If Your Circle Says “Nah,” Find A New Circle

Send us Fan MailThis episode explores how social support shapes mental health for Black trans masculine folks and Black trans men, moving beyond crisis response to everyday thriving.  The podcast offers a clear definition, two self-assessment questions, and practical ways to build aligned, reciprocal networks.• mission and focus on Black transmasc folks and Black transmen’s mental health• definition of social support and why it matters• two questions to assess current networks• shifting from crisis-only help to thriving support• choosing affirming people who uplift goals• reciprocity, consistency and staying connected• fill out this questionnaire to measure support levelsAddition social support questions:1. Family Support:How would you describe your relationship with your family? (close, distant, strained, no relationship)Do you feel comfortable discussing your gender identity and mental health with your family? (Yes/No)Have you experienced rejection or discrimination from your family due to your gender identity? (Yes/No)2. Friend Support:How many close friends do you have?Do you feel comfortable discussing your gender identity and mental health with your friends? (Yes/No)Do your friends provide emotional support, practical help, or information related to your gender identity and mental health? (Yes/No/Don’t have any friends)3. Community Support:Are you involved in any LGBTQ+ communities or organizations? (Yes/No)If yes, how does involvement in these communities impact your mental health? (Open-ended)Do you feel supported by the broader Black community? (Yes/No)4. Overall Support:Overall, how would you rate your level of social support?  (very poor, poor, acceptable, good, very good)What type of support do you find most helpful? (Open-ended)Are there any specific support needs that are currently unmet? (Open-ended)The podcast was based on research found here.  If you want to get into the technical aspect of social support, click the link.Also, share, listen, follow, subscribe to the podcast, and continue to discuss mental health with other black trans masculine folks and black trans menIf you are suicidal or suffer from suicidal ideation, call TransLifeline 877-565-8860; Black Line 800-604-5841; Trans Lifeline text 313-662-8209; The Trevor Project 866-488-7396Support the showThe Band of Brothers Mental Health Podcast is produced, written, and edited by Transman In Search of Media Atl, GA.  Sound design and music production also created by Trans Man In Search of Media.Support the Band of Brothers podcast, by becoming a paid subscriber or listener, info is on the website.Tired of mainstream media ignoring Black trans folks and misrepresenting trans folks in general?  Trans Man In Search of Media tells our stories, click the link belowTrans Man In Search of Media Substack:https://transmaninsearchof.substack.com/