Hey everyone, I first want to thank you to those who continue to support my content and also have been so patient! I want to go ahead and share with you all my plans for this platform. Once a week I will be writing posts in regards to new updates to mental health, debunking misinformation with factual science, WTAF news will be utilized and will be customized by each state or region, and personal updates. Starting today you will start to see blog posts drop.
Projects
As for this weeks personal update, I provided a brief explanation on Tik tok the other day about what has been occurring. I am working on developing resources which once complete will be added to my Linktree. I will announce it on this platform, tik tok, and IG with more information provided. Yes I will be building interactive maps but I will be taking a new approach to it. I will be partnering with a friend and building a coalition to fight for liberation in the next few months. Due to some personal disagreements in terms of PTR I resigned. I wish nothing but the best for everyone involved.
Education
A joyous update is that I will be graduating with my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and I’ll soon be an APCC (Associate Professional Clinical Counselor) which this amazing transition to the new path for licensure is something I’m looking forward to. It has been rough to be honest but it is worth it to me. As many times I have complained about the stressors of grad school it has been humbling in terms of learning more in depth about myself as a clinician and in addition to who I am outside of that role. I know that I am an existential therapist that has compassion, empathy, and drive to help make a contribution to society with success.
For those who don’t know, I joined the field of mental health because I have experienced the stigma of mental health but to also gain a perspective on what is wrong so we can improve it. There is a lack of representation in regards to this field particularly trans people. I have heard many stories from other trans people who have been scared out of this profession weather it’s a lack of humility, discrimination, burnout/compassion fatigue, and the most important reason is the lack of support from those that are supposed to give guidance.
I won’t lie I have thought about quitting because of the amount of performative Allies that refuse to humble themselves as well as the fact that accountability practically doesn’t exist anymore. However, each encounter of transphobia and the lack of support at least in the beginning made me stronger but also assisted in building resiliency to push forward. Now the days are coming for this experience to be over I am happy I didn’t quit and I can’t wait to see what this has in store for the future.
Challenges/Struggles
Living on this planet hasn’t been easy and somedays it feels like there is this constant dark cloud that just doesn’t want to leave. These are scary times for sure and I will tell you that you are definitely not alone in that feeling of fear. These past few months have been an uphill battle. Dealing with domestic violence from one of the people I didn’t expect to hurt me revealed his transphobia, Trying to hold myself together for my child and repair anything that’s broken, friendships that I thought were healthy ended up being toxic, constantly getting told that I don’t amount to anything put a huge weight on my confidence, and my daughter being bullied at school. She’s dealing with transphobia at her school and the school is doing absolutely nothing. However, My girlfriend got me out of the toxicity and I’m staying with her for the time being until things are finally settled and I get back on my feet. I do manage to see my child as well and I will continue to fight with her until she is back in my custody. Now that I am making this transition from student to registered therapist it has had me sit and reflect in terms of my advocacy.
Activism
I won’t lie I have had doubts about my activism in terms of confidence but it also is disheartening when you are trying to get your voice heard and the only way to get it heard is to pay it seems like. There is gatekeeping in activism and it is honestly heartbreaking. The LGB and some of the T communities throwing the alphabet under the bus has just been one of the distressing things to see and experience. Living my life as my authentic self I am used to getting shit from fragile cishets after a while it’s like a record that’s playing on repeat, annoying but amusing. Humor aside it is sad to see where the state of the world is. The hypocrisy and contradictions have been personally blowing my mind away. The little regard for human life and the things we are entitled to such as having clean air, food, and water, the ability to have a roof over our head with a living wage, not be a target just because people are triggered, have healthcare, and etc. has been the things that have contributed to little hope in the future and that does scare me. However, I will still use my voice!
In terms of my activism I am going to continue until I can’t anymore. However, I believe in intersectionality, if it affects one it affects all. I do believe in promoting joy but not to a point where we are ignoring the realities. I do get it trust me seeing all the negative things going on has been depressing to see and in terms of wanting to see hope or at least acknowledge that we are taken seriously is not a big ask. However, by ignoring the realities completely this will not accomplish change but also reinforce the idea we shouldn’t embrace humility.
I will never claim that I am the leader of the community because I believe that we are our own leaders because we posses great tools as human beings which is our voice, our own stories, and taking action. You do not need a credential to be a human being more or less an advocate. The working class people live the struggles and in my view being willing to share our challenges not only takes courage but make the best activists. Being raw and unapologetic is my style because that is what is authentic to me. However we all have different flavors in regards to activism it’s just finding the right approach that fits.
As I have always said if there is something you don’t have competency on please go on google it is free but talk to a person who has lived experience. Until humility and understanding sink in don’t talk about it. Ask and allow questions of course but when it’s clear it’s in bad faith just ignore and don’t engage. Now look y’all know I don’t have issues countering an online troll but I also know when we utilize mental energy on someone that is unwilling to listen plant the seed and move on. For me, I want to utilize my mental energy on someone who is willing to be humbled and leaving privilege at the door. Someone that is thirsty for knowledge in an effort to help.
My activism is going to be always focused on spreading awareness, providing education, but I am aiming to build our communities and attempting to bridge this divide. We are human beings and we deserve to exist. We need to bring back the phrase we’re here, we’re queer and we aren’t going anywhere.
Words of Encouragement
As I mentioned earlier, there has not been a lot of joy that has been heightened. Celebrate every small victory, remain proud, and spread this joy unapologetically. Remember that anyone that promotes hate and ignorance will always try to find ways to bring you down. They want a reaction at the end of the day whether if it’s good or bad they want that spotlight put on them. Be assertive and stay true to yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Of course protect yourself as best as you can. Everyone please stay safe and much ❤️to you all 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈!