Queer Magic Podcast

⚠️ Content Note / Trigger WarningThis episode includes discussion of childhood sexual abuse, spiritual abuse, and religious trauma. Please listen with care and take breaks if needed.In this episode of the Queer Magic Podcast, I sit down with therapist and spiritual practitioner Sonia Fregoso, LMFT, to explore the intersection of spirituality, healing, trauma, and personal autonomy.Sonia and I go way back, we first met early in our careers as therapists, and it has been powerful to witness how her work has evolved over the years. What began in traditional mental health spaces has expanded into a deeply personal and spiritual approach to healing that blends somatic awareness, cultural practices, and spiritual exploration.Together we talk about:The difference between spirituality and religionReligious trauma and reclaiming personal belief systemsThe role of the body in healing emotional and spiritual woundsSpiritual authority, autonomy, and discernmentColonization and disconnection from ancestral knowledgeThe importance of somatic awareness and embodimentHow therapists can move beyond rigid clinical frameworks to hold human-centered spaceSonia also shares about her personal healing journey—including navigating spiritual abuse, trauma, and the process of rebuilding spirituality on her own terms.At its core, this conversation is about reclaiming agency over your beliefs, reconnecting with your body, and remembering that spirituality can be something you define for yourself.As Sonia beautifully reminds us in this episode:“Spirituality is what you make of it.”About the GuestSonia Fregoso, LMFTSonia Fregoso is a licensed marriage and family therapist and spiritual practitioner who describes her work as that of a mystical somatic curandera. Her approach blends trauma-informed therapy, somatic awareness, and spiritual healing practices to help people reconnect with their bodies, release emotional pain, and reclaim their spiritual autonomy.Through her work, Sonia guides clients toward deeper embodiment and healing through practices such as emotional energy work, cord cutting, and somatic awareness. Her philosophy centers on helping people reconnect to their own inner wisdom and spiritual authority, rather than relying on external systems of control.Her practice emphasizes storytelling, presence, and embodiment as pathways toward emotional and spiritual transformation.Connect with SoniaWebsite:https://obsidianwoman.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/lasoniafregoso/

What does trauma-informed care actually look like when you’re queer, navigating identity, safety, relationships, culture, and systems that weren’t built with you in mind?In this episode of the Queer Magic Podcast, host Luis Cornejo (he/they) sits down with Janae R. Borrego, M.A., LMFT, CCTP, C-EMDR, CIMHP, CMIP (she/all) to break down what trauma-informed care really means for LGBTQ+ folks ... beyond buzzwords, checklists, and surface-level inclusivity.Together, they unpack the difference between “big T” and “little t” trauma, how microaggressions, chronic stress, and systemic harm compound over time, and why many queer people don’t always recognize their experiences as trauma until it shows up in their nervous system, relationships, or sense of safety.Janae shares how trauma-informed care shows up in real therapeutic practice: building trust, honoring lived experience, understanding cultural and identity-based stressors, and creating spaces where clients don’t have to educate their therapist just to feel seen. The conversation also explores therapist self-awareness, implicit bias, accessibility in mental health care, and what it truly means to center client autonomy and safety, especially for marginalized communities.Whether you’re a queer person navigating your own healing, a clinician wanting to deepen your practice, or someone curious about how trauma actually lives in the body and mind, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical insight.Because trauma-informed care isn’t just a framework... it’s a way of showing up. Connect with Janae / Learn More🌐 Website: janaeborregolmft.com📸 Instagram (Personal): @janaeborregolmft🧠 Instagram (Practice): @jbpsychotherapycc🌈 LGBTQ+ Affirming Program: rainbowhillrecovery.comWhat You’ll Hear in This EpisodeThe difference between “big T” and “little t” trauma — and why both matterHow microaggressions and systemic oppression impact mental health over timeWhat trauma-informed therapy looks like beyond buzzwords and surface allyshipWhy safety, trust, and autonomy are foundational in queer-affirming careThe role of therapist self-awareness, bias, and lived experienceHow trauma can show up in relationships, identity, and the nervous systemWhat LGBTQ+ folks deserve from their mental health providersHow to advocate for yourself in therapeutic spaces

SummaryIn this episode of the Queer Magic Podcast, host Luis Cornejo engages in a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Laura about the transformative power of movement and dance as a means of healing and self-expression. They explore the importance of joy, cultural connections through music, and the intersection of queerness and dance. Dr. Laura shares her personal journey of finding liberation through movement, the challenges of societal expectations, and the significance of community in the dance world. The episode concludes with practical advice for those looking to embrace dance as a healing practice, regardless of their experience level.TakeawaysCultivating joy is essential for resilience.Movement can spark joy and healing.Dance connects us to our cultural roots.Healing practices can be diverse and multifaceted.Dance helps release trauma stored in our bodies.Queerness and dance intersect in powerful ways.Liberation through movement requires vulnerability.Community in dance fosters connection and support.New dancers should embrace the learning process.Dancing at home can be a great way to start. About Dr. Laura Minero, PhD, LP:Dr. Laura Minero (she/ella) is a Latinx, queer, gender-expansive, formerly undocumented licensed psychologist and founder/CEO of Alchemy Psychology Colectivo Inc. She specializes in serving BIPOC, 2SQT+, Spanish-speaking, and immigrant communities through anti-racist, trauma-informed, and liberation-focused care.A nationally recognized speaker and consultant, Dr. Minero has delivered 150+ keynotes and trainings across global and U.S. audiences. She earned her PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and is a published scientific author whose research on undocumented and asylum-seeking transgender immigrants has shaped national policy conversations.Her work has received multiple state and national awards, including honors from the APA, National Latinx Psychological Association, and recognition as a Queer leader and community advocate.Ways to ConnectInstagram: @alchemypsychologycolectivoWebsite: www.alchemypsychologycolectivoinc.com

In this episode of Queer Magic, we delve into the transformative world of visual storytelling with Yulissa Mendoza (They/Elle), a third-generation Latine multimedia artist hailing from the semi-rural community of Muscoy in San Bernardino, CA.  Yulissa’s work as a photographer and mixed-media installation artist is deeply rooted in creating safe spaces that encourage full self-expression and exploration.Join us as we discuss Yulissa’s journey, from their early inspirations to their commitment to amplifying marginalized voices. We explore how they challenge traditional gender roles while honoring cultural heritage, and how their art pushes the boundaries of fashion and culture. Yulissa shares insights into their creative process, the importance of community, and their vision for a more inclusive art world.Tune in to hear how Yulissa captures the essence of queer magic through their lens, creating spaces where authenticity thrives and every story is valued.Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! (YouTube coming soon).Learn more about my styling packages on my website www.luis-cornejo.com#QueerMagicPodcast #YulissaMendoza #QueerArt #LGBTQCreatives #SafeSpaces #VisualStorytelling #InclusiveArt #LatineArtists #BreakingBoundaries #AmplifyVoices

Episode Title: Empowering At-Risk Queer Youth with Antonio Mateo GarciaIn this episode of Queer Magic, we explore the urgent realities faced by at-risk Queer youth and the power of community-driven support. My guest, Antonio Mateo Garcia (he/they), a queer Latinx transgender man and founder of HELP by AMG, shares his powerful journey from overcoming homelessness to leading a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting those in need.Antonio’s lived experiences, from navigating life as a neurodivergent individual to pursuing a master’s degree in nonprofit management, have shaped his passion for advocacy and direct action. Together, we discuss the systemic barriers Queer youth face, the importance of mentorship, and how we can all contribute to creating safer, more supportive spaces for the next generation.Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, empowerment, and the actionable steps we can take to make a real difference.🎧 Available now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Podcasts.

🎙 Episode Title: Healing Your Inner Child & Celebrating Queer Latinx Joy Welcome back to The Queer Magic Podcast! In this episode, host Luis Cornejo (He/They) sits down with Angel Fabián Rivera, an actor, host, and Latino content creator reshaping narratives in entertainment. You’ve seen Angel in Planealongside Gerard Butler, West Side Story, and Border Baby, as well as on stage in Shrek the Musical, Little Shop of Horrors, and more. In 2024, he took on a major role as the host of the New York Latino Film Festival, leading him to launch Lights Camera Latino, a podcast amplifying Latino voices in media.Together, Luis and Angel dive into a powerful and deeply personal conversation about:✨ Healing the Inner Child – Navigating childhood experiences of suppression, shame, and resilience as queer Latinx individuals🌈 The Power of Joy – Finding moments of self-expression despite societal and cultural expectations🧡 Family, Identity & Generational Healing – Understanding parental grief, cultural expectations, and creating space for authenticity🎭 Survival & Self-Discovery – How creativity, performance, and passion helped them reclaim their narrativesThis episode is a heartfelt journey through both the struggles and the triumphs of growing up queer and Latinx. Angel and Luis reflect on what they would tell their younger selves, the ways they found joy even in difficult times, and how they continue to embrace their full, unapologetic selves today.🔗 Tune in now and join us in this conversation on queer joy, healing, and self-expression!🌟 Follow Angel:📲 Instagram & TikTok: @AngelFabianRivera🎬 Watch Angel in Plane on Amazon Prime!🎙 Check out Lights Camera Latino Podcast💜 Stay connected with The Queer Magic Podcast for more conversations that empower, inspire, and celebrate our community!

Rage is often dismissed, misunderstood, or silenced—but what if we saw it as something powerful, necessary, and even healing? In this episode of Queer Magic, I sit down with Andres Larios Brown, a passionate therapist, advocate, educator, and community organizer, to dive deep into the role of rage in queer liberation. Andrés Larios Brown (they/elle) is a Utah-based Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist dedicated to healing within LGBTQ+ communities. As Training Director and Partner at Simple Modern Therapy & Institute, Andrés focuses on trauma healing and well-being for those who feel marginalized or othered. They specialize in identity development and reclaiming healing practices for queer, trans, and BIPOC communities and are trained in various modalities, including EMDR, psychedelic-assisted therapy for PTSD, curanderismo, and Radical Healing for QTBIPOC communities. Beyond therapy, Andrés is deeply committed to education and advocacy. They create and facilitate trainings for therapists and serve as a faculty member at Utah Valley University’s Masters of Social Work program and the University of Oregon’s Couples & Family Therapy program. Their research and expertise extend into academia, with co-authored contributions to The Routledge International Handbook of Couple and Family Therapy and various scholarly articles. With a background in community organizing, intersectional activism, and social justice work, Andrés bridges the gap between research and clinical practice, ensuring that healing is both accessible and transformative for LGBTQ+ individuals. They and their husband of seven years live in northern Utah, where they prioritize time with family and loved ones. Together, we explore: 🔥 What queer rage really is and why it matters 🔥 How anger can be a tool for activism, healing, and self-empowerment 🔥 The emotional and generational weight of being queer in a world that tries to erase us 🔥 Ways to channel rage into action without burnout Queer rage isn’t just about anger—it’s about survival, resistance, and reclaiming our right to exist fully and unapologetically. This is a conversation about power, emotion, and the fire that fuels change. Tune in, share your thoughts, and let’s break the silence around the emotions we’ve been told to suppress. Connect with Andres Instagram: @alabrown22 @simplemoderntherapy https://simplemodern.org/https://www.andreslariosbrown.com/

First off, I want to thank ALL of you for supporting the Queer Magic Podcast. You have inspired me, motivated me, and empowered me to share my story. I am getting ready to plan out the 2nd season of the podcast and one of the questions that has been coming up for me is "What is the purpose of the podcast?" In this special message, I share some thoughts and hopes for the upcoming season. I would also love to hear from all of you and your thoughts on the podcast and any ideas you have for season 2!

Welcome magical listeners to the final episode of Season 1 of the Queer Magic Podcast! I'm your host, Luis Cornejo, and today's episode is all about the art of creating and nurturing relationships by genuinely engaging in self-growth and understanding. Our special guest for this episode is Cynthia Flores! About Cynthia: Cynthia Flores is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, an Entrepreneur, Coach & Speaker. She is a First Gen Mexican-American, proud daughter immigrants. She helps other First Gen Cycle Breakers REMEMBER who they are outside of their traumas and the oppressive systems we live in, so they can HEAL & MANIFEST a more authentic, fulfilling life and loving relationships. Dive in as Cynthia shares her insights on: - The intricate dynamics of relationships. - Recognizing and breaking generational patterns. - Embracing our true selves to build stronger bonds. - And the transformative power of doing the work to create fulfilling, loving relationships. Before we wrap up this season, I want to give a huge shoutout to our sponsors, Chismosa Cafe and Proud Chicana, for their unwavering support. Their belief in the magic of this platform has allowed us to bring forward some of the most heartwarming, empowering, and enlightening conversations. I also want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our guests this season. Your stories, insights, and passion have truly brought Queer Magic to life in every episode. To our dedicated listeners, thank you for your continued support. Your messages, shares, and feedback have been the guiding light of this journey. As we close this chapter, we're excited to announce that we'll be returning with Season 2 in early 2024. Stay magical, keep spreading love, and always remember the power of queer magic in creating genuine connections. Until next time, be kind to yourselves and let love guide the way. ✨🌈💖🦄

Sex Education with Cindy Luquin! Tune in for an empowering and enlightening episode of the Queer Magic Podcast, as host Luis invites trailblazing sexual health educator and advocate, Cindy Luquin, to delve deep into the world of queer sex education and its paramount importance. Sharing their personal stories, Cindy and Luis reveal the profound impact and glaring lack of queer sex education on their own lives, as well as its broader implications for the LGBTQ+ community. Recognized as a thought leader in her field, Cindy's passionate advocacy for reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and equity deeply resonates, inspiring confidence to embrace one's sexuality and catalyzing positive change for a more inclusive and fulfilling future. Don't miss this eye-opening conversation that challenges societal norms, fosters personal growth and well-being, and paves the way for a healthier, more equitable world. #QueerMagic #SexEdRevolution #InclusivityMatters About My Guest: Meet Cindy Luquin, a trailblazer in sexual health education and advocacy. With over a decade of experience, Cindy's electrifying talks empower diverse audiences to explore consent, boundaries, STI prevention, and abortion access. As a certified educator, their unique blend of knowledge and healing modalities like Reiki and curanderismo foster personal growth and wellbeing, revolutionizing healthy sexual practices.Recognized as a thought leader, Cindy's expertise has earned prestigious collaborations, while their passionate advocacy for reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and equity resonates deeply. Join Cindy as they break down barriers, inspiring confidence in embracing sexuality and paving the way for a more inclusive and fulfilling future.SOCIAL LINKSWebsite: https://www.pleasuretopeople.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyluquinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pleasuretopeople/Twitter: https://twitter.com/pleasure2pplTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pleasuretopeopleCindy Luquin (she/they)Sex & Relationship ExpertWebsite: pleasuretopeople.comEmail: [email protected]

I had the incredible opportunity to interview the brilliant Rae McDaniel (They/Them), author of the groundbreaking book, "Gender Magic." 🎉 In this eye-opening conversation, we delved deep into the importance of joy and pleasure in gender exploration and transition. Here are my top three takeaways: 1️⃣ Joy and Pleasure in Gender: The author emphasized the need to celebrate the joy and pleasure that can be found in gender exploration and transition. By incorporating positive psychology and recognizing the power of joy and pleasure in connecting with our authentic selves, we can redefine the narrative of gender as not solely revolving on suffering but also triumphs. 2️⃣ Trusting and Honoring Experiences: While research is crucial in validating transgender and nonbinary individuals, it's equally important to trust and honor their lived experiences. By embracing a supportive and inclusive mindset, society can create a safe space that allows for self-discovery and the expression of diverse gender identities. 3️⃣ The book, "Gender Magic," invites readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery, play, pleasure, and limitless possibilities. If you're interested in learning more about the transformative power of joy in gender exploration and transition, I highly recommend diving into "Gender Magic." Let's celebrate the magic within ourselves and uplift others by embracing our authentic selves. About the Author: Rae McDaniel (they/them) is a non-binary Speaker, Author, Therapist, Certified Sex Therapist, Coach, and Transgender Diversity and Inclusion Educator.  Rae helps audiences gain the sheer audacity to be themselves in the world through play, pleasure, and possibility.  Their book Gender Magic is a first-of-its-kind practical guide to achieving gender freedom with joy, curiosity, and pleasure for transgender and non-binary individuals, gender explorers, and those who love them (May 2023.) They have been featured in high-profile media such as The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, Time, and Women’s Health. As a sought-after professional speaker, Rae has spoken at Rutgers University, University of Chicago, University of Illinois Chicago, Soho House, The Wing, and Rachel’s Rodgers’ ROI: The Millionaires Summit.  Rae is also the founder and CEO of Practical Audacity, a Gender & Sex Therapy practice in Chicago, serving over 400 clients yearly.  When Rae isn’t educating audiences and bettering the world, they can be found drinking too much coffee, snuggling with their dog Gizmo (who might actually be a gremlin), or sipping whiskey with a good book.  www.rae-mcdaniel.com www.gendermagic.com www.practicalaudacity.com Purchase “Gender Magic” IG & TikTok @theraemcdaniel  Facebook @raemcdanielgendermagic  🌟#GenderMagic #JoyInGender #QueerMagic #AuthenticSelf #GenderExploration #TransRights #Nonbinary #InclusiveMindset #LGBTQ+ #Podcast #BookRecommendation

Hello and welcome to another episode of the Queer Magic Podcast! Our special guest for this episode is Angel Casas, a no-diet personal trainer based in Chicago, Illinois, who will be sharing their experience with religious trauma. Religious trauma is a complex and often overlooked aspect of many people's lives, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. It can stem from the conflict between one's religious upbringing and their identity, causing emotional distress, shame, and even long-lasting psychological effects. Angel Casas shares his personal story and perspective on this matter. Our goal is to create dialogue and support individuals in their journey toward healing and self-acceptance when experiencing religious trauma. Throughout the episode, we'll provide our listeners with valuable insights and practical tips for healing and growth. So, let's dive into this important conversation about religious trauma with Angel Casas. About my guest: Ángel is a Weight Inclusive, Certified Personal Trainer & DEI activist in the Health and Fitness industry.Àngel is an immigrant to this country. Born in Mexico and raised in Chicago, he was brought up in a strict Jehovah’s Witness household alongside traditional Mexican values. However, later in life, he left the church after coming out as a gay queer man.His professional background is in the Real Estate and Insurance Industry but when Covid hit and shut everything down, he decided to make a career change and became a Certified Personal Trainer. He decided to start a fitness business dedicated to helping people lose weight since he himself had lost over 100 pounds.However, helping people lose weight, brought to light his own disordered relationship with food and fitness. He admitted himself into an Eating Disorder treatment center which was where he learned about Diet Culture, fat phobia, White Supremacy, Religious trauma, and many other systems of oppression.This eye-opening experience made him realize how harmful and racist Diet Culture is, particularly for Brown, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. He also noticed the lack of diverse representation in the Eating Disorder space, with thin cis white women predominantly leading it. This realization fueled his mission to dismantle Diet Culture and decolonize fitness, empowering others to break free from oppressive chains and reclaim their bodies, especially queer and BIPOC folx.This gave birth to his now Non-Diet Personal Training business. No more diets, no more counting calories, no more meal plans. No more scales, no more weigh-ins. No more before and after pics. Instead, he teaches his clients about intuitive eating and joyful movement, reclaiming the power that was originally taken from them. Website: nomorefearcoaching.com https://www.instagram.com/theantidiettrainer/

Welcome to a brand-new episode of the Queer Magic Podcast, where we delve deep into the world of untold stories, powerful narratives, and the magic that lies within our Queer community. In today's episode, titled "Undocumented Tales" we explore the gripping and heartfelt stories that unfold in this captivating final season of the groundbreaking show, "Undocumented Tales." My special guest Armando Ibañez, the shows director, writer, and star talks about the show, his life, and themes that will be presented in the final season of the show.     We also have exciting news about the premiere of the final season of "Undocumented Tales" which will be a free event at USC! We'll share all the details about this highly anticipated event, including how you can attend and engage in conversation with the cast and crew.   So, get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of untold stories and join us for this enlightening and empowering episode of the Queer Magic Podcast.    About my guest:   Armando Ibañez is a Latinx immigrant queer filmmaker and activist from Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico. He has been living in the United States for 20 years and lives in Los Angeles, California. His passion for film began at the age of 7 years old while watching Mexican cinema from the 1950s. Currently, Armando is the director and writer of the youtube series “Undocumented Tales,” a story that follows the journey of a Mexican undocumented and queer server living in Los Angeles. In 2020, Armando funded Ibanez Productions, a production company that focuses on creating projects that represent untold stories with different perspectives. Armando is committed to portraying authentic Latinx characters and addressing real issues impacting immigrant communities in the United States. www.armandoibanez.com www.undocumentedtales.com Tickets to the Premiere

About this Episode Welcome back to another episode of the Queer Magic podcast! In today's episode, titled "Breaking the People Pleasing Cycle," we're diving deep into the complex world of people-pleasing with our guest Martin Diaz, a self-love and mindset coach. Join us as we hear a powerful personal reflection from Martin, who takes us on a journey through their childhood, sharing how societal expectations and limitations imposed by others caused them to ignore their true interests and conform to the norm. Throughout this episode, Martin emphasizes the importance of self-permission and re-parenting oneself to release the shame, guilt, and other negative behaviors learned from early sources (parents, school, society, etc). Get ready for an introspective and transformative episode as we explore the impact of people-pleasing on our mental health and the importance of prioritizing our own happiness and self-discovery. So, grab your journal, tune in, and get ready to break free from the people-pleasing cycle on this episode of Queer Magic. About My Guest Martín is a Self-Love & Mindset Coach that helps the queer community overcome people-pleasing in order to love themselves and create the life of their wildest dreams. Martín was born in Mexico, and immigrated to the US where from a very young age he started to feel different. Growing up gay in a conservative latino home shattered his self-worth and self-esteem and so he turned to people pleasing, perfectionism, numbing through alcohol, and seeking external validation as a way to cope with his shame. He wanted so badly to feel accepted and normal that he did everything in his power to please others and live my life according to their rules and expectations.  Martín’s life made a complete 180 when he moved to NYC - the first decision he ever made for himself without thinking of anyone else’s validation or expectations! Living in NYC was an initiation of sorts and after having a spiritual awakening, realized he was lost, unhappy, and depleted because up to this point he had been living a life prioritizing other's opinions of him and rejecting his own. After trial and error, soul searching, and embarking on a healing journey himself Martin changed the trajectory of his life to help the queer community and in turn also heal himself. Today, Martin is a new man and he has committed his life to helping the queer community free themselves from the shackles of their past and relearn how to love themselves.You can find him on social media where he regularly posts queer mental health content and pics of his puppy Selena. Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@iammartindiazInstagram: https://www.tiktok.com/@iammartindiaz

About this Episode Welcome to another episode of the Queer Magic Podcast, where we dive into the powerful and transformative stories of Queer magical individuals. In today's episode, entitled "All Boys Aren't Blue," we explore the journey of an incredible author, George M. Johnson, who has dared to challenge the status quo through their thought-provoking book. George shares the highs and lows of their experience, discussing how their book has been received by young adults who find solace and inspiration in its pages. However, they also uncover the dark underbelly of book bans and censorship, as certain parents and society attempt to suppress their powerful message. George is no stranger to standing up against oppressive actions. We learn how they are fighting against book bans in the United States, drawing parallels to the banning of books in Nazi Germany. Their book, which has become the second most banned book in the country, solidifies their title as the most banned black author. Listen as George delves into their family background and how their family embraced and supported their writing, even through challenging and emotional sections. We also get a glimpse into the process of writing the book and George shares about their transition from journalism to crafting a deeply personal and revealing memoir. George shares their fears, the uncertainties they faced, and moments of vulnerability they encountered along the way, culminating in an empowering and honest book that has changed lives. Prepare to be captivated by this extraordinary journey as George touches on themes of resilience, the power of words, and the impact of societal expectations. About My Guest George M Johnson is an Award-Winning Black Non-Binary Writer, Author, and Executive Producer located in the LA area. They are the author of the New York Times Bestselling Author of the Young Adult memoir All Boys Aren’t Blue discussing their adolescence growing up as a young Black Queer boy in New Jersey through a series of powerful essays. The book was optioned for Television by Gabrielle Union. As a former journalist, George has written for major outlets including Teen Vogue, Entertainment Tonight, NBC, Buzzfeed, and in 2019 was awarded the Salute to Excellence Award by the National Association of Black Journalists for their article “When Racism Anchors your Health” in Vice Magazine. George was listed on The Root 100 Most Influential African Americans in 2020. The Out 100 Most Influential LGBTQ People in 2021. And in 2022 was honored as one of the TIME100 Next Most Influential People in the World. Their second memoir WE ARE NOT BROKEN was released in September of 2021. It received the Carter G. Woodson Award which recognizes books that “accurately and sensitively depict the experience of one or more historically marginalized racial/ethnic groups in the United States”. The book also received the Nonfiction Honor Book in the YA category from the International Literacy Association. In 2021 they wrote and Executive Produced the Dramatic Reading of All Boys Aren’t Blue starring Jenifer Lewis and Dyllon Burnside which received a 2022 Special Recognition Award from GLAAD. George is also a proud HBCU alum twice over, and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.\ Additional Information Website: https://iamgmjohnson.com/ Instagram: @iamgmjohnson Amazon: All Boys Aren't Blue

Join me and my guest Wednesdae Reim Ifrach as we talk about disability in the Queer community and the impact of systemic discrimination. About my Guest: Wednesdae Reim Ifrach REAT, ATR-BC, ATCS, LPC, NCC, CLAT, LCMHC, LPCC (They/Them/Theirs)   Wednesdae is a trans/non-binary art therapist, fat activist and artist whose work focuses on body justice, intersectional social justice and eating disorder treatment equity access.    They also co-own and operate Rainbow Recovery where they support people through the gender affirmation process, complex trauma recovery, eating disorder recovery and body image issues using art, creative expression, and traditional talk therapy. They also founded the countries first 2sLGBTQIA+ Eating Disorder Program.    Wednesdae melds the world of art therapy, social justice, trauma recovery and eating disorder recovery into a unique opportunity for people to expand their understanding of the world. To that end Wednesdae had the honor to participate in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)’s Artful Practices for Well-being and has had artwork on display at the Baltimore Museum of Art as part of Art as Activism.   They have presented at national and international conferences, are a former adjunct professor and continues to guest lecture. They also serve on the Board of Project HEAL, a non-profit whose mission is to create treatment equity access in the eating disorder field.   

We are all innately creative as human beings. Yet, something happens during our transition from childhood into adulthood. Creativity shifts and changes for many of us. Often times it gets shrouded and shaped by systems of oppression that dictate and capitalize on creativity. Join me and my special guest Chetna Mehta (she/they) as we talk about decolonizing creativity. About my guest: Chetna Mehta (she/they) is a granddaughter of Indian and South African diasporas. She works and plays as an educating artist, alchemist, facilitator and founder of Mosaiceye LLC, a therapeutic practice with a mission to steward peace, love and freedom on earth via expressive healing arts and reflective community circles. She collaborates with progressive organizations, coalitions, social movements, women and nonbinary changemakers.

Do you believe in ghosts? Spirits? Then you'll want to catch this episode with my special guest Fen Alankus (She/They). We talk about the paranormal and the two shows they are currently working on. About my guest: Eclectic Witch, paranormal investigator, and host of Follow the Woo Podcast. She has apprenticed with gurus, been mentored by shamans, and worked with dozens of mystics, witches, and psychics. Her central focus is at the intersection of the paranormal & feminism and is committed to queer-ifying the paranormal space. In her two debut documentary series – she worked a spell to draw in a team of special weirdos to investigate the paranormal from a more fresh, feminist, and mystical perspective. Fen launched a Kickstarter to help with the costs of the show. The deadline is July 9th. Please consider donating to these awesome projects! The cast and crew are 100% Queer! You can find more information about the shows and where to contribute in the links below: Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/newblood Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSV_quLk4UJ2ueajtDLrBOQ Website:  https://www.newblood.tv/

Join me for this special episode on consent! I am joined by one of the editors of the new book Unsafe Words: Queering Consent in the #MeToo Era. In this episode we talk about the importance of centering Queer voices and Sex workers when having discussions around consent. About my guest: Trevor Hoppe is associate professor of sociology at UNC Greensboro. He is the author of the Lambda Literary-award winning book, "Punishing Disease: HIV and the Criminalization of Sickness," and co-editor of the books, "The War on Sex," and "Unsafe Words: Queering Consent in the #MeToo Era." The discount code is: RFLR19 To use at: https://www.rutgersuniversitypress.org/unsafe-words/9781978825406 Here's our Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/unsafewordsbook

Join me and my guest Dr. Hortencia Jimenez as we talk about diet culture, share our personal stories about our relationship with our bodies, and talk about the impact diet culture has on Queer Bodies. About My Guest: Dr. Hortencia Jimenez is a queer Mexicana inmigrante from huichol ancestry. She was born in the Sierra Madre in the state of Nayarit, Mexico, and immigrated to the United States as a child. She holds a BA, MA, and Ph.D. in Sociology and is also a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. Dr. Jimenez is a Sociology professor and the author of the book Challenging Inequalities: Readings in Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration and has a forthcoming co-edited undergraduate textbook on Latinxs with SAGE Publishing. Her research writing has appeared in academic publications and has numerous awards and recognitions for her work in the Latinx community. She has been featured in Theluzmedia, Belatina news, two leading Latina digital platforms, as well as Hispanic Kitchen, and has been interviewed by radio stations and numerous podcasts throughout the United States. Dr. Jimenez's work centers on dismantling diet culture from a social and racial justice framework and helping Latinxs heal their relationship with food and body image. You can follow her on Instagram and tiktok @drhortenciajimenez and listen to her podcast Dismantling Diet Culture: F*ck Beig Calladita. For more information, you can check her website Website: www.hortenciajimenez.com

Join me as I speak with my guest Michael Lemus about Bisexuality, bi-erasure, and the stigma associated with bisexuality. About My Guest Michael Lemus is the Founder and CEO of Reclaiming Your Happiness with Lemus LLC, an inclusive platform and business dedicated to helping people find their voice, reclaim their happiness, and align themselves with their life goals. Michael identifies as a first generation college graduate/professional. He is also a bisexual latino content creator, life coach, strategic brand consultant, and speaker. Additionally, Michael is the Founder of Scholars of Color, which is a platform where scholars of color are purposefully celebrated and showcased. You can find Michael on his instagram @arisewithlemus and website https://www.reclaimingyourhappinesswithlemus.com/

Join me and my special guest Grace (Pastor Gigi) as we talk about inner child healing work. We dive deep into what it means to do inner child work and also talk about Grace's book, Once Parented Twice Shy (available now)! About My Guest Grace is 29 year old former social worker and QMPH she has both her bachelors and masters of social work and has had a variety of experiences working with people on the individual and systemic level. From in-home counseling to growing organic fruits and veggies for corner stores in food deserts Grace’s work has always been about holistic healing. She has taken what she has learned as both a current client and former clinician and now is a community organizer teaching inter-generationally what it’s like to heal and reconnect with self and community. An advocate for change Grace believes change happens at the individual level first, “we first must develop wholeness, compassion, love, accountability, acceptance, and grace within ourselves so that systems are built of all those things because systems are built of us” You can buy the book on Amazon You can also follow Grace on TikTok or Instagram

Join me for a very special episode with my guest Clawdeena! During this episode she talks about the loss of her father, a big break up, and how dolls helped them in their healing process. Clawdeena also talks about their 3 part documentary which she describes as "a story about grief, disguised by the glamour and aesthetics of escapism". In her documentary, she discusses grief- between her father passing away in 2021 and then experiencing a rough breakup in 2022. It explores how this emotional time affected the influencer events she was attending. She speaks about a dissociative episode she has during an event with Mattel and the Monster High Movie Premiere. The 3 part documentary comes is out now and in it she dives deeper into how she gets through that, how she processes those emotions and how she's finding her way through grief. Doll enthusiast and social media sensation Clawdeena is best known for her incredible make-up transformations and her YouTube videos where she shares her extensive knowledge on many different types of dolls. She first rose to fame with her stop motion skills, and then continued her growth as she completed fabulous makeup transformations on her mother! As a young queer person in the public eye, Clawdeena has recently shifted focus to mental health and advocacy. She became a certified crisis counselor and has already started helping many young people with their self love and self discovery journeys.

Listen in as I speak with Dr. Michael Martinez on the healing power of self-expression. We dive into our own stories and evolution as Queer mental health practitioners in the field. Finding joy and healing in self-expression can be extremely powerful for our mental health. Dr. Michael Martinez is a non binary, indigenous, queer, father and husband. earned their Doctor of Clinical Psychology degree with a focus on Community Psychology at the University of La Verne.  More recently, Michael has started to practice psychology in a way that encourages clients to reconnect with themselves even though we live in a society that traditionally encourages disconnection.

Not everyone comes out in their teens or 20s. Many folx in the Queer community come out later in life. This episode is dedicated to all those folx out there who are exploring their Queer identity as late bloomers! Listen in as we share our stories and talk about some of the challenges as well as joys of being a Late Bloomer Queer. For this episode, I had a very special guest Aviel Zayas, LCSW (they/xe) a social worker and the founder of BIPOC Restorative Therapy, specializing in working with QTBIPOC folx in New York and New Jersey.

Many folx in the Queer community grow up experiencing some type of bullying. We know bullying is detrimental to our mental health and can affect our self-esteem. Bullying often comes from people who don't understand or are not accepting of the Queer community, but what happens when it comes directly from other folx in the Queer community. Listen in as my guest Jesse Escalante, a social worker & dancer, and I talk about our personal experiences with unwelcoming folx in the Queer community. We specifically speak about the Gay community and discuss how patriarchal, heteronormative, and toxic masculinity still has a strong grasp in many gay men's lives. This leads to exclusion and rejection of those who do not fit into the "archetype" many gay men worship.

Welcome loves and thank you for giving my podcast a listen. This is the intro episode 0 where I share with you the reason why I created this podcast and what is to come! I also share about myself, background, and identity. About me: Luis (He, Him, They) is a natural entertainer who enjoys making others laugh and feel inspired. As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Luis works tirelessly to support the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. Luis is also the founder ofPsychoSocial Media, a mental health platform providing mental health articles and resources. Most recently, Luis became the co-owner of PsychoSocial Therapy, a private practice specializing in LGBTQ+ and BIPOC mental health. Luis is also an Indigiqueer model who has a deep passion for fashion, visibility, and self-expression. Luis has collaborated with local and international (Mexico) designers. Luis is currently scheduled to walk for a fashion haus located in San Francisco in celebration of PRIDE month 2022. Luis is a firm believer that the media plays a massive role in the way mental health is understood, and wants to use his knowledge to increase awareness. As a testament to his work, Luis has been featured on Telemundo, a large Spanish Network, on a monthly basis. In past appearances on Telemundo, Luis has talked about anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, and other mental health topics in Spanish. You can learn more by following Luis on instagram @luis_thee_lmft or visiting his website www.luis-cornejo.com

Welcome to the Queer Magic Podcast! Thank you so much for being here and giving my podcast a listen. This was not originally the episode I wanted to release, but something happened while I was in the creative process. I started to feel angry and couldn't quite pinpoint why. As I sat down, paid attention to my body, and reflected I quickly realized that I had been holding on to a lot of resentment towards men. As a Queer person who exists in a world where patriarchy and toxic masculinity run amok, I've had my share of challenges for not fitting into the socially defined role of being "male." These experiences have followed me since middle school where I was constantly bullied by men because of the way I walked, talked, or expressed myself. Fast forward to my 30's and it sometimes feels like things haven't changed. I still struggle with connecting to cis gendered heterosexual men. This also includes gay men who often uphold heteronormative values as a way to fit in or connect with masculinity. Even doing this work and meeting men who are "dismantling or challenging" toxic masculinity I find that they still hold a lot of internalized beliefs and biases. This makes it difficult to have conversations and openly talk about men's role in dismantling toxic narratives and hate towards non cis het men. This is a brief intro into my new podcast and a taste of what's to come. I have been organizing and getting ready to set up interviews with some wonderful guests. So get ready! Here we go!! About me: Luis (He, Him, They) is a natural entertainer who enjoys making others laugh and feel inspired. As a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, Luis works tirelessly to support the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. Luis is also the founder ofPsychoSocial Media, a mental health platform providing mental health articles and resources. Most recently, Luis became the co-owner of PsychoSocial Therapy, a private practice specializing in LGBTQ+ and BIPOC mental health. Luis is also an Indigiqueer model who has a deep passion for fashion, visibility, and self-expression. Luis has collaborated with local and international (Mexico) designers. Luis is currently scheduled to walk for a fashion haus located in San Francisco in celebration of PRIDE month 2022. Luis is a firm believer that the media plays a massive role in the way mental health is understood, and wants to use his knowledge to increase awareness. As a testament to his work, Luis has been featured on Telemundo, a large Spanish Network, on a monthly basis. In past appearances on Telemundo, Luis has talked about anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ issues, and other mental health topics in Spanish. You can learn more about Luis by following him on instagram @luis_thee_lmft or by visiting his website www.luis-cornejo.com