LGBTQ+ Immigrants & The Journey of "Coming Out" with Dr. Pavna Sodhi

"In this episode of Immigrant Conversations, we sit down with Dr. Pavna Sodhi to discuss the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community—particularly within BIPOC immigrant communities. We explore the complex process of coming out, the role of family, community, and the host culture in this journey, and the unique struggles LGBTQ+ individuals face in these contexts. Dr. Sodhi shares her insights on: >The emotional and social challenges LGBTQ+ individuals and their families experience, especially as immigrants in BIPOC communities. >How family dynamics and cultural expectations influence the coming out process. >The impact of the host culture on the LGBTQ+ experience and the complexities of living between cultures. >Strategies for educating children about LGBTQ+ issues and fostering an inclusive environment. >How to support LGBTQ+ individuals in overcoming barriers and building a sense of belonging. Whether you're an LGBTQ+ individual, an ally, or a parent looking to better understand and support your children, this episode offers valuable insights into immigrant LGBTQ+ experiences, cultural identity, and family dynamics. Resources: https://positivespacenetwork.ca/ https://egale.ca/ https://www.rainbowrefugee.com/ https://lgbtq.wvu.edu/state-and-national-resources/-resources-for-queer-and-transgender-black-indigenous-people-of-color https://www.samhsa.gov/behavioral-health-equity/lgbt https://www.strongfamilyalliance.org/parent-guide/ Dr.Sodhi’s last episode: https://www.mehrans.com/empowering-conversationz/episode/c2a4e1fa/ez28-managing-covid-trauma-for-immigrants List of books for children: https://www.readbrightly.com/9-great-lgbtq-books-kids/ & https://www.familyequality.org/family-support/lgbtq-books/early-elementary/ Dr. Pavna Sodhi Bio: With over 20 years of psychotherapeutic and research experience, Dr. Pavna Sodhi (she/her) has interacted with a multitude of populations in both clinical and academic spaces. Her professional background and personal narrative offer a unique research perspective regarding culturally responsive trauma work, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) communities, and immigrant mental health. Her research has been featured in national and international scholarly journals and books. In 2017, she wrote, Exploring Immigrant and Sexual Minority Mental Health: Reconsidering Multiculturalism (Routledge). Content from her book is supported by first- and second-generation immigrant narratives, who share their experiences of migration, trauma, overt/covert racism, identity formation, and mental health concerns. She is currently authoring a book regarding decolonizing mental health and trauma-informed practices. Insta : @sunotherapy Website: www.pavnaksodhi.com Twitter: @DrPavnaKSodhi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavna-k-sodhi-67b81615/?originalSubdomain=ca Book: https://www.routledge.com/Exploring-Immigrant-and-Sexual-Minority-Mental-Health-Reconsidering-Multiculturalism/Sodhi/p/book/9780415841870