The Open Umbrella
Welcome! The Open Umbrella is a queer mental health blog about gender, sexuality, LGBTQ+ issues, therapy, queer relationships, sex-positivity, kink, ethical nonmonogamy, neurodiversity, healing from trauma, intergenerational trauma, and all that related stuff that will come up!
Sex and Sexuality Beyond the Gender Binary through Sex-Positivity
When it comes to sex, everyone deserves to embrace pleasure in a way that honors not only their desires but their identities. Holistically, this concept sounds commonplace; having sex (or having no interest in having sex) must be determined by the person or persons engaging in it. From exploring a new kink to designing a scene to play with a partner to navigating what turns you on, these elements that make sex desirable are intended to be subjective.
How do you find an LGBTQ-affirming therapist who is actually affirming?
If you’re queer, you know how hard it is to find a safe and affirming therapist. If you’re wanting therapy because you’re exploring your gender identity or sexual orientation, you probably have run across a lot of therapists who identify as “LGBTQ-affirming,” but then you may have gone to see them and not felt seen or understood. Or worse, you may have been hurt by them.