Supporting the LGBTQIA+ Community
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and plus community has struggled, fought, and evolved over the last several decades to establish a voice and presence in our world. And LGBTQIA+ people all over the world must constantly continue to fight to maintain this presence. Yet many folks continue to feel marginalized and disenfranchised, as the community must continue to bear the brunt of discrimination, attack, and hate.
Feeling good about ourselves, about our relationships, and having connection within our community are all essential parts that contribute to our overall vitality and feelings of safety. With over 40 years of living and working within the LGBTQIA+ community as a cisgender gay man, I am passionate to be able to contribute to yours and our community’s well-being in various ways. I was initially drawn to my social work career through involvement as an activist and advocate. In the early days, I am proud to have stood unified alongside local community activists, including ACT UP, at events in support of HIV/AIDS care, legislation, and influencing change. Over the years, I have joined in community representation and support at marches and pride events in Boston, Massachusetts, New York, New York, Providence, Rhode Island, Washington, DC, in several South Florida localities, and in Madrid, Spain.
I have advocated for the community’s parents, allies, and college students, assisting them to find connection and resources. As a Victim Advocate with Fenway Health in Boston, Massachusetts I provided support for victims of hate motivated violence and crimes through education and linkage to resources to meet legal, social, emotional, and financial needs. I have served in roles as a clinical advisory board member and therapists’ collective member with Sunshine Social Services, Inc. (SunServe) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Within the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Miami VA Healthcare System, I functioned in clinical, leadership, and supervisory roles to evaluate, develop, and implement national, regional, and local policies and healthcare parity for the care of LGBTQIA+ and specialized needs of Transgender US Veterans.
Today, I assist folks experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, gender dysphoria, grief, loss, and chronic illness; within adolescent, adult, elder, and veteran populations. With a specialization in holistic mental health care, I continue to guide folks in unique areas of orientation, gender diversity, expression, and the specific needs of gender fluid, gender queer, and transgender folks; such as transitioning, gender affirming HRT and surgery support, following the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) Standards of Care.
I look forward to standing alongside you as you consider beginning or continuing your journey of attaining your own unique well-being.
