Written by Ivonne Harting (She/Her) LAC, LPCC, MFTC, NCC
Diversity has always existed; it’s an intrinsic part of the human condition. Why is understanding diversity crucial in today's society? There isn’t a single person on Earth who is exactly like another. Yet, we often choose to rival our differences instead of rejoicing in them. Although we recognize the importance of support and acceptance as a society, hesitation still exists. Fortunately, we have made significant strides in celebrating diversity, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community, which has relied on brave pioneers to advocate for our rights and illuminate the battles we face.
In honor of LGBTQIA+ History Month, I want to highlight one such pioneer: Dr. Deborah Coolhart. She is a prominent voice in family therapy, especially known for her work with trans and gender-expansive youth. Dr. Coolhart has made significant contributions to gender-affirmative therapy, centering the needs and voices of LGBTQIA+ youth in family therapy practices.
Dr. Coolhart emphasizes the critical importance of support—especially family support—in fostering positive mental health outcomes for LGBTQIA+ individuals. In her work, she discusses how dysphoria affects not just the mental health of trans masculine individuals, but also their physical and relational well-being. She states, “Because your dysphoria gets in the way of you…it affects everything.” This highlights the profound impact body dysphoria can have on a person’s identity and daily functioning. Addressing dysphoria through gender-affirming practices in therapy is essential, as it not only validates the experiences of trans individuals but also creates an environment where families can learn to support their loved ones effectively.
Dr. Coolhart’s work resonates deeply with me, especially as I reflect on my own experiences as a queer therapist. I remember the fear I felt when contemplating coming out to my family. Growing up in Venezuela—a society that lacks inclusivity regarding anything outside of heteronormativity—having a safe space that normalized discussions about gender and sexuality would have been life-changing. Such an environment would have allowed my family to understand my experiences from a different perspective and receive psychoeducation on how to support and accept me. This is what I believe our current society needs more of: education—not just about tolerance and acceptance, but about love and empathy. Community workshops and educational programs can play a vital role in fostering this understanding.
The progress we have seen in our field is monumental! We have transitioned from homosexuality being classified as a disorder in the DSM-I in 1952, to professionals like Dr. Coolhart advocating for and researching gender-affirming care, driving positive change in family therapy. It is clear that there is nothing we need to change about gender-diverse individuals. Conversion therapy is not the answer. Inclusion is. Let history be a reminder of how far we’ve come and where we are yet to go. Let’s continue to find ways to contribute as professionals, fostering environments that celebrate diversity and support all individuals in their journeys.
With love and pride,
Ivonne