Beyond the Binary: Therapeutic Conversations with Queer Youth

In this course, Dr. Julie Tilsen joins Diego, a Mexican American young man, in conversation on identity. Diego is in an “in between” space in terms of identity and is considering moving from an identity as a gay man to a queer identity - something that reflects greater fluidity and flexibility. Diego talks about his upbringing, how his religious education early in his life had an impact on his thoughts about identity, and his current attraction to a trans-man. Dr. Tilsen illustrates the clinical application of Queer Theory in her session with Diego. Queer Theory, a set of ideas that challenge notions of fixed identity categories, can be useful in helping clients unpack taken for granted ideas about sex and gender. Julie also integrates culturally responsive, narrative and constructionist therapies in her work with Diego. Dr. Tilsen provides viewers with a history of the word Queer and how its meaning has shifted over decades. She also defines Heteronormativity, Homonormativity, and the Gender Binary, and how each one operates as a way to restrict and box people into categories.