Queer Magic Podcast

Exploring & Understanding Spirituality

⚠️ Content Note / Trigger Warning This episode includes discussion of childhood sexual abuse, spiritual abuse, and religious trauma. Please listen with care and take breaks if needed. In this episode of the Queer Magic Podcast, I sit down with therapist and spiritual practitioner Sonia Fregoso, LMFT, to explore the intersection of spirituality, healing, trauma, and personal autonomy. Sonia and I go way back, we first met early in our careers as therapists, and it has been powerful to witness how her work has evolved over the years. What began in traditional mental health spaces has expanded into a deeply personal and spiritual approach to healing that blends somatic awareness, cultural practices, and spiritual exploration. Together we talk about: * The difference between spirituality and religion * Religious trauma and reclaiming personal belief systems * The role of the body in healing emotional and spiritual wounds * Spiritual authority, autonomy, and discernment * Colonization and disconnection from ancestral knowledge * The importance of somatic awareness and embodiment * How therapists can move beyond rigid clinical frameworks to hold human-centered space Sonia also shares about her personal healing journey—including navigating spiritual abuse, trauma, and the process of rebuilding spirituality on her own terms. At its core, this conversation is about reclaiming agency over your beliefs, reconnecting with your body, and remembering that spirituality can be something you define for yourself. As Sonia beautifully reminds us in this episode: “Spirituality is what you make of it.” About the Guest Sonia Fregoso, LMFT Sonia Fregoso is a licensed marriage and family therapist and spiritual practitioner who describes her work as that of a mystical somatic curandera. Her approach blends trauma-informed therapy, somatic awareness, and spiritual healing practices to help people reconnect with their bodies, release emotional pain, and reclaim their spiritual autonomy. Through her work, Sonia guides clients toward deeper embodiment and healing through practices such as emotional energy work, cord cutting, and somatic awareness. Her philosophy centers on helping people reconnect to their own inner wisdom and spiritual authority, rather than relying on external systems of control. Her practice emphasizes storytelling, presence, and embodiment as pathways toward emotional and spiritual transformation. Connect with Sonia Website: https://obsidianwoman.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lasoniafregoso/

Trauma-Informed Care for LGBTQ+ Folks

What does trauma-informed care actually look like when you’re queer, navigating identity, safety, relationships, culture, and systems that weren’t built with you in mind? In this episode of the Queer Magic Podcast, host Luis Cornejo (he/they) sits down with Janae R. Borrego, M.A., LMFT, CCTP, C-EMDR, CIMHP, CMIP (she/all) to break down what trauma-informed care really means for LGBTQ+ folks ... beyond buzzwords, checklists, and surface-level inclusivity. Together, they unpack the difference between “big T” and “little t” trauma, how microaggressions, chronic stress, and systemic harm compound over time, and why many queer people don’t always recognize their experiences as trauma until it shows up in their nervous system, relationships, or sense of safety. Janae shares how trauma-informed care shows up in real therapeutic practice: building trust, honoring lived experience, understanding cultural and identity-based stressors, and creating spaces where clients don’t have to educate their therapist just to feel seen. The conversation also explores therapist self-awareness, implicit bias, accessibility in mental health care, and what it truly means to center client autonomy and safety, especially for marginalized communities. Whether you’re a queer person navigating your own healing, a clinician wanting to deepen your practice, or someone curious about how trauma actually lives in the body and mind, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical insight. Because trauma-informed care isn’t just a framework... it’s a way of showing up.  Connect with Janae / Learn More * 🌐 Website: janaeborregolmft.com * 📸 Instagram (Personal): @janaeborregolmft * 🧠 Instagram (Practice): @jbpsychotherapycc * 🌈 LGBTQ+ Affirming Program: rainbowhillrecovery.com What You’ll Hear in This Episode * The difference between “big T” and “little t” trauma — and why both matter * How microaggressions and systemic oppression impact mental health over time * What trauma-informed therapy looks like beyond buzzwords and surface allyship * Why safety, trust, and autonomy are foundational in queer-affirming care * The role of therapist self-awareness, bias, and lived experience * How trauma can show up in relationships, identity, and the nervous system * What LGBTQ+ folks deserve from their mental health providers * How to advocate for yourself in therapeutic spaces

Healing Through Movement

Summary In this episode of the Queer Magic Podcast, host Luis Cornejo engages in a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Laura about the transformative power of movement and dance as a means of healing and self-expression. They explore the importance of joy, cultural connections through music, and the intersection of queerness and dance. Dr. Laura shares her personal journey of finding liberation through movement, the challenges of societal expectations, and the significance of community in the dance world. The episode concludes with practical advice for those looking to embrace dance as a healing practice, regardless of their experience level. Takeaways Cultivating joy is essential for resilience. Movement can spark joy and healing. Dance connects us to our cultural roots. Healing practices can be diverse and multifaceted. Dance helps release trauma stored in our bodies. Queerness and dance intersect in powerful ways. Liberation through movement requires vulnerability. Community in dance fosters connection and support. New dancers should embrace the learning process. Dancing at home can be a great way to start. About Dr. Laura Minero, PhD, LP: Dr. Laura Minero (she/ella) is a Latinx, queer, gender-expansive, formerly undocumented licensed psychologist and founder/CEO of Alchemy Psychology Colectivo Inc. She specializes in serving BIPOC, 2SQT+, Spanish-speaking, and immigrant communities through anti-racist, trauma-informed, and liberation-focused care. A nationally recognized speaker and consultant, Dr. Minero has delivered 150+ keynotes and trainings across global and U.S. audiences. She earned her PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and is a published scientific author whose research on undocumented and asylum-seeking transgender immigrants has shaped national policy conversations. Her work has received multiple state and national awards, including honors from the APA, National Latinx Psychological Association, and recognition as a Queer leader and community advocate. Ways to Connect Instagram: @alchemypsychologycolectivo Website: www.alchemypsychologycolectivoinc.com

Capturing Queer Magic: A Charla with Yulissa Mendoza

In this episode of Queer Magic, we delve into the transformative world of visual storytelling with Yulissa Mendoza (They/Elle), a third-generation Latine multimedia artist hailing from the semi-rural community of Muscoy in San Bernardino, CA.  Yulissa’s work as a photographer and mixed-media installation artist is deeply rooted in creating safe spaces that encourage full self-expression and exploration. Join us as we discuss Yulissa’s journey, from their early inspirations to their commitment to amplifying marginalized voices. We explore how they challenge traditional gender roles while honoring cultural heritage, and how their art pushes the boundaries of fashion and culture. Yulissa shares insights into their creative process, the importance of community, and their vision for a more inclusive art world. Tune in to hear how Yulissa captures the essence of queer magic through their lens, creating spaces where authenticity thrives and every story is valued. Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! (YouTube coming soon). Learn more about my styling packages on my website www.luis-cornejo.com #QueerMagicPodcast #YulissaMendoza #QueerArt #LGBTQCreatives #SafeSpaces #VisualStorytelling #InclusiveArt #LatineArtists #BreakingBoundaries #AmplifyVoices

Supporting At-Risk Queer Youth

Episode Title: Empowering At-Risk Queer Youth with Antonio Mateo Garcia In this episode of Queer Magic, we explore the urgent realities faced by at-risk Queer youth and the power of community-driven support. My guest, Antonio Mateo Garcia (he/they), a queer Latinx transgender man and founder of HELP by AMG, shares his powerful journey from overcoming homelessness to leading a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting those in need. Antonio’s lived experiences, from navigating life as a neurodivergent individual to pursuing a master’s degree in nonprofit management, have shaped his passion for advocacy and direct action. Together, we discuss the systemic barriers Queer youth face, the importance of mentorship, and how we can all contribute to creating safer, more supportive spaces for the next generation. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, empowerment, and the actionable steps we can take to make a real difference. 🎧 Available now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Podcasts.