Why Is Queer Mental Health Worse Than Our Straight Counterparts? ft. June Lam of CAMH

12/12/24 • 79 min

Friend, foe, or messy ex, what’s psychiatry’s role in queer lives? This week, we sit down with Dr. June Lam, psychiatrist and trans healthcare expert, to tackle mental health disparities, navigating family drama, unpacking shame, and surviving the holidays. Plus, we dive into the politics of medical transitions, debunk “fast-tracking” myths, and confront detransition discourse with science (and sass). Whether you’re queer, questioning, or just chronically anxious, this episode’s here to hold your glittery, overwhelmed hand.

CAMH: https://www.camh.ca/en/your-care/programs-and-services/rainbow-services-2slgbtq
Vizzy Hard Seltzer: https://www.vizzyhardseltzer.ca/en-CA

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00:00 Overview
02:52 Why is queer mental health worse?
05:34 Is therapy and medication the solution?
12:58 tips on managing anxiety
16:05 Boundaries aren't one size fits all
22:19 Supporting someone who is struggling
27:43 What is CBT and DBT?
40:01 Free or low cost therapy
44:14 The role of psychiatry in medical transitions
54:16 Are you ready to transition?
59:39 Are youth fast-tracked into transition?
01:06:01 Regretting transitioning
01:12:39 Delaying Transitioning

CAMH: https://www.camh.ca/en/your-care/programs-and-services/rainbow-services-2slgbtq
Vizzy Hard Seltzer: https://www.vizzyhardseltzer.ca/en-CA

Previous Episode

Why Are There More Bisexual Women Than Men?! ft. Brock Boyne

Why are bisexual men the invisible icons of the LGBTQ+ community? In this episode, we’re joined by the fabulous Brock Boyne (they/he), a horticulturist-turned-bisexual icon, as we dig into the stigma, stereotypes, and societal pressures keeping bi men in the shadows. From first queer flirts to the intersection of masculinity, race, and fluidity, we explore what it really means to embrace bisexuality in a world that loves to keep men in boxes.

Vizzy Hard Seltzer: https://www.vizzyhardseltzer.ca/en-CA

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letthemgrow.to/

00:00 Overview
02:28 First bisexual experience
05:40 straight men flirt with each other?
08:47 what held you back from embracing bisexuality?
14:04 What made you want to be out?
15:53 Signs you aren't straight
17:37 Overcoming toxic masculinity
21:57 Navigating queer spaces
31:27 Same-sex flirting and hookups
36:09 Getting in touch with the feminine side
40:53 Why are bisexual men in the closet?
47:27 Is there exclusion in the queer community?
50:30 Advice for bisexual men

Next Episode

Navigating Conflict in Polyamorous Relationships ft. Decolonizing Love

Polyamory with a sprinkle of chaos, a dash of queer magic, and a whole lot of deep questions? We’re tackling the juicy challenges of ethical non-monogamy—from jealousy to ADHD-induced impulsivity—and answering real audience dilemmas with expert guests Millie & Nick from Decolonizing Love. Plus, we explore the BIPOC experience in poly spaces, unpack the power of decolonizing love, and ask if polyamory is the gayest thing ever (spoiler: it might be).

Use code QUEERCOLLECTIVE for 15% off
Aisle: https://periodaisle.com/
Vizzy Hard Seltzer: https://www.vizzyhardseltzer.ca/en-CA

00:00 Overview
01:46 Lacking stability
05:37 Fear of polyamory
10:59 Dealing with CPTSD
16:24 Imbalances in relationships
18:33 Navigating Jealousy
24:44 Balancing attention in group settings
30:07 Being neurodivergent
38:06 Asking to meet your partner's family
47:54 Dating someone with a long term partner
51:12 Being a better hinge
52:49 Managing conflict between metamours
01:06:09 Navigating non-monogamy for POCs
01:14:08 Hard feelings around race & ethnicity
01:18:06 Polyamory & decolonization
01:23:43 Challenging patriarchal norms
01:25:45 Is polyamory inherently queer?