Two Dads, One Mom, Zero Apologies | Therapist Ann Russo on Religious Trauma, Chosen Family & Queer Joy

Queer therapist and “kid of queer parents” Ann Russo joins Jaimie to show what ordinary, extraordinary queer family looks like. Raised in the ’80s by a mom, dad, and dad’s partner under one roof—publicly “the roommate” for safety—Ann shares how chosen family (yes, Deadhead potlucks) and three parents taught compassion, and why bio vs. non-bio bonds never mattered. We get religious trauma 101: Ann’s fly-on-the-wall years inside a fundamentalist church as an out teen, what religious trauma is (and isn’t), and practical tools clients can use today—nervous-system grounding, boundary-setting, and how to vet an affirming therapist without having to educate them first. We also process headline grief (recorded right after a church shooting), talk about resisting bad-faith narratives, and lean into queer joy as a form of resilience. Ann’s forthcoming clinician guide on treating religious trauma (2026) ties it all together with steps for centering kids, community, and love when the world feels loud.🏳️‍🌈 Key TakeawaysGrowing up with two dads and a mom under one roof—and why it worked“Roommate” life in the ’80s: safety, secrecy, and chosen familyEqual bonds: why bio vs. non-bio didn’t matter in Ann’s housePop-culture panic vs. reality: exposure to queerness doesn’t “make” kids queerReligious trauma 101: definitions, symptoms, and first steps toward repairInside a fundamentalist church (as an out queer person) and what Ann learnedCoping with gun-violence news: nervous-system care, boundaries, communityGenerational love: passing down compassion instead of shameQueer joy as resistance—and as fuel for the long haulHow to vet an affirming therapist (red/green flags, intake clues, language)🏳️‍🌈 About the Guest(s)🏳️‍🌈Ann Russo, LCSW — psychotherapist and founder of AMR Therapy; specializes in religious trauma. Currently writing a book to help clinicians treat religious trauma (expected 2026).🏳️‍🌈 Thanks to our sponsor California Cryobank!Thinking of growing your queer family? Use code QUEERFAM25 at cryobank.com for a FREE Level 2 subscription to their donor catalog!🏳️‍🌈 Book with GWK's Spring Break Cruise Vacation! Join Jaimie and her family (and other LGBTQIA+ families) on a 3 night cruise in the Bahamas. Be sure to mention that you heard about it here! Click that link ➡️ https://travelbrilliant.net/mbg/gwk-spring-break-2026/🏳️‍🌈 Resources MentionedAMR Therapy (Ann’s practice) — book mailing list availableCOLAGE — community for people with LGBTQ+ parentsHow to Vet a Therapist — look for inclusive forms/language, lived training, clear stancesSupport: The Trevor Project; Trans Lifeline; local LGBTQ+ centers🏳️‍🌈 Interested in advertising? Email [e-mail]🎧 Loved this episode?Support The Queer Family Podcast on Patreon for exclusive bonus content and help keep these stories alive!OR become a paid subscriber through our RedCircle page for bonus episodes and one-time or recurring donations:🔗 redcircle.com/thequeerfamilypodcast/exclusive-content🏳️‍🌈 What resonated most with you?Drop a comment, DM us, or email [e-mail]—we love hearing your stories!🏳️‍🌈 Let’s Connect!Find us on IG, TikTok, Bluesky, & YouTube: @thequeerfamilypodcast 🏳️‍🌈 Watch full episodes on YouTube🏳️‍🌈 Order the If These Ovaries Could Talk book 🏳️‍🌈 Edited by: Jerson Barajas 🏳️‍🌈 Theme Song by: Tiffany Topol 🏳️‍🌈 Logo by: Daneen Stevenato 🏳️‍🌈 Shop merch here. 🏳️‍🌈 Full transcript & episode info available on our website🗳️ VOTE. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ ADVOCATE. 🍼 BUILD QUEER FAMILIES.The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a trusted professional for your specific situation!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-queer-family-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy