Despite the resounding ‘yes’ vote, there’s no doubt the Australian same-sex marriage postal survey was a long, unnecessary, and painful experience for many LGBT people. I’ve been a counsellor, psychotherapist, and relationship therapist for LGBTQI individuals and couples for more than 14 years. And I’m a gay man in a straight society, so I’ve got firsthand experience with the struggles of growing up outside of mainstream culture and coming out.
10 Smart Things Gay Men Can Do To Improve Their Lives [Video]
The gay scene has changed rapidly in the last 10 years. Dr Joe Kort should know because he wrote the very successful book 10 Smart Things Gay Men Can Do To Improve Their Lives back in 2003. He recently released a new and updated version of his book to take into account many of the changes that have impacted gay men and the gay scene.
Let’s Talk About ‘Coming Out’: My Interview on Triple J Radio Station for Mardi Gras Season
I was recently invited by ABC Radio station Triple J to speak on their new show called The Hook Up with Hannah Reilly about ‘coming out’ for their special episode celebrating Mardi Gras season in Sydney. Hannah wanted to talk to me about some of the most common issues LGBTQI people experience when coming out.
How to Introduce Your Same-Sex Partner to Your Parents for the First Time
It’s one of the best feelings in the world when you find someone you can truly connect with on more than just a superficial level. With billions of people traveling their own roads across the planet, it can be a wondrous thing to cross paths with another person that you can be comfortable, smart, silly and affectionate with (among other things) for many years to come.
What to Do When Your Son Thinks He’s Gay
“Mum and Dad, I’m gay.” If you’re like most parents, you likely haven’t prepared for that moment when your teen son one day decides to come out as gay. If you had no idea you had a gay son, the statement may make you think that you don’t know your son at all. It’s as if a huge part of him—your version of his personality and identity—is suddenly put into question.
The Science of Sexual Orientation: What Makes Someone Gay?
Sexual orientation, according to the American Psychological Association, is an “enduring, romantic, or sexual attraction that one feels toward men, toward women or toward both.” The term is generally structured into the following: heterosexual (attraction to the opposite sex), homosexual (attraction to the same sex), and bisexual (attraction to both sexes).
5 Practical Tips for Dealing with Homophobia at Work
Homophobia comes in many forms. It can come as an insult, bullying, extreme intimidation, and violence. Homophobia can also be subtle; you could be ignored or you could be treated less favourably than others. When you get such discriminating behaviour from colleagues or your boss, the workplace can become a hostile environment.
Survey: LGBTI People Are Less Happy and Have Poorer Health
A new survey has shown some interesting data on the health and happiness of people and 702 ABC Radio wanted me to comment on some of the findings. The results of this survey of 17,000 Australians showed that Australians living in the bush and those in childless de facto relationships are more likely to be happy than those living in metropolitan areas and married with children.
Coming Out As An LGBTI Person: What Are The Big Issues?
I recently spoke with Melbourne psychotherapist and counsellor Matt Glover on some of the big issues facing LGBTI people when they are coming out. Matt is quite an extraordinary guy, not only because he’s straight (he’s married with two children), but because he is a fiercely passionate and loyal advocate for LGBTI people and has made it his mission to improve the mental health of the LGBTI community.
Coming Out: The Importance of Compassion in Gay Relationships
Gay relationships draw surprisingly little interest from psychologists and counsellors when you consider that in many ways, the challenges gay couples experience can be much more complicated than heterosexual partnerships. Part of being in a minority when it comes to sexual orientation is that you are often unable to draw on your culture’s acceptance of you.