Discover Your City
Cue the scary music. Cue Rod Serling somewhere in writer's heaven…
Picture, if you will, the following: Somewhere inside a large Nashville hotel not long ago, a former athletic champion is beginning to come to terms with his hidden gender. Standing in front of a mirror inside his room, two thoughts may have entered his mind as he prepared to undertake one of the more risk-filled challenges of his life:
“These shoes hurt” and “Oh G-d, what am I doing?”
He is a reasonably successful motivational speaker in town to address a tanning industry convention. He would not be the first traveling professional to cross-dress in a public setting far from the prying eyes of home. There is a long history of (mostly) males taking these types of jobs to be “themselves” just for that reason. Some of them may have been using the experience to embrace, or reject, their very secret identities. Some may have just liked wearing the right clothes for a change. Our subject may have been doing both.
Courage in that moment probably required baby steps...very careful baby steps in those wobbly high heels as he, now a she, stepped out onto the room’s balcony overlooking a dimly lit indoor atrium. She would probably not risk the journey downstairs to the main lobby or visit any of the hotel’s restaurants. She most likely settled for a quick stroll along the enclosed hallways high above the bustle, thinking the upcoming exercise in femininity would be risky enough as is was.
She may have been attempting this for herself; perhaps also as a therapist's requirement too. But just before she left the room to face her fears, she probably gripped that balcony rail, stared down at the people far below, and asked herself a potentially life-changing question:
“Can I really do this?”
***********
I have a somewhat unique problem in my personal transgender journey. I recognized that I should have been a girl around age five. The difficulty was that I also identified as a lesbian around that age too (my military childhood was chock-full of lesbians). I have always thought like a gay girl, been mainly attracted to gay girls and felt far more comfortable in their company than with the straight variety. I like my hair nice and short, prefer the tasteful power lesbian fashions my sister-in-law suggests to me, and have absolutely no desire to wear makeup...although I really should learn how...soon. I have no problem being assertive in my personal affairs and consider myself to be a butch-leaning feminist woman. However, I still do not publicly refer to myself as that just yet. That privilege is earned in my opinion, never given, and I have far more dues to pay.
Ms. Caitlyn Jenner seems to have chosen a more traditional transgender presentation and in a very public fashion too. No one should say that her coming out in the media last year was not a watershed moment for LGBTQ nation on par with other victories. We had our first really famous person publicly step out of the T closet for all to see. But I do share some of the guarded skepticism expressed by my non-trans friends about how all this looks and is being handled. Frankly, she looks fabulous...way too fabulous. She’s not Barbie in the Malibu dreamhouse sans Ken, but seems to come reasonably close. Yes, she lost her marriage in the transition and her very famous (for some reason) kids have had to adjust to the new paradigm too. But all things considered, she seems to have come through pretty darn well compared to the majority of novice transgender experiences. Her revelation led to a multi-million dollar television deal and a shot at icon status. My revelation led to a one-way ticket to military school. Timing is everything, I guess…
Caitlyn’s journey into LGBTQ daylight is much the same as anyone else, produced and directed by acolytes of the Dick Clark coaching tree of course, but real nonetheless. We have all been there in one way or another in a far more private fashion. Eighteen months in and a few public gaffes later, she's still family. The training wheels are off and she seems to be over the “look how radical and out!” phase of the journey as news breaks of her television programme’s demise. The main difference between the overwhelming majority of the tribe and Caitlyn, other than we don't get the dreamhouse or the super-cool famous friends, is that we get to make our gaffes without cameras rolling. High school and college were our training grounds. We had a G-ddess-given right to explore our unrequested blessings in creative and occasionally stupid ways that no one outside a select few would know truly know about.
Public personalities usually do not get this advantage with work and paycheques on the line (as many a closeted journalist will attest). But successful people also go through that deep and very personal hell that most LGBTQ folks suffer when adjusting to being a minority in a rather heterosexual world. Driven types tend to put their real identities on hold until achieving what seems to be a more important and reachable goal again...and again. It is only when their intentionally busy lives slow down long enough that they can no longer ignore what their soul has always been telling them...and they run out of reasons to delay.
Should she have done this in front of the cameras? Good question. I think she probably made a very smart move by doing so for at least one good reason: the tabloids were going to out her anyway. Why not make the most of it and collect a large paycheque for herself while shining a light on the cause for all to see? Many transgendered people have done this for far less fame on the Internet and her programme has allowed America to get an up close and personal look at who transgendered people are and how they really tick. The heterosexual world finally got a clear picture of the LGBTQ universe’s Pluto...and most were pleased with the image.
As contrived as some of the television presentation may be, there is one thing that stood out for me when I watched the first season episodes: Caitlyn is genuinely scared in many scenes. Her body language just cannot lie. Joining the other team is always hard no matter how right the decision and how well you prepare. It's a brave new world, and Caitlyn has very likely and irrevocably blown up her past life to live as she was truly meant to be. She finally joined the tribe.
Sound familiar? We need to continue to back her. She's one of us now.
Hey Cait, love you babe. Now please do a rethink on some of your politics.
Julie Chase is the pen name for a local 40-something trans woman. A graduate of The University of the South at Sewanee, she loves butterflies, strong women and the Austrian School of Economics.
Top 5 Mental Health Apps for the LGBTQ+ Community
Mental health apps for the LGBTQ+ Community
It's been quite a year and we're only halfway through 2022. The pandemic is still ongoing, LGBTQ+ rights are under threat, money struggles are prevalent, and that’s just to name a few issues. In the midst of all this, it’s hard not to feel anxious. Understand that your feelings are valid and so we put together this handy guide for mental health apps.
Dr. Jack Turban, MD, MHS, a child and adolescent psychiatry fellow at Stanford University School of Medicine researches the mental health of transgender youth. He explains that during the pandemic the mental health of LGBTQ+ youth has been declining. He says, “For instance, the Trevor Project crisis line for LGBTQ+ youth has seen a surge in volume.”
If you’re struggling, know that you aren’t alone. Seeking help may be a difficult step to take, but it’s a necessary one. Luckily, there are a lot of resources out there that can help you find support and affirmation.
How Can Mental Health Apps Help?
Mental health apps are a low-cost, accessible way to receive instant help for your struggles. While they aren’t a replacement for professional care, they have various functions to promote mental wellness, such as sleep reminders, calming music, and even mood trackers. Some apps also have teletherapy services, where you can communicate with a licensed specialist to get started with treatment.
“One of the most important parts, and beautiful parts when used correctly, is that digital mental health tools and the internet in general, create a space for connections. [Mental health apps] are beneficial because they can help remove some of the possible barriers LGBTQ+ individuals deal with in less accepting environments. Hopefully, they can access such tools without someone standing in their way or being gatekeepers that bar their path to better health”, says Dr. Chase Anderson, MD, MS, a child psychiatry fellow at the University of California San Francisco.
Five Mental Health Apps
Mental Health Apps
Below is a list of five mental health apps that can help to make your life a little easier.
1. Ayana Therapy
Ayana is an app that helps people from marginalized communities find a therapist they can identify with based on their unique experiences and identities across race, gender identity, class, sexuality, ethnicity, and ability. This on-demand app allows for flexible communication across convenient platforms (text, phone, and video call) to get in touch with your LGBTQ+ therapist whenever you need to.
Ayana Therapy
2. Pride Counseling
This is an online counseling program for the LGBTQ+ community, led by specialized mental health professionals. Through the app, you can conveniently get in touch with a licensed specialist through live chat in addition to booking weekly scheduled appointments. Pride Counseling also offers need-based financial aid to make counseling affordable.
Pride Counseling on iOS Pride Counseling on Google Play
3. Sowlmate
Sowlmate is an LGBTQ+-focused self-care app with a wide library of interactive courses and meditation sounds designed by LGBTQ+ professionals. A key feature of this app is the AI-based mood tracker, where the data is used to showcase content tailored to your individual needs. New programs are released every week on the platform.
Sowlmate on iOS Sowlmate on Google Play
4. Trill Project
This is an anonymous, social network where you can freely express yourself. Through the app, you can share your deepest, unfiltered thoughts and build authentic conversations with other members of the LGBTQ+ community. There is also tons of content focused on LGBTQ+ issues and mental health for users to discover and share.
Trill Project on iOS Trill Project on Google Play
5. Wisdo
Wisdo is a peer-to-peer support platform to connect with people who’ve walked your path and share your own helpful advice. In the app, there are live sessions from mentors and virtual communities focused on discussing LGBTQ+ issues. You can also easily have private conversations with people you guide or learn from.
Wisdo on iOS Wisdo on Google Play
Crisis Help
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741, or visit www.SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.com for additional resources.
If you are an LGBTQ+ young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call the Trevor Lifeline immediately at 1-866-488-7386.
Who would have thought that we would have to get through a pandemic in order to appreciate the small things we have, such as the ability to simply pack our bags and hit the road?
For two years, there’s been nothing left for us travel junkies to do but sit at home and try to find new destinations that we will conquer once we defeat what appears to be the biggest villain of the 21st century. But once that happens, hold your bags tight because we will be up for some of the most interesting travel experiences. Take a look at some ideas for your post-COVID traveling plans:
A gay cruise
One of the best options to have in mind when all of this passes is a good, nice and long (pun intended) gay cruise. Or cruise in general, for that matter. Bear in mind, social distancing will still be a thing in the post-COVID world. But COVID-19 likely doesn’t mean that cruises will cease to exist. On the contrary, though cruise ships will probably keep the number of passengers smaller than before, it is believed that they will become an even bigger hit in the following period, especially because they are all going to go a lot more environmentally-friendly. On the bright side, is there any better way of celebrating the end of the pandemic than by cruising around some magnificent seas, stopping by at great cities and having romantic dinner nights at nice restaurants?
A getaway in nature
On the other hand, there is always the option of stepping away from the hustle and bustle of large cities, and spending some time in a place that’s not only healthy, but also beautiful. Some of the destinations that plenty of people will look for are the ones that can cater for both peace of mind and amazing things to see or do. One such destination is New Zealand, one of the greenest countries on Earth right now. Not only will you be visiting the magnificent country that gave us the beautiful Shire from Lord of the Rings; this is also a destination that’s excellent for everyone who prefers relaxing to partying. If you’re up for some partying, you will be able to hit Auckland, while if you’re for something calmer, there’s plenty of amazing places that you can see and visit.
Dancing around at Pride
Pride parades are also events that you want to have in mind for the post-COVID world. Such events have always been quite important, but it seems that they are now more important than ever. The virus has canceled more than 75 Pride parades all around the world, which is one of the reasons why we must support the ones that will see the light of day once the pandemic stops. Truth be told, the upcoming Prides will perhaps be the best Prides ever organized. Give the gays a couple of weeks of quarantine, then let them outside and see what kind of party they are able to throw!
A road trip
If you’re, as well, waiting for the day to wake up and say “long gone are the days when we were not allowed to go wherever we wanted?”, and if staying at one place gave you a lot to think about, then your first post-COVID travel experience should definitely be a nice road trip. You can practically choose which country you want to tour, and you can either take your own car (you have probably missed it so much), or rent one at your destination. Australia is an amazing country for this, though, as it offers the possibility of seeing the Great Ocean Road, which is an amazing thing to see and experience. On the other hand, if you do not want or cannot leave your country, you can also choose to go on a domestic road trip – there are amazing things to see in your vicinity as well.
Holiday for a single guy
If you’re single, or you’re traveling someplace with another single friend, then you should definitely organize a nice vacation for yourself or for you and your single friend, and hit one of the best European cities. Europe has been greatly affected by the virus, which means that now it’s time to pay it back and get it back on its feet by traveling there and seeing all the amazing things it offers. Any city you choose in Europe – you will not make a mistake. Apart from being able to see great landmarks, you will also have the chance to have a drink at great gay clubs and pubs, and join unforgettable gay parties. And if the gay scenery is not your forte, worry not, as Europe indeed has to offer so many different and magnificent things.
Without any surprise, one of the most commonly determined goals for this year is to be happier. It doesn’t matter what you secretly want, such as to lose a couple of pounds, build up your muscles or find the love of your life – the ultimate goal of every single one of us is the same – to be happy.
After all, anything that we want from life, we want so that it could bring us happiness. But happiness will not come to whomever, as every person needs to work hard and think long about all the things that make them happy and actually earn that happiness. The end of every year is the perfect time to start thinking about that, to reflect on the previous year, see the negative points that you never want to repeat again and then see what the aspects you need to focus on more are. Take a look at some of the ideas that will help you become a happier gay man in the next year.
Who cares what others have
The first and most important piece of advice would be to be who you are, but since this is as cliché as it can get, let’s say that the first thing to do is not to compare yourself with other gay people. This is something that can create so many different issues – first of all, with your self-confidence and image which can have a big effect on your life, and secondly, it can affect your relationship with other people. There are certain things that are always “expected” from gay men, such as having abs, being very handsome, having crystal clear skin or dressing up in the latest fashion. Well, be who you are and never try to be someone else so that you can stand out. This is the most important tip you should follow as this is the only way you will truly be happy.
Make yourself a routine
Creating a routine for yourself and having activities that you enjoy doing on a daily basis is an essential thing for your happiness. What is important to know is that your habits create your mood, and the more interesting habits you have, the happier you will be. It is always a good thing when you get to come home from work and have certain things that you can get up to. However, it would be good that your routines in 2020 revolve around everything that is natural, healthy and organic. So, buying yourself a gym membership or taking up a sport are two great ideas. If you want to be bolder, you can always hit the best kratom shop and turn to natural products that will make your daily routine much more pleasant, and you happier. Remember that this doesn’t have to necessarily be a daily routine that you have to create, but rather have several things that you like doing and can do from time to time when you want to feel better.
You are enough for you
Next up, we should turn to one of the biggest issues of unsatisfied people – the fact that they’re single. Now, not all single people are unsatisfied, but the majority of people feel dissatisfaction once they have nobody by their side, which is one of the traits they definitely have to change. You do not need anyone else to tell you are perfect or amazing or pretty or beautiful, you do not need anyone so that you could feel validated. What you can do is spice things up, and if you are a sexual being, you can always find someone to spend several hot nights with. However, if you are looking for a relationship, you need to start with yourself and stop feeling sorry for yourself because you are single. This is what shows, and nobody wants to hit on someone who has a lot of negativity going on.
Socialize with positive people
Photo by Ba Phi from Pexels
There’s nothing that works better for your own happiness than surrounding yourself with people that you love and people who are positive (obviously, you get the most of it when you combine these two and spend time with people who are both positive and very important to you). In 2020, it would be best to ditch negativity and leave it behind – even though it might be difficult, limiting the time you spend with negative people can definitely do wonders for your own mood and overall state of happiness.
Meditate
Finally, focus on yourself. It is 2020, so whatever you choose to do for your own well-being is definitely not something you should be embarrassed about. If yoga is something that is going to calm you down, take your stress away and thus make you a generally less unsatisfied person – so be it. You can also turn to meditation or simply spending time with your friends and laughing. Laughter is also one of the strongest remedies. You know what they say – when life gives you lemons, make a lemonade. Beyoncé made it and it’s the best album of the decade.
Hopefully, you will be a better person in 2020. After all, it doesn’t matter what you do and how others perceive you – if you like yourself, that’s what matters. So, make the following a New Year’s resolution – love yourself.