Embracing Trans Joy: The Impact of Being True to Yourself and Finding Euphoria in Holistic Well-being

Written By: Andrea Antonio, Clinical Trainee at ACS, Outlet Program WHAT IS TRANS JOY?Trans joy is a radiant celebration of authenticity and profound happiness that arises from living as one’s true, genuine self, liberated from the constraints and expectations imposed by society. It transcends the conventional narratives that often focus solely on the adversities faced […]

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Validating and Including Bisexuality

Written By: Kennedy Rothenbuescher, Clinical Trainee at ACS, Outlet Program IN LIFEwe want to make sure that everyone feels included, but what happens when both the LGBTQ+ community and the heterosexual community exclude people who are bisexual? Individuals who are bisexual tend to be outcasted from the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the heterosexual community, […]

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Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth during the Holidays

Written By: Nat Bricker, Clinical Intern at ACS, Outlet Program for many individuals, the winter holidays can bring a variety of different emotions, from overall positivity and joy, to significant stress. The emotional well-being of LGBTQ+ youth during the holidays is particularly impacted by family dynamics and levels of family acceptance. It is important for […]

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What’s the Word?

Written By: Rey Boone, Clinical Intern at ACS, Outlet Program why is language important? Sharp (2015) emphasized the importance of language in the connection of people worldwide and how it ties them to their history and roots; this author also highlights how certain languages are in danger of dying out permanently and the connections being […]

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Diary of an ACS Intern

Written By: Jeraca Marsh, Clinical Intern at ACS, Outlet Program here we are  at the dawn of 2020, and I’ve officially hit my six month mark as an intern at Adolescent Counseling Services. I’m a second-year Clinical Psychology doctoral student at Alliant International University, and my time at ACS has played a critical role in […]

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Ally: More Than a Label

Written By: Rey Boone, Clinical Intern at ACS, Outlet Program “ally” is a word in the LGBTQ+ community that is commonly used to mean a non-queer (straight/cisgender) person who sympathizes with the queer cause and is willing to stick their neck out if necessary. This person typically has gay, lesbian, or transgender friends or family […]

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Pronouns and Why They Matter

Written By: Brittani DeCloedt, Clinical Intern at ACS, On-Campus Counseling Program PRONOUNS: AN EXPLAINER Pronouns are used in everyday language in reference to people and things.  In the English language, the pronouns used most frequently are: I, you, she, her, he, him, they, and it.  “I”, “you”, “they”, and “it” would be considered gender neutral, […]

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Coming out again … and again … and again

Contributed to LGBT Weekly BY LAILA IBRAHIM We talk about coming out as if it’s something you only do once.  In my experience it’s an ongoing part of life. Sometimes it’s easy, and other times it makes my stomach flutter. I first came out as a lesbian 30 years ago when I was still in […]

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LGBTQ Youth Health: What to Talk About During Pride Month

By Justin Toro and Donna Futterman, M.D., US News Health  June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning – or LGBTQ – Pride Month. For many, it’s the colorful and provocative gay pride parades that define the occasion, but beyond the glitter lies a much deeper meaning. LGBTQ Pride acknowledges this community’s violent struggle, pays homage […]

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