Finding a safe and comfortable space to talk about gender and sexuality is not easy. Queer identities are treated as taboo and are falsely viewed as abnormal. Therapists can often hold significant biases against the LGBTQ+ community, which can cause strain in the therapeutic process, and sometimes even harm. A queer competent counselor is one who holds knowledge, understanding, and skill to work with issues pertaining to one’s gender and/or sexual identity.

A common issue faced by folks under the LGBTQ+ spectrum is internalized homophobia. We have been conditioned to believe that heterosexuality is the norm, and any other identity is the exception. This ‘othering’ of queer identities contributes towards a sense of isolation and ostracization among the queer folk, often resulting in a lack of inner and social acceptance and feelings of low self-esteem and self-worth.

My personal and professional background drives my passion of making a difference in the queer community, especially with the racialized population. I believe that the nuances of one’s struggles cannot be disconnected from the intersection of their identities, and I employ this in my understanding of your struggles.