Decolonizing Mental Health: Therapy, Queerness, Culture, and Representation - Luis Cornejo, LMFT - Season 2 Ep. 18 Multiracialverse Podcast

Send us a text

Summary: In this conversation, Luis Cornejo shares his experiences as a first-generation immigrant from a Guatemalan and Mexican background, growing up in Inglewood, California. He discusses the complexities of navigating multiple cultural identities, the influence of family dynamics, and the challenges of gender norms. Luis reflects on his childhood experiences, including the anxiety his parents faced as undocumented immigrants and the bullying he encountered for not conforming to traditional masculinity. Through his journey of self-acceptance, he emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage and community in shaping his identity. In this conversation, Luis Cornejo shares his experiences growing up as a queer child in a traditional family, discussing the complexities of identity, fear, and the need for understanding from parents. He emphasizes the importance of community support for both LGBTQ+ youth and their families, advocating for open communication and education to foster acceptance. Luis also highlights the challenges faced by immigrant families in navigating these conversations and the critical role of empathy in building connections. In this conversation, Luis Cornejo shares his journey of self-discovery and the evolution of his identity as a queer therapist. He discusses the importance of understanding one's identity, the role of representation in therapy, and the need for collaboration and connection in the therapeutic process. Luis emphasizes the significance of decolonizing therapy by moving away from Western ideologies and recognizing the diverse ways in which healing can occur. He advocates for empathy and authenticity in therapy, highlighting the importance of being true to oneself and creating a safe space for clients to express their identities.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Luis Cornejo and His Work

01:01
Cultural Heritage and Identity

04:03
Comparing Guatemalan and Mexican Cultures

07:10
Family Dynamics and Celebrations

10:40
Roots and Community in Inglewood

13:41
Navigating Identity and Assimilation

18:09
Childhood Experiences and Gender Norms

21:11
Understanding Differences and Acceptance

23:20
Navigating Early Identity and Family Dynamics

29:46
Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth: Parental Guidance and Understanding

35:27
Building Community: The Importance of Connection for Parents

40:05
Empowering LGBTQ+ Youth: Safety and Self-Validation

46:49
Understanding Identity and Personal Journey

48:43
The Path to Therapy and Family Dynamics

50:57
The Importance of Connection and Collaboration in Therapy

52:45
Representation and Its Role in Therapy

56:18
Decolonizing Therapy: Moving Beyond Western Ideologies

01:01:49
Empathy and the Human Experience

01:07:24
The Role of Authenticity in Therapy