When someone says something that seems ridiculous to us, our response can be important to helping that person feel either safe or isolated–usually in the more serious situations, not the joking around ones. Example: if I had said to my client who was concerned that her upstairs neighbor is posioning her through the stove–”You’re crazy! Be quiet. Did you take your medicine?” versus “Is there any particular reason you feel that way? I’m sure your neighbor is just cooking on his stove and the ventilator is making noise. No one is trying to hurt you. Let’s brainstorm some ways that you can feel safe.” The first response would have diminished her concern and shut down communication. The second response I hoped and meant to validate her feelings and come up with a solution to make her feel safe.

As we celebrate this important holiday, Hannah gives some do’s and don’ts to make life easier while shopping.

“Don’t squash my play-dough!” sexual innuendo, or metaphor on how to relate to friends?

Because being gay is more of a binary than appletinis, bears, and twinks.

Are we individuals in a group? Or a group of individuals? Such a good questions!

In the aftermath of this holiday season I want to take a moment of your time to reflect on all the wonderful gifts we’ve received. Last spring I had the opportunity to go to Rwanda as part of a study program and was privileged so witness how people continue to rebuild 16 years after unimaginable violence.

Cue shitty music from 2005 that gets stuck in your head all day.

Even more slang than the Vagina Monologues!

It gets better from George Takei on Anti-Gay Arkansas school board member

..who thought insomnia could be so good?