LGBT+

Seeking out and locating a queer-affirming mental health counselor or therapist can require effort and persistence. Plenty of therapists in Chicago are trained to consider the uniqueness of their clients, and many intentionally welcome clients’ sexual orientations and relationships into the counseling space. However, not all queer-affirming counselors and therapists have the necessary competence or…

Body dissatisfaction and body dysmorphia in gay men is prevalent among the LGBTQ+ community in Chicago. While not unique to gay men, body dissatisfaction and body dysmorphia stem from the fact that our culture often idealizes Western beauty standards. This is particularly true in urban areas, like Chicago. The desire to conform to beauty standards…

The choice to have an open structure to romantic relationships can seem like a natural choice for some, and for others, it is a choice that needs additional thought and intentionality. Many who identify as polyamorous or choose a consensually non-monogamous relationship do so for a variety of reasons. For example, some choose an open…

Some healthy gay men want monogamy. That’s right – some healthy relationships between gay men are monogamous. For some, this might sound surprising, which highlights an ingrained societal bias and a need for broader acceptance and understanding of queering monogamy. For the sake of full transparency, our practice is sex-positive and sex celebratory. We want…

Chicago’s Hollywood Beach, a known queer-friendly destination, often feels like a battleground for gay men grappling with body dissatisfaction. This scenic beach, while being a symbol of community and belonging, also presents a harsh mirror for those struggling with self-esteem issues. The desire to fit in and the plethora of exposed bodies can be overwhelming,…