Fostering Strong LGBTQ+ Relationships - Andres Brown
This webinar, delves into understanding the unique hurdles faced by LGBTQIA+ relationships and the complexities of identity development. Andreas Brown, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in queer and non-binary issues, explores key topics such as queer identity development, intersectionality, and maintaining healthy relationships in non-traditional contexts. Andreas also shares insights on trauma healing and culturally attuned therapy for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. This session offers practical tools for therapists and individuals to better understand LGBTQIA+ relationship dynamics and challenges.
Time Markers
00:00:00 - 00:00:33 – Introduction by Alexis Alcott, welcoming Andreas Brown, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and overview of today’s topics: LGBTQIA+ relationships, cultural approaches to therapy, and intersectional care.
00:00:33 - 00:01:30 – Overview of Andreas Brown’s background and career focus on healing LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities, queer identity development, and working with non-traditional relationships.
00:01:31 - 00:02:26 – Details of today’s Q&A process and CEU credit instructions for attendees.
00:02:26 - 00:04:15 – Andreas begins the session with a grounding meditation and setting intentions for the webinar.
00:04:15 - 00:07:22 – Andreas reintroduces their background as a queer, non-binary therapist with a multiracial heritage, sharing how this informs their work with marginalized communities. They also introduce today’s focus on queer identity development and relational therapy.
00:07:22 - 00:12:23 – Discussion on the social constructs of heteronormativity, cis-normativity, and mono-normativity, and how these societal frameworks impact LGBTQIA+ individuals and relationships.
00:12:23 - 00:16:13 – Explanation of the reclaimed term "queer" and its historical and activist roots. Andreas highlights the importance of understanding queer theory as it relates to disrupting societal boxes and structures.
00:16:13 - 00:19:11 – Andreas discusses the intersection of gender and social constructs, explaining the non-binary nature of gender and sexuality.
00:19:11 - 00:21:45 – A question is asked about the research on non-monogamous relationships. Andreas responds, explaining that relationship success is based on the principles of trust, communication, and respect, rather than the relationship structure itself.
00:21:45 - 00:26:39 – Further exploration into gender identity, gender expression, and how these concepts go beyond traditional binaries. Andreas touches on how these identities are evolving with progressive understanding and language shifts.
00:26:39 - 00:30:30 – Overview of sexuality as a multi-dimensional concept, involving arousal, attitudes, behaviors, and identity. Andreas emphasizes that sexual identity is fluid and unique for each individual.
00:30:30 - 00:34:24 – Andreas introduces non-monogamy as a valid relational structure, explaining that open and polyamorous relationships require clear communication and mutual respect.
00:34:24 - 00:39:00 – Discussion on the importance of safe environments for LGBTQIA+ individuals to express and explore their identities, highlighting the current societal challenges and trauma experienced by queer communities.
00:39:00 - 00:43:00 – Andreas addresses trauma’s impact on queer relationships, particularly in the context of ongoing societal rejection and discrimination. They explain the heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals.
00:43:00 - 00:45:56 – Andreas explains the key pillars of healthy LGBTQIA+ relationships: attachment attunement, connective communication, and relational resilience. They emphasize that building resilience within relationships is crucial for navigating external societal pressures.
00:45:56 - 00:48:09 – Andreas discusses connective communication, stressing that how a couple handles conflict is more important than whether they experience conflict.
00:48:09 - 00:50:08 – Andreas concludes the session with a discussion on building attachment rituals, co-creating meaning, and fostering community connections for long-term relationship health.
00:50:08 - 00:54:10 – Q&A session: Andreas addresses a question about supporting queer couples with one partner leaning into the relationship and the other leaning out, offering therapeutic strategies like emotionally focused therapy to navigate these dynamics.
00:54:10 - 00:56:24 – Q&A continues with a discussion on how to support long-term couples as they navigate shifts in their sexual or gender identity, normalizing ongoing identity development and honoring the fluid nature of relationships.
00:56:24 - 00:59:02 – Closing remarks and instructions for receiving CEU credit. Andreas shares how to stay connected through their website for resources and future trainings.
About Andres Brown:
Andres Brown Who is a Queer & Non-Binary mescla bella (beautiful mix) of a father who immigrated from Guatemala and a mother of Western European descent. First and foremost, they are a healer, as well as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.They have worked in a range of therapy settings, including school based therapy, non-profits, college counseling centers, training clinics, and adjunct teaching. Currently, they are AVP of Clinical Services at Encircle, a non-profit that provides mental health services for LGBTQIA+ youth, people, and families here in Utah.
Throughout their career, they have focused on better understanding queer identity development among collectivist and community-focused cultures, as well as healing acute, systemic, and intergenerational trauma for QTBIPOC people. They focus on reclaiming healing practices and have been trained in a variety of healing modalities, including EMDR, Psychedelic assisted therapy for PTSD, Curandismo, and Radical Healing for QTBIPOC communities. They believe that we are truly whole when in connection and community. Through teaching, training, education, and advocacy, they seek to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice.
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