Supporting LGBTQ+ Relationships - Lacey Bagley
In this informative webinar hosted by the Utah Marriage Commission, Dr. Lacey Bagley, a mental health therapist and advocate for LGBTQ+ individuals and relationships, shares insights on legal, social, and mental health challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. She explores the importance of mental health support, family acceptance, and community resources in fostering healthy relationships and well-being. Dr. Bagley also provides strategies for overcoming stigma, discrimination, and legal barriers that impact LGBTQ+ families, while encouraging the creation of brave spaces for open, honest conversations.
Time Markers
00:00:00 - 00:00:21 – Introduction by Nyah Phelps, welcoming Dr. Lacey Bagley, owner of Celebrate Therapy, and overview of her experience supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and couples.
00:00:21 - 00:01:20 – Dr. Bagley’s background as a marriage and family therapist and her advocacy work for the LGBTQ+ community.
00:02:06 - 00:03:23 – Dr. Bagley introduces the webinar’s focus: LGBTQ+ marriages and relationships, her professional background, and her connection to mental health services for the queer community in Utah.
00:03:23 - 00:04:25 – Setting the intention for the presentation, creating a brave space for dialogue, and discussing self-care for participants who may encounter triggering content.
00:04:25 - 00:06:41 – Differentiating between safe and brave spaces, and encouraging participants to ask difficult questions to foster open conversations about LGBTQ+ issues.
00:06:41 - 00:09:20 – Legal overview: Discussion of the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges ruling legalizing same-sex marriage and ongoing legal battles, including religious freedom laws, anti-trans legislation, and challenges to marriage equality.
00:09:20 - 00:13:54 – The impact of healthcare discrimination and legal restrictions on access to gender-affirming care for transgender individuals, and how these challenges affect mental health, particularly for youth.
00:13:54 - 00:15:08 – Dr. Bagley shares the role of family acceptance in promoting mental health for LGBTQ+ individuals and the Family Acceptance Project’s resources for navigating these relationships.
00:15:08 - 00:18:25 – Social impact: The importance of religious institutions and community support for LGBTQ+ individuals in Utah, the role of chosen families, and the significance of peer support through organizations like Loud & Proud, Utah Pride Center, and others.
00:18:25 - 00:22:24 – Overview of Utah LGBTQ+ community resources, including therapy services, sports groups, and advocacy organizations like Equality Utah, and their role in promoting well-being.
00:22:24 - 00:26:37 – Mental health challenges: Discussion of minority stress, stigma, and discrimination, and their impact on the mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals, contributing to anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
00:26:37 - 00:33:27 – Promoting mental health and well-being: Resources like the LGBTQ Affirmative Therapist Guild, Family Acceptance Project, and Trevor Project’s Coming Out Handbook to support mental health and family education.
00:33:27 - 00:36:46 – Advocacy efforts: Peer support organizations such as Mama Dragons and Dragon Dads, as well as LGBTQ+ advocacy within religious communities like Affirmation and Lift & Love.
00:36:46 - 00:44:05 – Dr. Bagley shares personal experiences and examples of how mental health care, community support, and legal advocacy positively impact the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals, leading to increased well-being and resilience.
00:44:05 - 00:50:58 – Q&A session: Addressing questions about legal resources for divorce in LGBTQ+ marriages, support for spouses of individuals coming out, and mediation services to navigate complex family situations.
00:50:58 - 00:51:43 – Closing remarks
About Dr. Lacey Bagley:
Dr. Lacey Bagley (she/her) is originally from northern Minnesota and now lives in Provo, UT. She is the owner of Celebrate Therapy, a mental health clinic serving LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, polyamorous networks, and families across the lifespan. She is an adjunct professor at Utah Valley University, teaching a section of the practicum course for master’s level students in the Marriage and Family Therapy program. Additionally, she serves as an advisory board member for The OUT Foundation and as a board member for Affirmation: LGBTQ Mormons, Families and Friends. Her work as a therapist and an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ centers on empowering folx to dismantle internal and external systems of oppression.
Dr. Lacey Bagley Link:
https://www.laceybagleymft.com/about-me
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