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 Takeaways<ul><li>Growing up with two dads and a mom under one roof—and why it worked</li><li>“Roommate” life in the ’80s: safety, secrecy, and chosen family</li><li>Equal bonds: why bio vs. non-bio didn’t matter in Ann’s house</li><li>Pop-culture panic vs. reality: exposure to queerness doesn’t “make” kids queer</li><li>Religious trauma 101: definitions, symptoms, and first steps toward repair</li><li>Inside a fundamentalist church (as an out queer person) and what Ann learned</li><li>Coping with gun-violence news: nervous-system care, boundaries, community</li><li>Generational love: passing down compassion instead of shame</li><li>Queer joy as resistance—and as fuel for the long haul</li><li>How to vet an affirming therapist (red/green flags, intake clues, language)</li></ul>🏳️‍🌈 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 <a href="https://www.cryobank.com/search/" rel="nofollow">California Cryobank</a>!Thinking of growing your queer family? Use code QUEERFAM25 at <a href="https://cryobank.com/" rel="nofollow">cryobank.com</a> for a FREE Level 2 subscription to their donor catalog!🏳️‍🌈<a href="https://travelbrilliant.net/mbg/gwk-spring-break-2026/" rel="nofollow"> Book with GWK&#39;s Spring Break Cruise Vacation!</a> Join Jaimie and her family (and other LGBTQIA&#43; families) on a 3 night cruise in the Bahamas. Be sure to mention that you heard about it here! Click that link ➡️ <a href="https://travelbrilliant.net/mbg/gwk-spring-break-2026/" rel="nofollow">https://travelbrilliant.net/mbg/gwk-spring-break-2026/</a>🏳️‍🌈 Resources Mentioned<ul><li><a href="https://www.annrusso.org/" rel="nofollow">AMR Therapy</a> (Ann’s practice) — book mailing list available</li><li><a href="https://colage.org/" rel="nofollow">COLAGE</a> — community for people with LGBTQ&#43; parents</li><li>How to Vet a Therapist — look for inclusive forms/language, lived training, clear stances</li><li>Support: <a href="https://www.thetrevorproject.org/" rel="nofollow">The Trevor Project</a>; <a href="https://translifeline.org/" rel="nofollow">Trans Lifeline</a>; local LGBTQ&#43; centers</li></ul>🏳️‍🌈 Interested in advertising? Email <a href="mailto:thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com" rel="nofollow">thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com</a>🎧 Loved this episode?Support The Queer Family Podcast on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/thequeerfamilypodcast" rel="nofollow">Patreon</a> 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:🔗 <a href="https://app.redcircle.com/shows/d2c61ac1-cfc5-477f-a545-f1ad21f88eec/exclusive-content" rel="nofollow">redcircle.com/thequeerfamilypodcast/exclusive-content</a>🏳️‍🌈 What resonated most with you?Drop a comment, DM us, or email thequeerfamilypodcast@gmail.com—we love hearing your stories!🏳️‍🌈 Let’s Connect!Find us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thequeerfamilypodcast/" rel="nofollow">IG</a>, <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@thequeerfamilypodcast?_r=1&_t=ZP-8v7M6BUBw2I" rel="nofollow">TikTok</a>, <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/queerfampod.bsky.social" rel="nofollow">Bluesky</a>, & <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thequeerfamilypodcast" rel="nofollow">YouTube</a>: @thequeerfamilypodcast 🏳️‍🌈 Watch full episodes on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@thequeerfamilypodcast" rel="nofollow">YouTube</a>🏳️‍🌈 Order the <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/if-these-ovaries-could-talk-the-things-we-ve-learned-about-making-an-lgbtq-family-jaimie-kelton/14848704?ean=9780999294390&next=t" rel="nofollow">If These Ovaries Could Talk book </a>🏳️‍🌈 Edited by: Jerson Barajas 🏳️‍🌈 Theme Song by: Tiffany Topol 🏳️‍🌈 Logo by: Daneen Stevenato 🏳️‍🌈 Shop merch <a href="https://queerfampodmerchstore.dashery.com/" rel="nofollow">here</a>. 🏳️‍🌈 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 — <a rel='payment' href='https://redcircle.com/the-queer-family-podcast/exclusive-content'>https://redcircle.com/the-queer-family-podcast/exclusive-content</a> Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/brands'>https://redcircle.com/brands</a> Privacy & Opt-Out: <a href='https://redcircle.com/privacy'>https://redcircle.com/privacy</a>

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

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