G&STC's Therapist in Training Sula Malina Talks With Gabrielle Kassel at Well+Good About Queer Invisibility.

CHECK OUT G&STC’S THERAPIST IN TRAINING SULA MALINA TALKING WITH GABRIELLE KASSEL AT WELL+GOOD ABOUT QUEER INVISIBILITY.

Here are some highlights: 

BIPHOBIA + MONOSEXISM: 

“Queer invisibility is a function of both biphobia (prejudice toward bisexual people) and monosexism (the belief that everyone is and should be attracted to one gender, and the system that supports and rewards such beliefs), says social worker Sula Malina, a therapist in training at The Gender & Sexuality Therapy Center in New York City. In other words, they say, society is quick to incorrectly conflate my current partner (a cis-man) with my sexual identity.”

CONNECTING TO IDENTITY:

“But all of these worthy ideas were already part of my specific queer existence—so I turned to reading lesbian erotica to feel connected to my identity on a nightly basis. With the turn of every page, I simply felt more queer, and Malina says this makes sense. ‘Just the reminder that other people have similar sexual desires as you can be powerful and bring you a sense of pride, inspiration, and comfort in who you are,’ they say, adding that finding pleasure in solo sexual experiences and exploration (whether with erotica or otherwise), can serve as an important reminder that your sexuality isn’t defined by your partner. It can exist outside that relationship—no matter your sexual orientation or relationship structure.”