Fierce and Sober: Queer Perspectives on Recovery

Join us for an enlightening panel discussion to kick off this year's Pride season, highlighting Queer Perspectives on Recovery.

Date: June 1, 2023 – 12pm ET, 9am PT
Duration: 1-hour (45-minute presentation followed by a 15-minute Q&A)

Featuring:

Rahim Thawer, MSW, RSW, 2SLGBTQ+ Consultant and Psychotherapist, Affective Consulting
Kyle Kennery, 2SLGBTQ+ EHN Canada Alum
Kaos/Jesilo, Sober Drag Artist, Canada’s Drag Race Season 3
A Mental Health Commission of Canada report revealed a significant increase in alcohol consumption among 2SLGBTQ+ respondents since the start of the pandemic. This panel brings together Rahim Thawer, Kaos/Jesilo, and Kyle Kennery to discuss the clinical and lived experience of 2SLGBTQ+ sobriety and its challenges.

Learning Objectives:

Showcase the unique experiences of the 2SLGBTQ+ community in the mental health and addictions realm
Understand the necessity for 2SLGBTQ+ specific mental health and addiction programming
Discuss training opportunities for practitioners to create safe treatment spaces for the 2SLGBTQ+ community

Webinar with timestamps:
0:25 - Introduction and EHN Canada Overview
Jeremy introduces the webinar and EHN Canada, a network of treatment centers for addiction, trauma, and mental health.
0:58 - Webinar Logistics and Recording Notice
Details about webinar logistics, including muting participants, using the Q&A box, and information about the recording and CEU certificates.
1:50 - Land Acknowledgment
Land acknowledgment for Toronto and Calgary, recognizing the indigenous territories.
2:46 - Introduction of Panelists
Jeremy introduces the panelists: Kyle Kenry, Raheem Farer, and Chaos, discussing their backgrounds and connections to the community.
3:23 - Panel Discussion Begins
The panel begins discussing their experiences with sobriety, queerness, and how these intersect with their professional and personal lives.
3:46 - Raheem’s Background and Approach
Raheem discusses his background in social work and psychotherapy, focusing on community building and queer issues.
5:02 - Kyle Discusses His Recovery Journey
Kyle shares his recovery journey and the impact of his sobriety on his life and work as a youth counselor.
7:19 - Chaos Shares Their Recovery Experience
Chaos talks about their sobriety journey, the intersection with their career as a drag artist, and their work in mental health and youth counseling.
8:40 - Importance of Discussing Sobriety in Queer Communities
The panelists discuss why it's vital to talk about sobriety, especially in the queer community, and how substance use is often a coping mechanism for deeper issues.
10:04 - Personal Stories and Community Impact
Each panelist shares how personal experiences with addiction and recovery have shaped their ability to help others and influence the community positively.
11:00 - Strategies for Maintaining Sobriety
The panelists share strategies and insights into maintaining sobriety, including the importance of community support and personal accountability.
11:57 - Closing Thoughts and Encouragement
The panelists offer final thoughts and encouragement for those considering sobriety or struggling with addiction, emphasizing hope and the possibility of recovery.