to finding her identity, her calling and her passion, and the amazing power of storytelling. Also joined by her wife, Stephanie Herrera, they explore how queer partnerships navigate together the complex issues in our culture affecting queer folx, as well as raising children as queer parents in this climate. Link t...