Episode 13 | You Are Not Alone: Welcoming New Therapy Clients with Samaria Stubbs

Episode 13 | You Are Not Alone: Welcoming New Therapy Clients with Samaria Stubbs

In this episode of Over the Binary, hosts Casey Weitzman, MA, LMFT and Grace O'Connor, MA, LMFT discuss the work of Gender Wellness of Los Angeles, focusing on the challenges faced by the transgender and non-binary community. They introduce Samaria Stubbs, GWLA Office Manager, who shares insights on the intake process for clients seeking therapy. The conversation also touches on parenting in a diverse world and the importance of community support for LGBTQ+ individuals. Key Takeaways: * Gender Wellness of Los Angeles remains a premier source for gender-affirming care. The team has expanded and networked with other providers this year. * GWLA Office Manager Samaria Stubbs plays a crucial role in client interactions, The organization strives to meet clients where they are in their journey. They provide resources even when they can't directly help a client. * Raising children in a diverse world is essential for future generations. Parental support can vary greatly among families with trans children. Acceptance and understanding are key for parents of trans kids. * The entire team at GWLA is passionate about supporting the trans community and will continue its care in 2026. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Gender Wellness of Los Angeles 02:11 Meet Samaria Stubbs: The Heart of GWLA 04:04 Navigating Client Interactions and Needs 07:22 Raising Children in a Diverse World 08:39 Parental Support for Trans and Non-Binary Kids 09:55 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude Keywords: Gender Wellness, Transgender, Non-Binary, Therapy, Community Support, Gender Affirming Care, Parenting, Mental Health, LGBTQ+ Connect With Us! * Website: https://genwell.org/ [https://genwell.org/] * Instagram: @genderwellnessla [https://www.instagram.com/genderwellnessla/] * Tiktok: @genderwellnessla [https://www.tiktok.com/@genderwellnessla] * Email: frontdesk@genwell.org About Our Hosts: Casey Weitzman, LMFT (she/her) and Grace O'Connor, LMFT (she/her), are licensed marriage and family therapists specializing in gender identity at Gender Wellness of Los Angeles. Listen and Subscribe: Find "Over the Binary: Conversations About Gender" on YouTube [https://youtube.com], Spotify [https://spotify.com], Apple Podcasts [https://apple.com/podcasts], and Audacy [https://audacy.com].

Episode 12: We Are Still Unerasable, Featuring Audience Q&A!

Welcome back one and all, to Over the Binary: Conversations About Gender, a podcast by Gender Wellness of Los Angeles! At a time where trans & queer lives are under attack, we hope to provide not only Trans and Gender Diverse folks with an empowered digital space, but also their family members and allies. Today, both Casey and Grace join us for a summer recap of our best moments as a Gender-Affirming Therapy team in Los Angeles. Moments You Won't Want to Miss: * 00:10 - Introductions & Catching Up * 04:58 - Announcing our Newest Therapist! * 05:50 - Audience Q&A * 06:23 - Question #1: "How do I feel confident about myself when there is a fear of how others (especially non-trans people) will perceive me?" * 11:09 - Question #2: "How can I support someone who is still figuring out their identity, and may not have decided on a name & pronouns yet?" * 13:33 - Question #3: "How can we serve our trans-masc community better, and what resources can we improve upon for the men in the TGI/2S+ communities?" * 17:50 - Learn About Our Therapy Groups Resources Mentioned In This Episode: * Trans* Lounge: https://community.lalgbtcenter.org/trans-lounge/ [https://community.lalgbtcenter.org/trans-lounge/] * Trans Pride LA: https://www.instagram.com/transpride.la/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/transpride.la/?hl=en] * Support Groups for Trans Adults: https://genwell.org/therapy-support-groups/ [https://genwell.org/therapy-support-groups/] Resources for Trans Masculine Folks: * Trans Masc Support Groups by Schuyler Bailar: https://www.pinkmantaray.com/resources/supporttransmasc [https://www.pinkmantaray.com/resources/supporttransmasc] * Trans Dudes of LA: https://transdudesofla.com/ [https://transdudesofla.com/] * Trans Men in Media Over the Years: https://www.transmaleresources.com/ [https://www.transmaleresources.com/] * FREE Gender-Affirming Gear: https://queertransproject.org/ [https://queertransproject.org/] * Trans Tape (as an alternative to binding): https://transtape.life/ [https://transtape.life/] * Styling for Trans Men & Non-Binary Folks: https://www.annaliesestyle.com/non-binary-styling [https://www.annaliesestyle.com/non-binary-styling] * More Resources for Trans Men via Trans Lifeline: https://translifeline.org/resource_category/trans-masculine-men/ [https://translifeline.org/resource_category/trans-masculine-men/] Connect With Us! * Website: https://genwell.org/ [https://genwell.org/] * Instagram: @genderwellnessla [https://www.instagram.com/genderwellnessla/] * Tiktok: @genderwellnessla [https://www.tiktok.com/@genderwellnessla] * Email at frontdesk@genwell.org [frontdesk@genwell.org] or call us at (818) 855-1105 Over the Binary is a podcast dedicated to providing resources, testimonies, and answers related to gender for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies. Our conversations aim to inform, support, and inspire as we work together toward a more inclusive world for people of all gender identities. Our Hosts: Casey Weitzman, LMFT (she/her) and Grace O'Connor, LMFT (she/her), are licensed marriage and family therapists specializing in gender identity at Gender Wellness of Los Angeles. Listen and Subscribe: Find "Over the Binary: Conversations About Gender" on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW-u9saP13Y&list=PLBQYTlntKRnhVsc0ekkJdY3WBKqryqMa6], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZYtuKmstekoU3IfAY45Ta], Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/over-the-binary-conversations-about-gender/id1619006926], and iHeart Radio [https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-over-the-binary-conversati-95494193/]. You can view the video version of the podcast on our Youtube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@genderwellnessoflosangeles].

Episode 11: Why Gender-Affirming Care for Youth Matters - Revisiting Luke's Journey

We're back! After a short hiatus, we're relaunching with a special reunion episode featuring our very first guest, Luke S. In this heartfelt conversation, we explore how Luke's gender journey has evolved since we last spoke, the transition from high school to college, as well as his insights on navigating the world as a young transgender person in today's America. In This Episode: * 00:00 Introduction to Gender Wellness and Special Guest * 01:52 Luke's Journey: From High School to College * 03:33 Family Dynamics and Support * 05:19 The Importance of Gender Affirming Care * 07:25 Medical Transitioning as A Young Person * 09:28 Letting Your Authentic Self Shine * 11:01 Navigating Therapy and Support Systems * 13:35 Advice for Trans Teens in Today's Climate * 17:07 Reflection and Closing Thoughts Key Topics: * Moving from high school to college as a transgender student * Nuturing family support systems and relationships * Accessing and benefiting from gender-affirming care * Finding and utilizing appropriate mental health resources * Practical advice for transgender teens navigating today's political and social climate * Building resilience and community in challenging times Resources Mentioned: * Gender Wellness of Los Angeles [https://genwell.org/] - Therapy and gender affirming services: 1-818-855-1105 * Trevor Project Crisis Support: 1-866-488-7386 * Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860 * PFLAG [https://pflag.org/] - Support for families and allies Connect With Us! * Website: https://genwell.org/ [https://genwell.org/] * Instagram: @genderwellnessla * Tiktok: @genderwellnessla * Email: frontdesk@genwell.org About Our Hosts: Casey Weitzman, LMFT (she/her) and Grace O'Connor, LMFT (she/her), are licensed marriage and family therapists specializing in gender identity at Gender Wellness of Los Angeles. Listen and Subscribe: Find "Over the Binary: Conversations About Gender" on YouTube [https://youtube.com], Spotify [https://spotify.com], Apple Podcasts [https://apple.com/podcasts], and Audacy [https://audacy.com]. Over the Binary is a podcast dedicated to providing resources, testimonies, and answers related to gender for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies. Our conversations aim to inform, support, and inspire as we work together toward a more inclusive world for people of all gender identities.

Episode 10: "To Support Gender Wellness is to Have Support" With Gina Bigham of Trans* Lounge

You won't want to miss this latest episode of Over the Binary Podcast. This week, Casey and Grace discuss how to seek a fulfilling journey toward trans joy; featuring the one and only Gina Bigham of the LA LGBT Center's Trans* Lounge. Gina Bigham is the Program Manager of the Trans* Lounge at the Los Angeles LGBT Center and a woman of trans experience. She has been a Center employee since 2011 and has made her mark on the organization not only with the Trans* Lounge, but also as the long-time lead organizer of Trans Pride L.A., one of the oldest and highest-attended trans specific pride events in the country. Along with her work at the Center, Gina is known throughout the community as one of the co-founders of WildSide's Sin City Soirée. Founded in 2007 and continuing to this day, the Sin City Soirée is a week-long empowerment party in Las Vegas bringing together hundreds of trans individuals from all over the globe. When asked how we can support 'Gender Wellness' in today's world, Gina says "To support gender wellness is to have support. Support keeps us well." To find out which amazing resources are available to you through the LA Trans* Lounge, click here: https://community.lalgbtcenter.org/trans-lounge/ [https://community.lalgbtcenter.org/trans-lounge/] If you need immediate support, please utilize the following hotlines: Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860 Trevor Project: 866-488-7386 (call) or 678678 (text) Suicide Crisis Hotline: #988 Over the Binary is a podcast hosted by Gender Therapists Casey Weitzman, MA, LMFT & Grace O'Connor, MA, LMFT of Gender Wellness of Los Angeles. Casey and Grace are joined by a variety of guests to discuss issues related to transgender, gender-diverse, and non-binary individuals. Over the Binary can be streamed on all your favorite podcast platforms including Spotify, Audible, and Apple Podcasts.

Over the Binary (OTB) | Episode 9 | It's a Really Good Time to Speak with Marci Bowers, M.D.

Dr. Marci Bowers began working with the trans community in the mid-1990's, prior to her transition. Flash forward to today, she is a well-known pioneer in the field of gender-affirming surgery, the first transgender woman to perform such surgeries. In addition to her work as a physician/surgeon, Marci is the current President of WPATH [https://wpath.org/], the first transgender woman to hold the post, and also serves on the Board of Directors for The Trevor Project [https://www.thetrevorproject.org/]. Previously, she has served on the Boards of GLAAD and the Transgender Law Center. Over the years, Dr. Bowers has been called upon — or been the subject of — numerous documentaries, interviews, news reports, and articles. Marci and podcast co-host Casey Weitzman, the President and Founder of Gender Wellness of Los Angeles, have been friends and colleagues for over 10 years. All (above) things considered, it's no wonder that OTB, Episode 9 took lots of twists and turns. Even after editing, it runs a little longer than expected, so we've outlined the episode to help you navigate the range of topics discussed. CHAPTER 1 (6:21) Trans-Surgical History Gives Way to Progress Marci's time in Trinidad, Colorado — dubbed the "sex change capital of the world" — which began in 2003, before her move to the West Coast which led to further development of gender-affirming surgery programs. - - - CHAPTER 2 (16:37) The Science of WPATH As President, Marci talks is emphatic that WPATH "is as science-based as any organization that I've ever been a part of." - - - CHAPTER 3 (20:40) Informed by DSM & Informed Consent The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is a formal classification of mental health disorders, featuring symptoms, diagnostic criteria, culture and gender-related features, and other important diagnostic information. Recent updates to the DSM, regarding care for gender-diverse folks, are discussed as Marci resoundingly states that GAS patients need to "do your research." - - - CHAPTER 4 (28:17) The Plight of Gender-Diverse Youth Questions about the writings of Abigail Shrier direct the conversation towards thoughts about appropriate care for trans youth, the fear and doubt of parents, puberty blockers, and more. - - - CHAPTER 5 (40:43) The Importance of Mental Health A transition involves much more than just physical transformation, and mental health guidance along the way is paramount to one's journey. - - - CHAPTER 6 (46:51) A Vagina Dialogue: Vaginoplasty - - - Presented by Gender Wellness of Los Angele [https://genwell.org]s, OTB is a podcast hosted by Casey Weitzman, MA, LMFT and Grace O'Connor, MA, LMFT. Casey and Grace are sometimes be joined by a variety of guests to discuss topics designed that expand the collective understanding — and raise awareness — of issues important to transgender, gender diverse, and gender nonbinary people. OTB may also be streamed from popular podcast platforms like Audible and Apple Podcasts.