Some Uncomfortable Truths

Racism, Misogyny, Homophobia, Transphobia, and other oppressive prejudices are pervasive in America. Many people have felt emboldened to be even more open and vocal about their prejudiced views since the 2016 election of Donald Trump. White supremacy appears to be getting even louder and less hidden. In the wake of the 2024 Election results, we are very likely to see even more open displays of people’s hateful and oppressive values & beliefs.

As a white, cisgender, heterosexual man, I cannot claim to know firsthand how unsafe and unseen many people are feeling in our country right now. However, the topics of prejudice and bias are very important to me—they hurt close friends, family, and clients—and I actively advocate for diversity and acceptance in my community.

While I do attend trainings to become a better provider for LGBTQIA+ clients, most of my knowledge and understanding in this area actually comes from many interactions with friends, family, and clients who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

I can also be found in the OutCare Health Provider Directory.

This sign can be found in noticeable spots on my website, social media profiles, emails, and in my therapy backdrop. It serves as a welcome to people in BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, reminding them that they are safe and welcome here.

NOTE: If you do not like this sign and its message, I’m probably not going to be a good match for the support you’re seeking, and I kindly request that you please find another therapist.

Progress Pride Flag with the word ALLY in white

My monthly financial donations and ongoing efforts support these causes because I believe in their important message:

Protester holding sign that says Boys Will Be Held Accountable

Person holding protest sign that says I Don't Know Your Struggle But I Am Here For You

Person holding protest sign that reads Racism Isn't Getting Worse It's Getting Filmed

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Check out this blog post about racism:

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Racism In US: a white guy’s message to white people

Jun 1, 2023

We’ve all heard the occasional, probably-actually-racist opinion or joke rattled off by a coworker, friend, family member, or neighbor (Hint: it usually starts with, “I’m not racist, but…”). It’s possible we’ve even said these types of things ourselves without really thinking about it.

Nobody wants to think of themselves as racist, because this term conjures up images of people in white hoods who are intentionally pushing for white people to have more power than anyone else, with the notion that white people are somehow “superior.” I know that’s not me, and I’m guessing it’s not you, either.

However, we need to recognize that racism isn’t simply an all-or-nothing topic. It’s not as simple as “you’re either racist or you’re not.” People can have different degrees of awareness as to how their words and actions may affect people of other races. Therefore, racist actions and words can range from the blatant—such as a violent attack against someone because of their race—all the way to some less-obvious and unintentional forms of racism—like using a word or old saying that you didn’t realize has racist origins.

Both are examples of racism, but one is intentionally harmful, while the other does not intend any harm. At the same time, many of these unintentionally harmful words and actions do continue to perpetuate a climate of subtle hostility, ignorance, and disrespect towards people of other races—even if we didn’t realize it and didn’t mean to do this.