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Ever wonder how far we've come in understanding transgender mental health? The journey from pathologization to progress has been long and challenging, but knowing this history is essential for appreciating our present and building a better future.

The Band Brothers Mental Health Podcast dives into the origins of transgender mental healthcare, tracing its evolution from the 19th century—when trans folks were misunderstood, labeled as homosexuals, and institutionalized—to today's more affirming approaches. This eye-opening exploration reveals how pioneering figures like Magnus Hirschfeld and Harry Benjamin began distinguishing transgender identities from sexual orientation, setting the stage for gradual improvements in understanding and care.

We reveal the significant shifts in medical perspectives, from the first formal diagnosis of "Psychopathia Transsexualialis" in 1949 to the inclusion of "transsexualism" in diagnostic manuals in the 1980s, and finally to the revolutionary change in the DSM-5 in 2013 that focused on gender dysphoria rather than pathologizing identity itself.

If we don't know where we have been, how far we have come, we will become discouraged and fall into despair. This episode offers a crucial historical perspective while emphasizing the importance of continued advocacy. The work isn't finished, but by understanding our collective journey, we can draw strength from those who persevered before us. Subscribe now to join a community committed to improving the mental health and support for Black transmen and Black transmasculine folks, because knowing our history empowers our future.

• DSM: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
• DCD: Disorders of Sexual Development
• ICD: International Classification of Diseases
• Reference: Psychiatry.org - Gender Dysphoria Diagnosis

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The Band of Brothers Mental Health Podcast is produced, written, and edited by Transman In Search of Media in Atl, GA. Sound design also created by Transman In Search of Media.

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Mental wellness begins with pruning our inner garden. Before we can create healthy boundaries with others, we must first address the negative thought patterns that lead us into relationships that don't serve us.

The Band of Brothers Mental Health Podcast tackles this crucial concept in our latest episode, "Is Your Cutoff Game Strong?" Host Solomon challenges the common understanding of "cutting people off" by suggesting a more profound approach: identifying and eliminating the internal thought patterns that attract harmful relationships in the first place. Using the powerful metaphor of gardening, Solomon explains how negative thoughts act as weeds, slowly choking our mental and emotional growth until we hardly notice the damage being done.

Through personal insights and a thoughtful analysis of a scene from Issa Rae's "Insecure," the episode explores how self-awareness about our mental health needs can guide healthier relationship choices. This is especially crucial for Black trans men, who face alarmingly high rates of suicidal ideation – 60% among young Black transmasculine folks according to the Trevor Project. The podcast exists precisely because these statistics demand specialized mental health resources for this community.

The episode offers practical guidance for distinguishing between cutting people off from a place of pride versus doing so from a place of growth. By understanding our mental health triggers and cultivating self-awareness, we can create space for positive thoughts and nurturing relationships that support our journey toward Black trans joy and wellbeing. Ready to strengthen your cutoff game from the inside out? Listen now and join us in cultivating mental wellness that begins with tending to your internal garden.

Support the show

The Band of Brothers Mental Health Podcast is produced, written, and edited by Transman In Search of Media in Atl, GA. Sound design also created by Transman In Search of Media.

Send us a text

A short introduction about the podcast.

Support the show

The Band of Brothers Mental Health Podcast is produced, written, and edited by Transman In Search of Media in Atl, GA. Sound design also created by Transman In Search of Media.

Send us a text

E, a Black transman, and Marcel, a Black intersex young man talk about mental health and community.

The discussion is unfiltered and focused on their personal individual experiences.

Suicide is discussed in the conversation and some of the topics maybe triggering, therefore listen at your own discretion.

If you are in crisis, call Translifeline (877-565-8860), BlackLine (800-604-5841), text Thrive Lifeline (313-662-8209), or call The Trevor Project (866-488-7396).

Enjoying the podcast? Please follow us and share the podcast with other Black transmasculine folks and Black transmen. You can follow the podcast on Apple podcasts or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Support the show

The Band of Brothers Mental Health Podcast is produced, written, and edited by Transman In Search of Media in Atl, GA. Sound design also created by Transman In Search of Media.