Dear nonprofit leaders & professionals,
I recently had a conversation with my very good colleague and incredibly talented therapist and mental health professional, Renato M. Talhadas, MAC, PCC, LFMT, about the nuances of being an LGBTQIA+ professional and navigating mental health in the workplace.
Renato, as you know, LGBTQIA+ people are part of a very intersectional community of underserved minorities – Queer people, disabled people, people of color, people living below the poverty line, etc. – and so our community faces a lot of mental health challenges. How do you navigate being professional at work as a gay man yourself and providing the mental health care that the community needs?
Navigating my professional life as a gay man and a person of color (Latinx/ne) has shaped the way I approach mental health care within the LGBTQIA+ community. I’ve come to view the aspects that make me stand out—my identity as a Latino and my sexuality—not as obstacles but as strengths. These intersections provide me with a unique perspective that fosters connection and understanding with those I serve.
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