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For myself and my fellow millennials, this is not a foreign concept at all. We grew up hearing it at music festivals and on TV as the birth of mental health and substance use awareness was taking place. But I always associated it with extreme mental health crises, suicidal ideation, needing to check into a facility. As a person with depression and anxiety being treated by therapy and medication, it felt as inapplicable as the Narcan we give out at events—a really great harm reduction tool, but not anything that would ever apply to me directly, for personal use.
And then one day, I woke up, and it did apply to me. It was nothing that happened all at once, more of a slow burn. I lost my father in 2023 and my dog in 2024. All while this was happening, I was dealing with normal life crises—conflicts with partners, financial instability, overwhelm, and burnout, all while also navigating some very weird, specific-to-me issues, like dealing with my eccentric father’s estate (or lack thereof), navigating how to run a small queer media business in a country that demonizes queer people, small business and independent media, and touring with a band across the country.
While all this was going on, mind you, I lost both my therapist and my psychiatrist. We switched insurance and my therapist no longer took my plan, and my psychiatrist moved
out of state. I have been making it a point these past few years, especially after losing my father, to take care of my health. I’ve been eating better and working out, and I try to get plenty of outside time while wearing sunscreen. I meditate and do yoga, all that good stuff. I figured while I was between therapists and making changes, it would also be a good time to ween myself off of generic Lexapro. I felt I had the tools to manage on my own, no matter what life threw at me.
That’s where I was wrong. For the couple of months that I was off of Lexapro, I woke up every morning with an intense pit of anxiety gnawing at my stomach, like a beast clawing to get out. This happened even on sunny days when I went to bed happy and woke up without anything miserable or foreboding hanging over me. It was just my resting state. Driving and walking through my daily life, I was so anxious I was shaking with the constant feeling in my stomach that the other shoe was about to drop, even if the first shoe hadn’t. If that slowed even for a second, it was replaced not with a quiet calm but with a yawning chasm of deep despair. I was not OK.
After one particularly rough day spent crying and freaking out over a crisis that really wasn’t that dire, I decided enough was enough. I was going to go back on Lexapro, and not only that, I was going to double the dose while I looked for a therapist (under the supervision of a doctor, I don’t want to encourage selfmedicating). I did, and I feel much better now. The anxiety is still there, but
it’s more like an annoying friend who comes and knocks at the door sometimes even though she knows I won’t let her in. It’s not constantly around, and it’s not ruling my life.
Why do I tell you all this? Because on paper, I semi have my shit together. I’m still dealing with debt and low wages thanks to capitalism and inflation, and I have a messy family. But I also have a nice home that I rent, some sweet pets, food on the table, friends and partners and family, and even—albiet thanks to working a ton of side jobs—a little money left over from time to time to do something fun. I’m not living on the streets; I’m not addicted to anything but caffeine, and most of my problems are pretty standard, like losing an elderly pet or parent.
But still, for all that, I was not OK. And you know what, I have a pretty bad hereditary chemical imbalance in my brain, and I may never be OK without medication. And that’s OK too. As our lovely associate editor Julie River would say, if you can’t make serotonin on your own, store-bought is fine.
So, if you’ve been feeling like you should be able to get by without the meds, or the therapy, just know that you don’t have to. No matter what you’re dealing with or who you are, it’s OK to not be OK. Many of us have been there, and there’s no shame getting the help you need. You are loved and you are valid no matter what.
-Addison Herron-Wheeler
the PUBLISHER FROM
Welcome to this year’s edition of Queering Mental Health—a collaboration between Envision:You and OFM. As we continue our work to support the LGBTQ+ community, it is more important than ever to address the challenges we face, especially in light of the current political climate, which is captured in the cover art by the talented artist Eric Pung.
Since Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025, LGBTQ+ individuals have faced numerous challenges that have significantly impacted their rights and well-being. Policy rollbacks have threatened access to essential healthcare and services, while harmful actions, such as attempts to ban transgender individuals from military service, have further intensified the hostility toward the community. Discrimination has risen sharply, fueled by hate speech and harmful judicial appointments that undermine LGBTQ+ rights. Transgender rights have been under intense scrutiny, with policy shifts that target fundamental rights, from bathroom access to participation in school sports. Moreover, the removal of protective guidelines for transgender students has left many in the community feeling increasingly vulnerable. These actions have created an environment where LGBTQ+ individuals are at greater risk, facing both overt discrimination and systemic inequities in healthcare, employment, and education.
In addition to these federal actions, hundreds of bills aimed at undermining the
safety, economic prosperity, and well-being of LGBTQ+ people have been introduced in state capitals across the country, including in Colorado. These efforts contribute to a broader national atmosphere of uncertainty and fear for LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those in marginalized communities.
Despite these setbacks, the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community remains a powerful force, and it is crucial that we continue to stand together and advocate for justice and equality. As we face these challenges, let us remember that, "We are not defined by the obstacles we face, but by the strength we find in each other and the love that binds us."
Together, we will persevere, and our voices will continue to drive the fight for equality and
Photos courtesy of Envision:You
by Ixora Cook
like paperwork and updating charts will be streamlined and made much more efficient by You:Flourish, so much so that providers will save an estimated five hours per week’s worth of working, time that can be used either to see more patients and make more money, or even take time away from work. In order to use You:Flourish, each provider must go through the given training module, even if already trained on queer care elsewhere. For providers, You:Flourish will be software as a service, meaning they will pay a fee to gain access to the use of You:Flourish. Users, however, will be able to access the site free of charge.
A PIONEER IN QUEER HEALTHCARE
More than ever, access to queer-friendly healthcare is vital to the safety and wellbeing of our community. In the dawn of the age of Trumpism, and with fascism on the rise, alarm bells are certainly ringing loud and clear in all of our minds. Not only is gender-affirming care on the line, but it’s becoming increasingly questionable as to whether or not essential healthcare from properly informed providers is going to be available to LGBTQ+ people. Despite there being over one million licensed mental health providers in the United States, most receive little to no formal education in graduate or medical school on how to deliver LGBTQ+affirming and supportive care. As a result, countless LGBTQ+ individuals encounter healthcare systems that fail to reflect their identities, needs, or lived experiences—systems that are often unwelcoming, uninformed, or even harmful. This leaves more than 10 percent of the population consistently underserved in one of the most vital areas of life: healthcare. The absence of culturally responsive care not only undermines well-being but also reinforces long-standing disparities in physical and mental health outcomes. In response to this urgent need, a new and forward-thinking solution is on the way. Soon, queer individuals across the country will gain access to a dedicated platform that delivers inclusive care and essential resources—built to affirm identity, foster belonging, and close the gap in equitable health access.
You:Flourish, described by its CEO Sean Patrick Harrington as a “social marketplace,” is a way for queer clients to be connected with queer-friendly healthcare providers and interact with the queer community at large. Users will be able to make posts, share images, and interact with other members. Cross-posting to social media will also be possible, helping to spread the word of the site’s existence and ensure that You:Flourish, well, flourishes.
Providers will certainly be enticed by the incentives behind utilizing You:Flourish in their jobs. Bureaucratic processes
Sensitive client data shared within You:Flourish will be kept sealed and only accessible internally within the site. Information gained from members will also be utilized to remind providers of potential ongoing issues that may otherwise be overlooked. When billing insurance for services, a sanitized, vague version of what care was provided at an appointment will be used to protect clients’ personal information. Gender-affirming care will be referred to simply as mental healthcare when it comes to what is told to clients’ health insurers.
There is also another aspect to You:Flourish that is quite intriguing and could have a significant impact on the wellbeing of the queer community. Merchants will be able to use You:Flourish to sell goods and services. Ten percent of the country’s population is quite a significant chunk, and with that number comes 1.4 trillion dollars worth of purchasing power in the country’s economy. Keeping money out of the greedy hands of oligarchs would certainly be a step in the right direction, and using You:Flourish to conduct business keeps hard-earned money in the pockets of the queer community. Certainly, a dollar does go much further in stimulating the economy if it is kept local and changes hands many times, instead of being handed off to the stockpile of a billionaire, never to be seen again.
You:Flourish will be kept a safe place for the queer community with what Harrington referred to as the “troll slayer,” a strategy in removing unwanted content from the platform that will quarantine potentially rule-breaking content until it can be assessed, and if necessary, utilize the use of an animation depicting a literal troll being slayed in removing said content. Facial recognition software will also be deployed as a method of vetting those who sign up and keeping people accountable for what they choose to post, as well as eliminating any possibility of bots or other fake accounts being made.
Above all, You:Flourish aims to relieve the administrative burden from providers, make linkage to care a simpler process, and foster community growth for queer people, as well as stimulate their businesses economically. It is anticipated to roll out nationally this summer and will be free of charge to sign up for. A social marketplace made by and intended for queer people to use definitely can’t hurt, and You:Flourish’s impact on our community will definitely be noticeable in the best way possible.
by Matt Maenpaa
SIXTH ANNUAL LEAN ON ME AWARDS HONOR COMMUNITY CARE, QUEER AUTHENTICITY
Honoring deeds and service that support a brighter future for the community is always important, but particularly in times of strife. For the past six years, Denver-based mental health nonprofit Envision:You has done just that, celebrating individual who and organizations that seek a better world for everyone in the LGBTQ+ community.
The Lean on Me award selectees are chosen for dedication to advocacy, services, awareness, and programs that promote mental health and wellbeing for the LGBTQ+ community, according to Envision:You founder Steven Haden. Highlighting the policy rollbacks and attacks on civil liberties coming from the White House since Trump took office, Haden says the work is more crucial than ever.
Appropriate, then, that the organizational “Lean on Me” award was given to Colorado Access, the organization that manages Colorado’s state Medicaid program. Haden cites the organization's work connecting marginalized communities to quality health services as a major factor in the recognition, particularly for Coloradans in the LGBTQ+ community.
“(Colorado Access’) dedication to providing culturally competent, inclusive care … sets a powerful example of what it means to support and uplift every individual,” Haden says.
“It embodies the values of compassion and inclusivity that are essential for a healthier, more equitable future.”
Colorado Access has helped administer Health First Colorado for 30 years, across the entire Denver metro region. From care coordination to wrap-around services addressing social needs, CO Access does its best to serve the needs of its members. Recognizing the disproportionate challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, including access to gender affirming care and knowledgeable providers, the staff at Colorado Access strive to break down the barriers through community inclusion.
“Healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and Medicaid plays a crucial role in ensuring that millions of people have access to essential services,” says CO Access Vice
President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Bobby King.
King says the proposed cuts to the federal budget risk healthcare access for millions of Americans, including one in five Coloradans who are enrolled in Health First Colorado or Child Health Plan Plus. If the legislative branch cuts funding to Medicaid, it would cause significant harm to struggling communities. CO Access will continue its work, along with partner organizations like Envision:You, in breaking down barriers to essential care.
“While the challenges we face today are significant, we want those in the LGBTQ+ community to know that they are not alone,” King adds. “There is strength in community, in advocacy, and in shared experiences.”
While the organizational recognition focuses on crucial care in our state, Envision:You’s individual award highlights the work of artist and aerospace engineer Christine Bland, particularly her creativity, advocacy, and scientific ingenuity in space exploration.
“It is with great pride and admiration that we honor Christine Bland,” Haden says. “Her unwavering dedication to both her professional work and her advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community exemplifies the spirit of resilience and
Photo courtesy of Colorado Access
leadership that this award represents.”
Growing up socialized as male in the ‘50s, Bland says she was “born into a privilege she did not deserve or recognize.” She knew something was different at an early age but didn’t fully understand, Bland explains. Initially working as a photographer, Bland would eventually find success in the field of aerospace engineering and space exploration. A successful career and a family weren’t everything though, she says, and at 41, she “hit the wall and entered a black pit of despair.”
Even with therapy, it would take Bland another 15 years to fully accept the need to transition fully into herself, even if it meant giving up all the privilege of her life, losing her family, or worse. Though she did lose her marriage and some friends, Bland says she gained so much more. In embracing her true self, her artistic expression expanded across mediums. Her work in engineering found more gains as well, she says, propelling her career further.
Initially, Bland says, she didn’t want to become a role model, instead aspiring to be a “single woman living the dream.”
An encounter at a leadership conference opened her eyes, though, after a speaker challenged the audience to embrace the opportunity to inspire others.
“This changed my life, and since then, I try to be visible and use my successes as a platform to help others,” Bland says.
As transgender Americans are persecuted and slandered by both the federal government and sensationalist media, Bland says the climate brings back the trauma of her depression pre-transition and wishing nobody had to experience those feelings. After growing up on the sidelines of the Civil Rights movement and Vietnam protests, she’s ready to step up.
“I stood on the sidelines and watched brave individuals face down guns and violence to make a better life for others,” she says. “Now it's my turn to step out from the sidelines, and I can take courage from those who have come before us.”
APRIL 20, 2025—AUGUST 17, 2025
WHAT HOMELESSNESS TWOYEARS OF DID TO ME
by Ixora Cook
Photos by Matt Maenpaa
TRIGGER WARNING: THE FOLLOWING STORY CONTAINS MENTIONS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AND MAY BE TRIGGERING TO SOME PEOPLE WHO ARE SENSITIVE TO THAT TOPIC.
When it’s cold outside, it takes me back to a dark time in my life.
It was winter 2022, and I had been feeling vaguely hopeful, but I had no idea what was in store for me. The ups and downs of the next two years would range from rock bottom to top of the world, and anticipating each development in my life proved impossible, each twist curving sharply and restructuring my unstable life.
It was around Halloween 2022 when I couldn’t live the lie anymore. My ex-boyfriend didn’t like it, but I was undeniably ready to burst out of my shell and pull my mask off once again. Years ago, the mask came off when I began transitioning in my freshman year of high school. After feeling like a girl for as far back as I can remember, affirming my gender was a huge relief. That proved to be short-lived, though, as the transness was beaten out of me by the ruthless bullying I faced at school, combined with the tepid and hesitant tolerance of my family.
In the present day, because I didn’t feel comfortable without my makeup, wigs, and outfits, I had started dressing up in drag increasingly often. This development made my ex very unhappy. See, he liked guys that “look young,” and I was, unfortunately, a handsome young man at the time. He was angry that I dared not be his cute little boy toy anymore. It had gotten to the point where I was trying to convince myself that I was “just a drag queen,” but I was wearing my drag looks for over 12 hours by choice.
I was working at Sephora as a seasonal Beauty Advisor and had begun presenting femininely full-time by the time they hired me in October. After the position ended in January, tensions in the house had reached a boiling point, and my ex, under the guise of my job having ended and the consequential money issues we were about to face, kicked me out onto the street. I had no family or close friends in Colorado, and I was all alone in the cold, stuck outside with nowhere to go in Loveland.
I managed to get a ride to Denver from a strange man on Grindr, and with nothing but a backpack and a suitcase of essentials, I began wandering the streets. I’d hop from bed to bed via Grindr hookups and avoid being outside at night at all costs. Nevertheless I’d find myself trapped outside in subzero temperatures. It took me about a month to find a case manager, and she told me about a program with tiny houses for the homeless. She signed me up for the program, which would open in about two months. Until then, I continued my streak of using men for their shelter. Sometimes that would go okay, maybe if the guy was cute at least, but most of the time, it was unsavory.
Finally, the tiny house site opened, and I was the first to move in. This was a huge relief, and I was able to get the majority of my possessions from the shed at my ex’s house in Loveland. I spent the next eight months recovering from trauma and trying to make myself as comfortable as possible. I made friends with the other residents and tried my best to assimilate to normal society as much as possible for someone who lives in a homeless shelter. Having my own private space in a separated building was quite nice, and I grew very attached to my home.
The village, run by a nonprofit called Colorado Village Collaborative, was my savior. They were gracious enough to give us privacy, freedom, and dignity as much as possible. I was happy there, but unsatisfied with the fact that I still fell under the homeless demographic. I wished for change, something to fall into place. A job, a housing opportunity, hell, even a sugar daddy would have done the trick. The village was a little hands-off in terms of case management; they mostly just gave us free will to do whatever we wanted with our time. Whether that meant staying at home a lot, finding a job, or something in-between, we were welcome to utilize the resources as each resident saw fit.
I collected furniture and decor, clothes and shoes, and wore a fiercely beaten face of makeup every single day. I was honestly living my best life, as much as was possible in my circumstance. However it was not a perfect living situation, as residents sometimes clashed with staff and other residents. While I never felt unsafe there, I certainly wouldn’t have wanted to get in the middle of any of the petty fighting going on between a few select members of the village.
On New Year's Day 2023, everything changed. Pluto went into Aquarius, and I happened to meet a very handsome Aquarius man visiting Denver from California. He and I hit it off right away, and he ended up staying with me for a week until his trip was over. We became very attached to each other, and soon I got the inkling that my situation would change. Was this the opportunity I was looking for?
To make a long fucking story short, no, it wasn’t. In some ways it was the best thing that ever happened to me, since it changed the course of my path. But at the time, I was miserable. The same spark we had in my tiny home just wasn’t the same in Santa Monica, and I grew to resent this man for his flaws. In May, we had a big fight, and he left to go hang out with his friends and blow off steam. I called my mother in tears and asked for a flight back to Denver. “Will you be able to go back to your tiny house?” she asked. I didn’t know, and fear turned my stomach on the car ride to the airport and on the flight home.
Back at the village, they had unsurprisingly thrown out all my furniture and left behind possessions, which had been 80% of what I owned. Out of the remaining 20% of things that went with me to California, 10% of those things came back to Denver with me in my backpack. Among what was left in Santa Monica was lots of makeup, my favorite shoes, and my prized possession, my 2013 Apple iMac. Devastated by this loss and terrified of the future, I
hopped the fence at the village and knocked at my best friend’s door. We hugged, cried, and caught up. I let the staff know my situation, but the village had made some changes, and the new staff did not know me. I wasn’t going to be able to get my house back, they told me. I had chosen to leave, and now I had to lie in the bed I made.
I spent the next week wandering the streets, too exhausted and disheartened to even use Grindr. I slept on benches, sidewalks, and in parks. I got kicked out of the Union Station bus concourse during a snowstorm. I shivered nonstop from around 6 p.m. to 10 a.m. daily. The cold would cause my phone to die instantly, if it even had a charge. I endlessly searched crowds for a sign, something that could help me cut through the noise.
My former case manager at Urban Peak didn’t have anything to offer in terms of housing opportunities, and I was at my lowest point. This is when I had the worst night of my life. At around 4 a.m., a man drove up to me in a car and asked if I was cold. Indeed, the curb was freezing my ass, and I could barely respond affirmatively as my teeth chattered violently. He took me in, and it was about 45 minutes into the drive that I started feeling uncomfortable.
I’ll spare the gory details, but the experience I had with that man was traumatizing. After drinking a can of Coke he offered me, alarm bells rang in my head as I became more and more drowsy. When I woke up, I wished I hadn’t. The man was on my back. I tried my best to relax to reduce pain and dissociate. It didn’t work.
The next morning I felt like I had been obliterated, but still managed to escape his house in the mountains. Outside, it was like something from The Hills Have Eyes. This was a very creepy place with strange decor like deer skulls hanging from a tree. I ran down a long gravel road up to a paved road. About a mile down that road, there was a teeny tiny little diner and a liquor store. I bought a pack of smokes, smoked, I think, four cigarettes in a row, then ordered a burger at the diner. I had no idea where I was. I don’t remember the name of the town the waitress told me we were in. She was nice enough to arrange a ride for me back to Denver where a friend picked me up and brought me to the Rose Andom Center. Little did I know, there was a bright light at the end of the tunnel, approaching steadfastly, and it was literally just around the corner.
The next day, after texting with a case manager whose contact I was given at Rose Andom, I was placed in a new tiny house village. It was admittedly a downgrade, with more restrictive rules and a smaller house. But I was grateful for a warm bed and a roof over my head, of course. Deep down I was dismayed at my place; it felt like a cramped jail cell with its built-into-the-wall bed and desk setup. I was devastated at the loss of my previous house, my possessions, my innocence. I did my best to process these new changes and found the pill hard to swallow.
I am a very resourceful person, however, and collecting possessions brings me great joy. I began dumpster diving and doing whatever I could to find new cool stuff to replace everything I had before. Early on in my stint at the new village, which is run by an organization called The Gathering Place, I was interviewed as part of a news story covering the village. “I think I saw you on the news last night,” read one message on Grindr. I reveled in my 15 minutes of fame.
It took about six months until one fateful day I received the best news of my life. My case manager from the village had obtained for me a Section 8 housing voucher. This would cover the entirety of my rent bill at an apartment of my choice, given it was within the city and the budget set by Denver Housing Authority. I was blown away by this prospect. I got to work right away finding a place, and in October, four days after my
birthday, I attended orientation and received my voucher. I scrambled as hard as I could to get everything set in motion, and by mid-November, I had the keys to a two-bedroom apartment in downtown Denver in my hand.
It is still surreal, as I sit in my apartment now writing this reflection. It’s crazy to think about all the choices I’ve made, all the people who have come in and out of my life like a revolving door, and how those things coalesced into cultivating my current situation. I still struggle to relax sometimes and am trying my best to learn how to comfort myself and work through trauma now that I have been granted the time and space to do so. I am so grateful to The Gathering Place and Denver Housing Authority, two wonderful organizations that have changed my life for the better.
My current circumstance, I wouldn’t change for the world. I’m beginning to learn how to fall in love with my life, and soon I’ll take the bull by the horns and go back to school for journalism. Working with OUT FRONT as an intern has given me a head start in my professional development, to boot. Oh, and as of the day I wrote this piece, a replacement iMac is on its way to be delivered at my doorstep tomorrow.
If you told me two years ago where I’d be in 2025, I would have called you crazy. But it’s all real, and it’s all upwards from here.
by Ruby Wilks Illustration and photo by Eric Pung
Before you even know their name, the cover speaks. It’s bright. Bold. Alive. It hums with energy, the kind you don’t just see, but feel in your chest. That’s the magic of this month’s cover, and it comes from an artist whose work is deeply personal, powerfully intuitive, and full of care.
When the opportunity landed in their lap, this Denver-based illustrator felt both thrilled and a little terrified. “If I’m not nervous, then I don’t care enough,” says illustrator Eric Pung (he/they). That nervous energy, they believe, is often the starting point of something meaningful. And in this case, it was.
Their artistic journey began long before degrees or deadlines. “I’ve always been a creative person,” they shared. “I remember drawing and painting since I was very young. I would watch Bob Ross on PBS every day after school.” Art was never just a hobby; it was, and still is, the thing that keeps them going. It’s this quiet devotion that led them to earn a BFA in animation and an MFA in illustration, but more importantly, it shaped their unique voice as a visual storyteller.
When the OFM team approached him to design a cover highlighting queer mental health, the weight of that responsibility wasn’t lost on Pung. He understood the stakes not just artistically, but emotionally and politically. “This issue is important and meaningful to people in our community,” he says. “We wanted the mood to be powerful and positive.” And that’s exactly what he delivered.
The final piece is rich with texture and color, grounded in dynamic ink and brush linework, and layered with tactile materials like paper and stone. It draws on a superhero spirit—Think Katniss Everdeen energy—and aims to be a counterforce to the heaviness many of us carry. “There is power and joy and tenacity within us to keep going,” they say. “I want this figure to reflect that.”
This kind of emotionally grounded approach is woven through all their work. Whether it’s exploring the evolving relationship between nature and technology, or quietly infusing a sense of humor into darker themes, their art feels like a balm, a soft space in a hard world. “I grew up pre-internet,” they note, “and I’ve seen how our culture has shifted. I love to garden. I love to laugh. So I try to create images that reflect that balance.”
His process is a mix of old-school handson and modern-day tech. “I use both digital and traditional tools. One isn’t better than the other,” he says. Initial sketches happen in messy, freeing “visual throw-up” thumbnails. From there, he refines, revises, researches, and eventually inks and colors, all while staying rooted in his gut instincts and playful experimentation. "It’s not about which iPad or brush you use—It’s what you do with it."
But perhaps the most touching part of their journey is their connection to community past and present. They speak lovingly of Denver mentors like Tony Ortega and Bruce Gomez, whose
belief in their talent helped shape them into the artist they are today. From painting Botticelli’s Primavera in an adult watercolor class at age 12 to borrowing “fancy pastels” in middle school, these early memories weren’t just about technique—They were about being seen.
Now, he’s paying it forward. With every line, color, and brushstroke, he reminds us of something bigger than art itself: that vulnerability can be a superpower, that joy can be radical, and that representation, when done with love and intention, can be transformative.
So the next time you see this month’s cover, pause. Look closer. Know that behind the textures, the colors, and the power pose is an artist who believes in this community deeply, who was once a kid watching Bob Ross and is now using his voice to uplift others. And if he could whisper one thing to that younger version of himself, and maybe to you, too, it would be: “Be patient with yourself. Stay true to yourself. You’re on the right track.”
by Maryanne Turner
As we continue to confront an era of increased discrimination and setbacks for LGBTQ+ individuals, organizations like Envision:You are more essential than ever. Founded to support and uplift the mental health and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community, Envision:You has been a driving force in creating and providing resources that are both affirming and impactful for those in need. Despite the challenges, particularly in light of aggressive actions from the Trump Administration and Congress aimed at limiting LGBTQ+ protections, Envision:You has remained steadfast in its commitment to advocacy, education, and community engagement since it was founded in 2018 by Steven Haden (he/him).
At the heart of Envision:You’s mission is the Behavioral Health Provider Training Program, a comprehensive initiative dedicated to improving the quality of mental health care for LGBTQ+ individuals. This program is designed to provide behavioral health professionals with both virtual and in-person training options that promote best practices when working with LGBTQ+ clients. Importantly, it challenges participants to examine their personal and professional biases, fostering an environment that encourages self-reflection and growth. The goal is to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals receive culturally relevant and affirming mental health care that meets their unique needs.
Another cornerstone of Envision:You’s work is Q is for Questioning, a series of free, interactive workshops aimed at educating adults who are involved in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth. These workshops, led by licensed clinicians and LGBTQ+ community members, provide essential knowledge on LGBTQ+ identity and mental health. Participants gain valuable tools and resources that help them better support and affirm the young LGBTQ+ people in their lives. In a time when LGBTQ+ youth are increasingly vulnerable to mental health struggles due to societal pressures and discrimination, this program offers an important foundation for fostering understanding and empathy.
Envision:You also offers How to Have the Talk, a program that addresses mental health awareness and provides practical tips for discussing sensitive topics like suicide prevention. The program encourages individuals to engage in open and supportive conversations about mental health with their loved ones, especially around issues like suicide. Participants learn that simply talking about mental health can help reduce the stigma surrounding it and create a safe space for those who are struggling. In particular, the program emphasizes the importance of asking loved ones if they are contemplating suicide—a conversation that can often be lifesaving. For specific tips, go to envision-you.org/how-to-have-the-talk.
Through all these initiatives, Envision:You remains committed to ongoing advocacy efforts aimed at advancing mental health and well-being for LGBTQ+ individuals. These efforts are particularly critical given the hostile political climate fostered by the Trump Administration and Congress, which has sought to roll back key protections for LGBTQ+ people. From attempts to ban transgender individuals from military service to the weakening of healthcare protections, the landscape for LGBTQ+ individuals has become more precarious. Envision:You’s advocacy efforts, however, remain unwavering, as the organization continues to fight for the rights of LGBTQ+ people and push back against harmful policies.
Steven emphasizes the importance of this ongoing work, stating: "The challenges our community faces have never been more severe, but through resilience, solidarity, and a collective commitment to each other, we will continue to thrive. Our work at Envision:You is not just about providing services; it's about creating a community where LGBTQ+ individuals can find support, healing, and empowerment."
In these difficult times, the work of Envision:You is not only crucial but urgent. With hundreds of bills being introduced across the country, including here in Colorado, aimed at undermining the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals, Envision:You’s programs are a vital source of hope and support. Through training, education, and advocacy, Envision:You is helping to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals have the tools, resources, and community they need to thrive despite the challenges they face.
Together, we can continue dismantling barriers, fostering resilience, and creating a space where LGBTQ+ individuals can live fully and with respect. Envision:You is a testament to the strength of community and connection, reminding us that no matter the challenges, our collective power will always lead the way. For vital resources and support, please visit envision-you. org/resources, or if you are in a mental health crisis, call 988.
With funding for LGBTQ+ organizations more limited than ever, Envision:You needs your support. Join them on Saturday, May 31st at the Denver Botanic Gardens to support their lifesaving programs. Tickets are available now at www.envisionyou.org/events.
Let's be real. This year has been difficult, to say the least. None of us are happy with the way the election went, and this current administration has been on a mission to erase as many marginalized communities as they can. There's a genocide in Gaza that our government continues to supply weapons to, and the effects of climate change are everpresent and looming. It's all scary and frustrating, and it's hard to just exist right now.
THE NECCESITY FOR JOY
We have been strong in our fight against this tyrannical administration, against fascism, and against white supremacy. We boycott; we organize; we share information; we learn; we march, sign petitions, and we make art. And doing all the things that are accessible to us is important. Every little bit we can contribute to our communities and our causes help, and it all matters. But one cannot pour from an empty cup. It's not sustainable to try and keep up a consistent level of activism without a pause or a break. We need to do things that fill our own cups as well.
That's where joy comes in. Our oppressors want us feeling defeated, depleted, and hopeless. It is in their best interest for us to be as desperate as possible because we are less likely to fight back when we're exhausted. And the best way to combat that? Seeking out, creating, and experiencing joy.
Joy As Resistance (JAR) is a nonprofit organization founded in Denver that prioritizes the wellbeing of queer young people. They offer mental health counseling for 2SLGBTQIA+ people ages 10-24, a mentorship program, and developmental services through their nonprofit partnership program. JAR has been serving the queer communities of the greater Metro Denver Area for five years, equipping our youth with resiliency and healing skills, connection skills, and, of course, hope and joy.
Photos courtesy of Joy of Resistance
by Nache
I got a chance to hear what JAR means to the outreach coordinator, Billie Mari Grant (she/her). She told me that these first few months of 2025 have been surprising and challenging. In response, the team is not only providing support for their clients and participants, but for themselves as well. Billie says the team takes pride in their work and in celebrating each other. She said that JAR works to create spaces that are radically inclusive for queer youth, and they are doubling down on their mission as well as their dedication to one another. They are creating a world where LGBTQ+ people feel essential, celebrated, and equipped to live their authentic lives.
JAR offers several services that assist in building inclusive environments. They offer workshops that emphasize empathy and collective learning to strengthen the environment's culture. JAR also provides coaching for youthserving professionals so they can actively and effectively engage with complex situations. Heather C. (they/ them), a queer parent of queer children, wrote in a blog post, "joy reminds us that we are whole." They said that joy is active, intentional, and a victory against the oppressive forces we face. We are allowed and meant to experience other things besides fear and anger. Our communities deserve to have spaces that understand and encourage that.
approaches to their therapy, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy that "supports clients in accepting hardships that they cannot change and take steps toward feeling more in control of their lives,” and Narrative Therapy, which, "supports clients in becoming the author of their own life stories." They are dedicated to helping queer young people navigate the difficulties they face as people holding multiple targeted identities and finding ways to move towards motivation. Brandy Factory (she/ her), a co-founder of Upset Homegirls, says that Black joy rejects the idea that violence and injustice are normal and acceptable. She says that Black joy affirms she is not a victim, but an agent of change. We deserve care that not only validates our experiences but endows us with courage to want better.
Elaine Nichols (she/her) from the National Museum of African American History and Culture writes, "Having a vision that
circumvents adverse circumstances was and is an act of defiance and resilience." JAR's mentorship program, Big Queer, Little Queer (BQLQ), ensures that our youth can see a future for themselves. They train their mentors on anti-racism and anti-oppression content as well as equip them with the tools they need to connect healthily and meaningfully with the mentees. BQLQ provides a way for the young people to envision a world where they can survive and thrive.
When we seek joy, not only does it show those who wish us harm that we are not so easily stopped, but it reminds us of the futures we are fighting for. Futures where we can feel these good feelings more often than not. Futures where those whose time comes after ours don't have to fight for their existence, but can simply be. Futures where all of us are free. Our queer ancestors wanted that for us,
JAR provides several healing-based
MUTUAL AID RESOURCES
MEALS OUTSIDE DENVER
• Boulder Food Not Bombs: Meals on Saturdays
• @BoulderFoodNotBombs
• SAFE Boulder: Meals or pantry shopping every day
• safeboulder.org/aid
• @SafeBoulder
• Lunch Punks: Meals in Aurora on Saturdays
•Lakewood Left: Meals on Fridays at 5505 W. Colfax Ave at 6 p.m.
• @LakewoodLeft
•Clothe the People Fort Collins: Meals and supplies on Wednesdays and Sundays at Mennonite Fellowship, 300 E. Oak Street.
• facebook.com/groups/ clothethepeople
• Colorado Springs Mutual Aid Union: Meals on Saturdays from 1-3 p.m. at the Tejon Park and Ride.
• @COSMutualAidUnion
HOUSING/SHELTER
• United Way 211 Help Center: 211 is a service that connects individuals to critical resources including food, shelter, rental assistance, childcare, and more.
• Angelica Village: an intentional housing community that helps refugees and others experiencing houselessness.
• angelicavillage.org/get-involved
• Housekeys Action Network Denver (HAND)
• housekeysactionnetwork.com/ get-involved
• Colorado Housing Connects: 303-202-6340
• denvergov.org/findshelter: Info on overnight shelters, day centers, severe weather shelters, and more. Free Circulator Bus route available Mon-Fri to different shelters.
• FQMondays: Free BBQ on Mondays at Colfax and Franklin at 6:30 p.m.
• Venmo @ swingbystreetsupply
•Denver Community Fridges: Open 24/7
• denvercommunityfridges.com/locations/
• Mutual Aid Monday: Meals on Mondays from 4-7 p.m. at 14th and Bannock.
• mutualaidmonday.org
• @MutualAidMonday
• Venmo: @AidMonday
• Rocky Mountain Mutual Aid: Delivers groceries in Denver Metro Area
• linktr.ee/rmmutualaid
• @RMMutual Aid
• Spirit of the Sun: Native Elders Food Share each Friday and Sunday among other programs
• spiritofthesun.org/programs
• Struggle of Love: Free mental health services, youth mentorship, and food pantries
• struggleoflovefoundation.org
Compiled by Lexi Holtzer
GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS
• Denver has an extensive network of relief programs for people experiencing financial troubles. Search your government website for the following programs
• Free Eviction or Foreclosure Legal Services
• Utility/Rent Assistance
• Affordable Home Ownership Options
• Property Removal and Temporary Storage
• Financial Planning
DID YOU KNOW?
• Your EBT/SNAP card gets you into city-run arts organizations for a reduced rate! This works at the Art Museum, Denver Nature and Science Museum, Botanic Gardens, Denver Zoo, and more!
• Check out MyFriendBen.org to see what assistance, tax credits, and benefits you qualify for in Colorado.
• Some therapists have sliding-scale fees or save room in their schedule for a few low-income clients who can only pay a discounted amount.
• Looking for queer businesses to support or apply to? Check out the Everywhere is Queer map or The Equity Pages. everywhereisqueer.com/map or theequitypages.com
IMMIGRATION RESOURCES
• Servicios de la Raza (Denver/Pueblo)
• serviciosdelaraza.org
• Centro de las Trabajadores: Economic development, worker care program, legal defense clinic, integration programs
• ideaLAB: These makerspaces are available across the Denver Public Library system. Equipment varies by location. No library card required to use the space! (But you should get a library card to show support for the library systems so they continue being funded.)
• denverlibrary.org/idealab
• Denver Tool Library: For $150 a year, you can rent up to 10 tools at a time for a week! No fees after the initial cost. They offer classes on many subjects, plus open shop times where you can pay a fee to go work on your project and get help from their woodworking experts!
• denvertoollibrary.org
• If you qualify for Federal or State Assistance, you are likely to qualify for 50% off of the Denver Tool Library services.
• Check out the Power Tool Petting Zoo! There is a class specifically for “Ladies and Gentlethems” to ensure maximum comfortability in an environment that can be intimidating for queer folk.
• Boulder Public Library Makerspaces: Free community workshops dedicated to hands-on learning and the cultivation of purposeful experiences through making. Completely free studio hours available with staff to assist you with equipment.
• boulderlibrary.org/makerspaces
• TinkerMill in Longmont: Classes, events, certifications, and work studios. Studio work available for a monthly fee.
• tinkermill.org
LIBRARY RESOURCES
•denverlibrary.org/content/communityresources
• Libraries are amazing! Check out the Library of Things that is also available to you with your card. That includes Chromebooks that you can check out for up to three months, bicycle repair kits, and sewing machines!
• cityofaurora.perfectmind.com
AFFORDABLE LEGAL HELP
• Colorado Affordable Legal: Free hotline for Tenant’s Right
• coloradoaffordablelegal.com
• 303-996-0010
•Colorado Freedom Fund: An abolitionist bail bond fund
• coloradofreedomfund.org/donate
ACCESSIBILITY RESOURCES
• CO Cross-Disability Coalition
• ccdconline.org/
Finding
by Jesse Proia
Need a therapist? It can be exhausting trying to find one, let alone someone good at working with LGBTQ+ Any therapist can advertise to LGBTQ+ clients, and there isn’t a hard and fast way to know if a therapist is equipped to work with LGBTQ+ clients or your specific experiences of queerness.
AFFORDABLE MENTAL HEALTH CARE
• OpenPath Collective: a one-time fee of $65 gives you access to therapists who offer sessions ranging from $30-70 without insurance.
• HeyDenver!: HIV testing, harm reduction supplies
•Glass Lawler Mental Health at The Center on Colfax has collaborated with Denver Health Mental Health Services to provide LGBTQ+-specialized therapy offering 12 free therapy sessions. (303)-733-7743
It’s getting better, thanks to Envision: You, who provides LGBTQ+-specialized mental health training to therapists and providers across the state! Fortunately, here in Denver, we have accessible LGBTQ+centered mental health services!
•Denver Element provides LGBTQ+ substance recovery-centered treatment through 1:1 therapy, therapy groups, and social groups. They accept Ryan White funding, Medicaid, Medicare, Etna, Cigna, and sliding scale. (710)-382-5900
•The Transgender Center of the Rockies currently has a waitlist for individual therapy. If you are not in a position to wait, they have a robust list of referrals of trusted gender-competent therapy referrals. TCR currently accepts Medicaid and offers a sliding scale fee that will be reviewed during the intake to meet your financial needs. (303)-761-0200
PRIVATE PRACTICE
If you are in the position to pay out of pocket or have insurance, you can also go the private practice route. Taking this direction to find a therapist requires you to determine if the therapist has the knowledge and skills to work with LGBTQ+ clients. I know that puts a lot of pressure on you, and it can feel daunting, so here are some tips.
First, knowing the difference between therapists who advertise themselves as LGBTQ+ Friendly, Affirming, or Specialized is key!
•Friendly Honestly, I raise my eyebrow when I see therapists advertise that they are “LGBTQ+-friendly.” It suggests a sense of tolerance rather than understanding. Anyone can say that they’re LGBTQ+-friendly, but that doesn’t mean they're truly informed on how you walk through the world.
•Affirming LGBTQ+ affirming therapy is a safe bet because "affirming" typically means that the therapist has a shared experience within LGBTQ+ communities or a strong sense of allyship. Affirming therapy can also mean that the therapist is committed to participating in social justice for LGBTQ+ folks in some way. Or it often means the therapist includes queer theory in their practice and is educated on LGBTQ+ psychology.
•Specialized I recommend (when possible) seeking an LGBTQ+-specialized therapist. Specialized means that their education and training were selected and completed for LGBTQ+-oriented mental health considerations. Some graduate schools offer an LGBTQ+ specialization, which requires a consistent focus on LGBTQ+ considerations throughout the two-year program. Similarly, some mental health agencies provide in-depth and rigorous LGBTQ+ training.
SEARCHING
If you are going to the private practice route, I suggest using Psychology Today to search for a therapist. Filtering therapists is essential. With Psychology Today, you can get specific, and I suggest you do. Some basic but essential search filters include:
•City and state
•Gender
•Race
•Specialties (like addiction, gender identity, sex therapy, sex-positive, non-monogamy) There isn’t a specific LGBTQ+ filter in Psychology Today, but selecting filters related to or common in LGBTQ+ culture will land you more within the rainbow.
•Sexual Orientation This is a critical filter to turn on.
•In-person/ video therapy is up to you.
•Price and insurance Be realistic with what you can afford every week.
SELECT THREE
Then, start weeding through the therapists. It’s better to begin overly specific and loosen your search than to read and call dozens of therapists. Finding a therapist is a lot like dating. You need to feel it out before committing. Most therapists offer a free 15-to 20-minute consultation to get a feel for each other before committing to treatment. I suggest interviewing at least three therapists before moving forward with one.
IN THE CONSULTATION
In a consultation, ask all your questions. Have them written down beforehand and in front of you when you first meet with the therapist/s. In addition to the personal questions, asking these questions is often helpful:
•Where does their experience with LGBTQ+ mental health originate from?
•What LGBTQ+ education, certifications, and training have they completed?
•What relationship do they have with the LGBTQ+ community?
•How do they identify?
•Why do they like working with LGBTQ+ clients?
Don’t be afraid to ask the questions that are important to you. Your relationship with a therapist is important, vulnerable, and special. Before committing, ensure you are comfortable and confident with the therapist and that it is the right fit. Trust your internal instincts about this.
After working with a therapist for a few weeks and it doesn't feel like the right vibe or a good fit, don't hesitate to bring it up with that therapist or try to find a new one. Again, it's a lot like dating —You don't know unless you try, but just because you're in a relationship doesn't mean you have to stay in it. Good luck, and I applaud anyone’s bravery in identifying that therapy would be helpful and the strength it takes to ask for help.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
•outcarehealth.org/outlist
•lgbtqhealthcaredirectory.org
Let’s stay connected! Check out my column HELLO HOMO on OFM online!
QUEER & ALLIED BUSINESSES
Arcana Counseling
Elena Schmeising, LPCC 720-432-6661 | elena@arcanacounseling.co arcanacounseling.co
Queer, sex-positive therapist specializing in LGBTQIA+ counseling, sexuality, relationships, and polyamory. Remote and in-person available.
Diversus Health
Michael Renteria michael.renteria@diversushealth.org diversushealth.org
Provide exceptional behavioral healthcare to our community one person at a time.
