“I love you, don’t touch me”
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about your attachment style until something goes wrong in your relationship. But for some people, feeling disconnected from their partner can lead to hyper-focusing on the relationship and sometimes sideways attempts to get attention from their partner. However, these sideways attempts often leave the other partner turned off and pulling away from the relationship.
Does this mean you’re doomed to this cycle forever? Not necessarily! We can do a few things to change our approach to building healthier ways of showing up in our relationships. One of those things is learning about what happens when our attachment to those close to us feels threatened.
Jealousy in Polyamorous Relationships: Understanding, Communicating, and Coping
Jealousy is a common emotion in all types of relationships, but it can present unique challenges in polyamorous dynamics. By addressing jealousy directly and constructively, you can maintain healthy and fulfilling connections with all your partners.
Possibilities in the Air.
Pride is upon us, the time when myriad LGBTQIA identities, and allies show up to fill the San Francisco streets with laughter, “looks'', affection, and connection. Although the pandemic paused Pride for the past two years, the Pride traditions are very familiar – the making of eye contact with a stranger while marching to Dolores, the debauchery with new and old friends, flirtatious movements on the dance floor and, for those that are fortunate, new sexual experiences.
Sexual Wellness and Empowerment: A Guide for LGBTQ+ Individuals
This guide aims to provide insights into sexual wellness, the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, and practical tips for achieving a fulfilling and empowered sexual life.
Reactive Dating in Polyamory: Strategies for Healthy Relationships
In polyamory, multiple loves and connections are celebrated, and maintaining healthy relationships requires clear communication, self-awareness, and mutual respect. However, even within this inclusive framework, complexities can arise. One such complexity is "reactive dating."
Navigating Polyamorous Relationships: How Couples Therapy Can Help
While polyamory isn't for everyone, it does not always offer relational bliss for those it works for. Polyamorous relationships can be both rewarding and challenging. For many, the journey toward a fulfilling multi-partner relationship involves growth, communication, and understanding. Couples therapy offers valuable support, helping partners develop the skills to foster healthy, loving connections.
Mindful Bonds: A Journey of Inner Exploration at the Men's Retreat
Set against the tranquil backdrop of the historic Jikoji Zen Center in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Mindful Bonds men's retreat offered a unique blend of serenity, introspection, and community. With a carefully curated itinerary designed to foster personal growth and connection, this retreat stands out as a pivotal point for many in their quest to understand themselves and improve their relationships.
Breaking The Silence: Understanding and Addressing Mental Health in the United States
In the landscape of health and well-being, mental health has often taken a back seat, shrouded in silence and shadowed by stigma. Yet, the reality is that mental health is an integral part of our overall health, deserving of the same attention, compassion, and care as physical health.
Discussing Turn Ons and Turn Offs with Your Partner
Sexuality is an essential aspect of human life that helps promote physical and emotional well-being in individuals and relationships. While sex might be a taboo topic for some couples, the truth is that discussing sexuality with your partner can help improve the quality of your intimate relationships.
Break from the Grind: The Practical Benefits of Wellness Retreats
In our fast-paced lives, it's quite common to get caught up in the constant grind, losing touch with our well-being and feeling like inner peace is a distant cousin. Thankfully these days, wellness has gone beyond just a trendy term to turnover turmeric; it's now a major focus for anyone seeking balance, health, and fulfillment. At a wellness retreat, you can experience that much-needed reset to focus on your balance and explore new avenues of relaxation and self-discovery.
The Women’s Rights Movement in Iran
March marks Women’s History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the immeasurable contributions of women past and present. In this post, we take a look at a particularly poignant struggle that's happening in Iran—a quest for freedoms which Iranian women are bravely leading against formidable challenges.
The Power of Therapy Groups for Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence
Surviving intimate partner violence (IPV) is a traumatic experience that can leave its victims isolated and confused. Fortunately, there are many ways to heal from IPV, and one of the most potent methods is joining group therapy. In a therapy group, survivors can share stories in a safe space, connect with other survivors who understand their experiences and create meaningful bonds that often last long after the group has ended. We’ll also discuss why our trans-inclusive group for female survivors of IPV can be a healing experience.
Men’s Retreat: Clarity & Connection in the Santa Cruz Mountains
Imagine a place where the misty air of the Santa Cruz mountains gently nudges you towards inner peace and the whispering creeks guide you to deeper connections — not just with nature, but with the most intricate aspects of yourself.
Nurturing Mental Health in Black and Brown Communities: A Comprehensive Resource List
Mental health is a journey that looks different for everyone, especially within Black and Brown communities where the need for culturally sensitive support is both profound and vital.
Black Queer Icons
Throughout history, Black LGBTQ+ icons have left an unforgettable imprint on art, activism, and culture. Let's join hands to honor their legacy and forge ahead in the fight for a future that embraces inclusivity.
Alvin Ailey
A groundbreaking dancer and choreographer, shattered barriers with his poignant work that celebrated the beauty of the African American experience. His enduring legacy is embodied in the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, an institution steadfastly dedicated to fostering diversity, inclusion, and artistic excellence in the realm of dance.
Honoring Honey Mahogany
As we celebrate Black History Month, we must honor the individuals who continue to impact our diverse communities profoundly. One such luminary is Honey Mahoganay, an activist and politician whose work has reverberated throughout San Francisco, leaving a legacy of change and inclusivity. As residents of this vibrant city, as members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community, and as humans advocating for equality, let's explore the powerful strides made by Honey and the indelible mark she's left on our hearts and society.
Advocacy for LGBTQIA+ Rights
Honey Mahoganay has become synonymous with staunch advocacy for LGBTQIA+ rights in San Francisco. Through her unwavering dedication, Honey has been a beacon of hope and a voice for the voiceless. She shows us the power of standing up for what is right by pushing for transformative policies and nurturing a culture of acceptance. Her actions inspire countless others to join the fight for equality and demonstrate that true progress is born from passion and perseverance.
Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: Promoting Prevention and Early Detection
January marks a significant time for the health of women and AFAB folks — it is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. This month is a dedicated period to amplify the message about the importance of preventing and detecting cervical cancer early, a disease that affects many but is often preventable. Today, we'll delve into cervical cancer, why prevention is crucial, how early detection saves lives, ways to spread awareness, and the channels available to support those affected.
What is Cervical Cancer?
Cervical cancer arises in the cells of the cervix, which connects the uterus and vagina. It's primarily caused by persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types. The World Health Organization states that cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally, with an estimated 604,000 new cases and 342,000 deaths in 2020 alone.
Why I Ride
It’s been over 40 years since the first official reporting of AIDS, the epidemic has undeniably left lasting ripple effects on the LGBTQ community. While there is ongoing work to process the collective pain, hurt and anger surrounding AIDS, a silver lining is becoming more apparent. The heightened social stigma around the disease coupled with government neglect and injustices acted as the catalyst for various identifies- gay, queer, lesbian, bisexual and transgender, to come together in order to combat the AIDS epidemic. This collective action of caring is one of the reasons I am gearing up for my third AIDS Life Cycle ride.
Local organizations, like the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, emerged in response to the call for action during the AIDS epidemic. Continuing its mission, the SF AIDS Foundation serves as a hub, providing essential sexual health services, mental health support, substance use assistance, and housing to the LGBTQIA community. As a non-profit organization, it relies on support from others and has been hosting the AIDS Lifecycle ride since 1994—a 545-mile journey from San Francisco to Los Angeles to shed light on the impact of HIV/AIDS.
Setting Pleasure-Based Intentions for the New Year: A Guide to Prioritizing Self-Care
The tradition of setting resolutions always surrounds the start of a new year, but how many of us follow through with them? It's time to shift our focus towards setting intentions with pleasure in mind. Instead of setting goals that might trigger stress or anxiety, let's prioritize our well-being by embracing pleasure-based intentions. This blog post will delve into pleasure-based intentions, why they are important for our mental health, and ideas on how to set them.
Difference between resolution and intention
Firstly, it's essential to understand the difference between a resolution and an intention. Resolutions are often more specific and focused on achieving an end goal. Intentions, however, are more about setting a direction for what you want to experience or embody. With pleasure-based intentions, the focus shifts towards prioritizing the joy and pleasure that makes us feel good and fulfilled.
