LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Berkeley, CA
Percy Raynier Castellanos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94702
If you are seeking a Queer, bilingual (English/Spanish), multicultural therapist of color with whom you can discuss the issues listed in my profile and website, then you are welcome to contact me to see if we are a good fit.
I am drawn to support clients heal the anxiety, guilt and shame from trauma. This may include trauma related to abuse, bullying, accidents, harassment, religious impositions, discrimination, and more. My clients often want to feel less anxiety, better manage their triggers, enjoy sexual intercourse with their partner(s), and redefine themselves from the trauma they experienced. Grounding techniques, challenging learned beliefs, asserting needs, and living more for self, are common themes in my practice and essential for post-traumatic growth. Integrating identities (e.g. race, ethnicity, sexuality, etc.) is common in my practice.
If you are seeking a Queer, bilingual (English/Spanish), multicultural therapist of color with whom you can discuss the issues listed in my profile and website, then you are welcome to contact me to see if we are a good fit.
I am drawn to support clients heal the anxiety, guilt and shame from trauma. This may include trauma related to abuse, bullying, accidents, harassment, religious impositions, discrimination, and more. My clients often want to feel less anxiety, better manage their triggers, enjoy sexual intercourse with their partner(s), and redefine themselves from the trauma they experienced. Grounding techniques, challenging learned beliefs, asserting needs, and living more for self, are common themes in my practice and essential for post-traumatic growth. Integrating identities (e.g. race, ethnicity, sexuality, etc.) is common in my practice.
My practice specializes in supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including those within the LGBTQIA+ community and those with mixed- or multi-racial identities. I can provide guidance through various challenges such as life transitions, anxiety, relationship dynamics, professional development and family conflicts. I welcome clients who are ready to approach therapy with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to engage deeply. If you're looking to explore, process, and challenge yourself for personal growth, I am here to partner with you in this journey and help you understand and navigate your experiences.
My practice specializes in supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including those within the LGBTQIA+ community and those with mixed- or multi-racial identities. I can provide guidance through various challenges such as life transitions, anxiety, relationship dynamics, professional development and family conflicts. I welcome clients who are ready to approach therapy with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to engage deeply. If you're looking to explore, process, and challenge yourself for personal growth, I am here to partner with you in this journey and help you understand and navigate your experiences.
My practice is devoted to therapy with gay men and counseling for gay couples. I specialize in gay, bisexual and trans issues, including relationships, intimacy and sex, as well as depression, anxiety, trauma, isolation and HIV. I have written extensively about the psychological and social issues of gay men and gay communities. My most recent book, released by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (and Penguin Random House in the U.K.), is "Out of the Shadows: Reimagining Gay Men's Lives."
My practice is devoted to therapy with gay men and counseling for gay couples. I specialize in gay, bisexual and trans issues, including relationships, intimacy and sex, as well as depression, anxiety, trauma, isolation and HIV. I have written extensively about the psychological and social issues of gay men and gay communities. My most recent book, released by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (and Penguin Random House in the U.K.), is "Out of the Shadows: Reimagining Gay Men's Lives."
Kelly Howard
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA, AMFT
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705 (Online Only)
I am a sex-positive psychotherapist offering trauma-informed Telehealth sessions to individuals, couples, families, and polycules throughout California. My practice is affirming and supportive of gender, sexuality, and relationship diversity (GSRD) across all stages of life. With a nurturing, non-judgmental approach, I empower people to explore their desires, overcome obstacles, and build fulfilling relationships. I strive to provide a grounded, warm space for clients to navigate the parts of themselves that may feel challenging to explore alone. I am kink-affirming, queer-affirming, and non-monogamy-affirming!
I am a sex-positive psychotherapist offering trauma-informed Telehealth sessions to individuals, couples, families, and polycules throughout California. My practice is affirming and supportive of gender, sexuality, and relationship diversity (GSRD) across all stages of life. With a nurturing, non-judgmental approach, I empower people to explore their desires, overcome obstacles, and build fulfilling relationships. I strive to provide a grounded, warm space for clients to navigate the parts of themselves that may feel challenging to explore alone. I am kink-affirming, queer-affirming, and non-monogamy-affirming!
I also specialize in work with non-traditional families: blended/step-parent families, LGBTQ-parent families, single-parent families, and families going through separation or divorce.
You're considering therapy. It is often a complicated and difficult decision but sometimes we just know that it's time to try something new. I believe taking the courageous step to begin therapy helps individuals and families address challenges that keep us from our full potential. Whether you are suffering from anxiety or depression, relationship issues or isolation, financial preoccupations, or a desire for a new career, you know it is time to work to make things better. I am a psychologist providing flexible, relational therapy to help you to address a range of issues. My style is warm, compassionate, and down-to-earth.
I also specialize in work with non-traditional families: blended/step-parent families, LGBTQ-parent families, single-parent families, and families going through separation or divorce.
You're considering therapy. It is often a complicated and difficult decision but sometimes we just know that it's time to try something new. I believe taking the courageous step to begin therapy helps individuals and families address challenges that keep us from our full potential. Whether you are suffering from anxiety or depression, relationship issues or isolation, financial preoccupations, or a desire for a new career, you know it is time to work to make things better. I am a psychologist providing flexible, relational therapy to help you to address a range of issues. My style is warm, compassionate, and down-to-earth.
Keith A. Wilson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704 (Online Only)
My background includes working with; sexual trauma, (co-founder of the Sexual Assault Center, Nashville, TN), performance and anxiety containment (athletes, professionals, Army soldiers and families, students therapists), unique populations ( LGBTQ+, people escaping childhood religious cultures, and veterans), and adoption.
My style of therapy is client-centered. I want to know who the person is that has chosen to come to therapy to improve their life. Clients can describe the areas of their life that they want to improve, and as these are recorded, individual therapy goals are created. This process is possible because I am often described as a master listener. Once the goals for improvement have been established, a game plan is able to be created. My unique background includes anxiety containment, trauma resolution, and resilience creation. Each client has strengths to build from to create a more effective way of thinking about the issues.
My background includes working with; sexual trauma, (co-founder of the Sexual Assault Center, Nashville, TN), performance and anxiety containment (athletes, professionals, Army soldiers and families, students therapists), unique populations ( LGBTQ+, people escaping childhood religious cultures, and veterans), and adoption.
My style of therapy is client-centered. I want to know who the person is that has chosen to come to therapy to improve their life. Clients can describe the areas of their life that they want to improve, and as these are recorded, individual therapy goals are created. This process is possible because I am often described as a master listener. Once the goals for improvement have been established, a game plan is able to be created. My unique background includes anxiety containment, trauma resolution, and resilience creation. Each client has strengths to build from to create a more effective way of thinking about the issues.
Jesse Whittle-Utter
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94709
I'll work with you to transform your symptoms into meaningful and lasting change.
I work with folks from all walks of life, and specialize in working with gay men and the larger LGBTQ+ community, to alleviate depression, anxiety, shame, work stress, relationship issues, questions of meaning, & life transitions. I use a variety of therapeutic methods, including Internal Family Systems, EMDR, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) and psychedelic integration. Psychedelic therapy allows access to deeper layers of self and accelerates progress toward personal growth and healing; it can accomplish in a short timeframe what might otherwise take years of weekly talk therapy. KAP is sliding scale ($150-$175).
I'll work with you to transform your symptoms into meaningful and lasting change.
I work with folks from all walks of life, and specialize in working with gay men and the larger LGBTQ+ community, to alleviate depression, anxiety, shame, work stress, relationship issues, questions of meaning, & life transitions. I use a variety of therapeutic methods, including Internal Family Systems, EMDR, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) and psychedelic integration. Psychedelic therapy allows access to deeper layers of self and accelerates progress toward personal growth and healing; it can accomplish in a short timeframe what might otherwise take years of weekly talk therapy. KAP is sliding scale ($150-$175).
Caitlin Finnell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94704 (Online Only)
My areas of focus are not limited to but include the following: LGBTQ individuals, couples and families.
While I work with a diversity of people, I specialize in working with LGBTQ individuals, couples and youth. As a Marriage and Family psychotherapist, I seek to help my clients find their way through the hardships that life can bring. I believe in the healing power of the therapeutic relationship as well as each individual having the power to heal themselves. I believe in a strength based, solution focused approach to therapy and work with my clients to not only overcome their current circumstances but to also develop tools and strategies that they can use moving forward in their lives.
My areas of focus are not limited to but include the following: LGBTQ individuals, couples and families.
While I work with a diversity of people, I specialize in working with LGBTQ individuals, couples and youth. As a Marriage and Family psychotherapist, I seek to help my clients find their way through the hardships that life can bring. I believe in the healing power of the therapeutic relationship as well as each individual having the power to heal themselves. I believe in a strength based, solution focused approach to therapy and work with my clients to not only overcome their current circumstances but to also develop tools and strategies that they can use moving forward in their lives.
Ida Ahmadi
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
While I specialize in working with queer & trans adolescents, individuals, and couples—I love working with all kinds of people from diverse backgrounds, ages, sexualities, and relationship styles.
If you've ever felt lost or stuck in a painful pattern or conflict, or struggle with overwhelming emotions, or have trouble connecting with them, therapy with me is a profound way to discover yourself again and have new experiences. To restore balance and flexibility, and to reawaken your inherent capacity for joy and resilience. I listen with attention, empathy, & curiosity as we encounter and explore your conflicts, pains, and desires. We accomplish your goals by concentrating on what is important to you in a space where you will be listened to and heard, and where we will share an honest & accurate reflection of your experience.
While I specialize in working with queer & trans adolescents, individuals, and couples—I love working with all kinds of people from diverse backgrounds, ages, sexualities, and relationship styles.
If you've ever felt lost or stuck in a painful pattern or conflict, or struggle with overwhelming emotions, or have trouble connecting with them, therapy with me is a profound way to discover yourself again and have new experiences. To restore balance and flexibility, and to reawaken your inherent capacity for joy and resilience. I listen with attention, empathy, & curiosity as we encounter and explore your conflicts, pains, and desires. We accomplish your goals by concentrating on what is important to you in a space where you will be listened to and heard, and where we will share an honest & accurate reflection of your experience.
Michael Marsman, Jungian Analyst & Psychotherapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94705
That said, much of my work is with those in the LGBTQ, recovery and spiritual (eastern and western) communities.
We seek therapy because at some level we imagine that life could be better. We all suffer in different ways and suffering is universal, but it is precisely that suffering that leads us into a process of discovering how our deepest selves want to be expressed in the world and then to find the inner resources to live that out. In its truest sense, psychotherapy – which means “tending to the soul” – is not only concerned with alleviating symptoms, resolving issues, or adapting to life’s demands (though these are important), but ultimately with living lives that are more joyful, creative and free.
That said, much of my work is with those in the LGBTQ, recovery and spiritual (eastern and western) communities.
We seek therapy because at some level we imagine that life could be better. We all suffer in different ways and suffering is universal, but it is precisely that suffering that leads us into a process of discovering how our deepest selves want to be expressed in the world and then to find the inner resources to live that out. In its truest sense, psychotherapy – which means “tending to the soul” – is not only concerned with alleviating symptoms, resolving issues, or adapting to life’s demands (though these are important), but ultimately with living lives that are more joyful, creative and free.
Julie Such
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94707
I'm accepting new clients! My approach is genuine, nonjudgmental, gender-affirming, and intersectional. I'm a queer clinician who works from a perspective that integrates social and cultural context (society, family, and relationships) with your inherent values, strengths, and desires. Together we’ll use humor, creativity, and levity to provide fertile ground for more difficult emotions like grief, depression, and anxiety. I use various therapeutic approaches based on the issues and needs you bring into session; providing individual and relationship therapy that is personalized, holistic, and trauma-informed.
I'm accepting new clients! My approach is genuine, nonjudgmental, gender-affirming, and intersectional. I'm a queer clinician who works from a perspective that integrates social and cultural context (society, family, and relationships) with your inherent values, strengths, and desires. Together we’ll use humor, creativity, and levity to provide fertile ground for more difficult emotions like grief, depression, and anxiety. I use various therapeutic approaches based on the issues and needs you bring into session; providing individual and relationship therapy that is personalized, holistic, and trauma-informed.
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Miles Murch
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
I work with gay men and queer people who would like to feel more empowered, more at ease, and more connected in their lives and relationships! It’s not easy to walk your own path and find safety, belonging, and purpose in this world. If you identify as LGBTQIA, you didn’t grow up with good models for queer relationships. Even if your life is "perfect on paper," it might be a challenge to find trust, deepen intimacy, set boundaries, stay centered, and go after the life you want.
I work with gay men and queer people who would like to feel more empowered, more at ease, and more connected in their lives and relationships! It’s not easy to walk your own path and find safety, belonging, and purpose in this world. If you identify as LGBTQIA, you didn’t grow up with good models for queer relationships. Even if your life is "perfect on paper," it might be a challenge to find trust, deepen intimacy, set boundaries, stay centered, and go after the life you want.
Farhana Sobhan
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
My therapeutic work is influenced by my intersectional identities and experiences as an immigrant, Bangladeshi, South Asian, Muslim, womyn, queer, survivor, and artist.
My practice is supporting others in becoming more resilient and taking steps towards leading a life with more meaning and intentionality. Our unique intersections of life have brought us experiences and challenges that made a lasting impact on how we navigate our systems and relationships. Becoming more aware of the patterns that enabled us to survive in the past can aid in providing more insight and clarity into ourselves to inform our future. Together we will build capacity for unlearning old patterns and developing new capacities that support your growth process and change the narrative from surviving to thriving.
My therapeutic work is influenced by my intersectional identities and experiences as an immigrant, Bangladeshi, South Asian, Muslim, womyn, queer, survivor, and artist.
My practice is supporting others in becoming more resilient and taking steps towards leading a life with more meaning and intentionality. Our unique intersections of life have brought us experiences and challenges that made a lasting impact on how we navigate our systems and relationships. Becoming more aware of the patterns that enabled us to survive in the past can aid in providing more insight and clarity into ourselves to inform our future. Together we will build capacity for unlearning old patterns and developing new capacities that support your growth process and change the narrative from surviving to thriving.
Ryan Kim Tiêu
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704 (Online Only)
My approach to therapy is informed by my personal and professional experiences navigating intergenerational growing pains, academia, transitioning, and relationships.
Let's talk about your story. We are surrounded by stories about ourselves, our cultures, and communities. I help trans, queer, and POC people explore the stories that compose our lived experiences of anxiety, depression, gender, immigration, and race. Together, we'll work towards unpacking generational trauma to fortify your mental wellness, communication, boundaries, and intentional living.
My approach to therapy is informed by my personal and professional experiences navigating intergenerational growing pains, academia, transitioning, and relationships.
Let's talk about your story. We are surrounded by stories about ourselves, our cultures, and communities. I help trans, queer, and POC people explore the stories that compose our lived experiences of anxiety, depression, gender, immigration, and race. Together, we'll work towards unpacking generational trauma to fortify your mental wellness, communication, boundaries, and intentional living.
I welcome themes related to belonging, grief and loss, queer and trans community dynamics, non-monogamy, BDSM/kink, chronic illness and disability, and loneliness/isolation.
As a therapist with a focus on developmental trauma and working with queer and trans adults and teens, I believe that early life experiences and ongoing structural contexts immensely inform our relationship to ourselves and each other. I hold this framework with my background in somatic psychotherapy, which considers the ways our bodies and nervous systems relate to our emotions and experiences. There is no one way to relate to the past, embody our feelings, or find healing. In therapy, we find a way for you together. My role is to hold consistent curiosity, rigor, and care throughout the process of your own self-discovery.
I welcome themes related to belonging, grief and loss, queer and trans community dynamics, non-monogamy, BDSM/kink, chronic illness and disability, and loneliness/isolation.
As a therapist with a focus on developmental trauma and working with queer and trans adults and teens, I believe that early life experiences and ongoing structural contexts immensely inform our relationship to ourselves and each other. I hold this framework with my background in somatic psychotherapy, which considers the ways our bodies and nervous systems relate to our emotions and experiences. There is no one way to relate to the past, embody our feelings, or find healing. In therapy, we find a way for you together. My role is to hold consistent curiosity, rigor, and care throughout the process of your own self-discovery.
I specialize in treating young adults/college students, men, LGBTQ individuals, and people with disabilities.
Are you unsure about how to solve a problem? Feeling anxious or depressed? Hate yourself? Do the same problems keep reoccurring? Are you struggling with a transition? Do you have concerns about your relationships and struggle to express your needs with partners, friends, or family members? Struggling with a part of your identity? Are you having difficulty sleeping? Do you have no appetite or find yourself overeating? Feeling tired, lacking concentration, and having difficulty motivating yourself? IF SO, I can help you. Therapy will ignite change in your life, and I look forward to supporting you in seeking that change.
I specialize in treating young adults/college students, men, LGBTQ individuals, and people with disabilities.
Are you unsure about how to solve a problem? Feeling anxious or depressed? Hate yourself? Do the same problems keep reoccurring? Are you struggling with a transition? Do you have concerns about your relationships and struggle to express your needs with partners, friends, or family members? Struggling with a part of your identity? Are you having difficulty sleeping? Do you have no appetite or find yourself overeating? Feeling tired, lacking concentration, and having difficulty motivating yourself? IF SO, I can help you. Therapy will ignite change in your life, and I look forward to supporting you in seeking that change.
Maya M Carlson
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94705
I am an LGBTQ+, poly, kink, sex work and gender queer-affirming therapist with personal and professional experience with these communities.
Hey! My name is Maya. I'm an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in Berkeley, CA. I offer therapy to teens, adults and relationships of all kinds. I love working with people who sit with big questions. People who grapple with longing, and who deeply want to experience something different in their life. I see therapy as a process of uncovering and exploring together, over time inviting in more felt experiences of aliveness, self-knowing and belonging. This world is a wild one and it's a gift to get to walk alongside you in the wilderness of your unique experience.
I am an LGBTQ+, poly, kink, sex work and gender queer-affirming therapist with personal and professional experience with these communities.
Hey! My name is Maya. I'm an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist practicing in Berkeley, CA. I offer therapy to teens, adults and relationships of all kinds. I love working with people who sit with big questions. People who grapple with longing, and who deeply want to experience something different in their life. I see therapy as a process of uncovering and exploring together, over time inviting in more felt experiences of aliveness, self-knowing and belonging. This world is a wild one and it's a gift to get to walk alongside you in the wilderness of your unique experience.
As an LGBTQIA empath, intuitive, or artist, you experience this world in a deeper, more complex, intuitive way - including painful experiences of trauma. With so much pain in the world, it's hard to care for your own feelings and needs, let alone heal from your experiences of trauma. I specialize in supporting LGBTQIA empaths, artists, and magic makers to heal from the trauma of oppression, abuse, and sexual violence and reclaim their power. To embrace their own sacred needs and gifts. And to connect with the power of QT ancestors and community, ecospirituality, creativity, joy, and nourished activism.
As an LGBTQIA empath, intuitive, or artist, you experience this world in a deeper, more complex, intuitive way - including painful experiences of trauma. With so much pain in the world, it's hard to care for your own feelings and needs, let alone heal from your experiences of trauma. I specialize in supporting LGBTQIA empaths, artists, and magic makers to heal from the trauma of oppression, abuse, and sexual violence and reclaim their power. To embrace their own sacred needs and gifts. And to connect with the power of QT ancestors and community, ecospirituality, creativity, joy, and nourished activism.
Micah Rea
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94702 (Online Only)
It is grounded in trauma-informed, social justice, intersectional trans-feminist, harm reduction, psychodynamic relational, and Health at Every Size frameworks.
I have been working with LGBTQ+ communities and their families in mental health settings for the last 8 years. I'm passionate about providing a space for all people to be celebrated for their full authentic selves. I honor and respect the strategies clients have learned that support them in coping and surviving. Together, we can work towards becoming more aware and understanding of how these coping strategies and patterns best serve us, recognize what may no longer serve us, and find new ways of coping. I support clients with any needs or goals that they bring to therapy.
It is grounded in trauma-informed, social justice, intersectional trans-feminist, harm reduction, psychodynamic relational, and Health at Every Size frameworks.
I have been working with LGBTQ+ communities and their families in mental health settings for the last 8 years. I'm passionate about providing a space for all people to be celebrated for their full authentic selves. I honor and respect the strategies clients have learned that support them in coping and surviving. Together, we can work towards becoming more aware and understanding of how these coping strategies and patterns best serve us, recognize what may no longer serve us, and find new ways of coping. I support clients with any needs or goals that they bring to therapy.
For three decades I have been privileged as a marriage and family therapist to make a difference in people's lives. Though I am most known for being a Jungian-oriented therapist and author, my training in pastoral counseling and spiritual direction, my experience in long-term psychodynamic treatment, and my long-standing interest in all the many forms and expressions of human sexuality, as an "out" gay therapist and activist, are areas of expertise that come together in my work to help clients find a way to be their deepest, healthiest and most authentic selves.
For three decades I have been privileged as a marriage and family therapist to make a difference in people's lives. Though I am most known for being a Jungian-oriented therapist and author, my training in pastoral counseling and spiritual direction, my experience in long-term psychodynamic treatment, and my long-standing interest in all the many forms and expressions of human sexuality, as an "out" gay therapist and activist, are areas of expertise that come together in my work to help clients find a way to be their deepest, healthiest and most authentic selves.
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Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.
Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.
How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.
Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.