Members of historically marginalized groups who live with serious illnesses like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune diseases experience unique challenges as they navigate their lives, relationships, and systems of care. The intersection of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ identities, along with an ever-shifting sociopolitical climate (anti-trans legislation, increased anti-Asian violence, “Don’t Say Gay” bills, and systemic anti-Blackness), can make this navigation even more fatiguing and dehumanizing. While these populations try to address their ongoing wellness needs, they are faced with covert and overt messages that their lives do not hold the same value as white/cis/heterosexual lives.

As clinicians, we hold the special role of sitting with clients as they work to heal trauma, gain clarity on their relationships, understand their emotions, and improve their communication with others. How can we help our BIPOC LGBTQ+ clients care for their physical health while being confronted with identity-related life challenges?

Educational Goals

This course will explore societal factors that impact the lives of BIPOC LGBTQ+ individuals. Course participants will deepen their understanding of what comprises multiple minority stress, the mixed messages that are part of BIPOC LGBTQ+ lived experiences, and how these messages can complicate the ways that clients address health issues. In addition, participants will learn tools and frameworks to assist clients in staying present with their own health needs.

Learning objectives

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Explain the relationship between multiple minority stress and mixed messages BIPOC LGBTQ+ clients receive from society
• Identify three (3) life domains and how they can be explored with BIPOC LGBTQ+ clients regarding illness
• Give examples of the two (2) forms of microaggressions and how these might be experienced by BIPOC LGBTQ+ clients
• Utilize at least one (1) of the values-oriented mapping tools presented

Instructor Bio

Cassandra Falby, MS, LMFT (pronouns she/they) has a psychotherapy practice in Oakland, CA and sees individuals, couples, and families. Cassandra appreciates the opportunity to work with those who are BIPOC-identified, LGBTQIA folks, children of immigrants, neurodivergent individuals, and those living with chronic illness. Cassandra’s clinical interests include attachment theory, intergenerational trauma, and codependency. Cassandra is the former Program Director of the Women’s Cancer Resource Center in Berkeley.