Happy Pride - and all the complexities that come with it

Happy Pride from Ryan and Jess

Hello! Ryan Bittinger and Jess Erb welcome you into this video series discussing the impacts and unforeseen complications associated with being in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community during Pride month.

Boundaries and Intimacy

In our last video for our Pride 2022 video series, Drs. Erb and Bittinger talk about one of our favorite topics at Centred Self: boundaries.

Boundaries within intimate settings in a relationship can be especially hard to navigate for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, so here, we discuss what setting those boundaries can look like

Intergenerational Trauma & HIV/AIDS Pandemic

In this video, Drs Erb and Bittinger speak about the complexity of emotions that often accompany Pride due to Intergenerational Trauma within the community that stems from the HIV/AIDS Pandemic of the 80s.

Abuse in Queer Relationships

In this video, Drs. Erb and Bittinger talk about intimate partner abuse in the queer community, as well as a book recommendation from Dr. Erb!

Complexities in Queer Relationships

Drs. Ryan Bittinger and Jess Erb discuss the complexities in queer relationships and how they afftect members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Body and Gender Dysmorphia during Pride

Drs. Ryan Bittinger and Jess Erb talk about the pressures that 'fitting in' through body schemas, and the impact this can have on the LGBTQIA+ community.

If you want to explore gender, body dysmorphia or how falling into idealized body norms has impacted you, reach out today.

Being closeted During Pride Month

Drs. Ryan Bittinger and Jess Erb have a special message for all those who have not yet come out: Pride Month is 100% for you.

Even if you have yet to tell anyone, know that this time of pride, protest, and celebration is for you.

What is the commercialization of Pride month

In this video, Drs. Jess Erb and Ryan Bittinger navigate the tension that many companies stick a rainbow on all their advertising during Pride month. What does it mean? And is there a darker side behind what can seem like an 'accepting' and celebratory action from corporations?

Navigating body image During Pride Month

For many clients in our office, the image of Pride they speak of is: Skin, lots and lots of skin, short shorts and tight, muscular bodies. While it is amazing to see this celebration of the body, it also shows that even within the LGBTQIA+ community, there are normalized and idealized body images.

But this isn't representative of the entire community. And there can be great internalized shame if you don't look like that.

Where do the quiet gays go?! Being an introvert during Pride

Pride is a lively time of the year with the parade, all the parties and raves. It is a spectacle. Because of this, you'd think that every 2SLGBTQIA+ individual is the epitome of extroversion.

As Hannah Gadsby on Nanette asked "Where do the quiet gays go?" and Dr. Jess Erb shares her personal take on this.

If you're experiencing feelings of anxiety and isolation due to social expectations, please reach out to us.