⚠️ Content Note / Trigger WarningThis episode includes discussion of childhood sexual abuse, spiritual abuse, and religious trauma. Please listen with care and take breaks if needed.In this episode of the Queer Magic Podcast, I sit down with therapist and spiritual practitioner Sonia Fregoso, LMFT, to explore the intersection of spirituality, healing, trauma, and personal autonomy.Sonia and I go way back, we first met early in our careers as therapists, and it has been powerful to witness how her work has evolved over the years. What began in traditional mental health spaces has expanded into a deeply personal and spiritual approach to healing that blends somatic awareness, cultural practices, and spiritual exploration.Together we talk about:The difference between spirituality and religionReligious trauma and reclaiming personal belief systemsThe role of the body in healing emotional and spiritual woundsSpiritual authority, autonomy, and discernmentColonization and disconnection from ancestral knowledgeThe importance of somatic awareness and embodimentHow therapists can move beyond rigid clinical frameworks to hold human-centered spaceSonia also shares about her personal healing journey—including navigating spiritual abuse, trauma, and the process of rebuilding spirituality on her own terms.At its core, this conversation is about reclaiming agency over your beliefs, reconnecting with your body, and remembering that spirituality can be something you define for yourself.As Sonia beautifully reminds us in this episode:“Spirituality is what you make of it.”About the GuestSonia Fregoso, LMFTSonia Fregoso is a licensed marriage and family therapist and spiritual practitioner who describes her work as that of a mystical somatic curandera. Her approach blends trauma-informed therapy, somatic awareness, and spiritual healing practices to help people reconnect with their bodies, release emotional pain, and reclaim their spiritual autonomy.Through her work, Sonia guides clients toward deeper embodiment and healing through practices such as emotional energy work, cord cutting, and somatic awareness. Her philosophy centers on helping people reconnect to their own inner wisdom and spiritual authority, rather than relying on external systems of control.Her practice emphasizes storytelling, presence, and embodiment as pathways toward emotional and spiritual transformation.Connect with SoniaWebsite:https://obsidianwoman.com/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/lasoniafregoso/

What does trauma-informed care actually look like when you’re queer, navigating identity, safety, relationships, culture, and systems that weren’t built with you in mind?In this episode of the Queer Magic Podcast, host Luis Cornejo (he/they) sits down with Janae R. Borrego, M.A., LMFT, CCTP, C-EMDR, CIMHP, CMIP (she/all) to break down what trauma-informed care really means for LGBTQ+ folks ... beyond buzzwords, checklists, and surface-level inclusivity.Together, they unpack the difference between “big T” and “little t” trauma, how microaggressions, chronic stress, and systemic harm compound over time, and why many queer people don’t always recognize their experiences as trauma until it shows up in their nervous system, relationships, or sense of safety.Janae shares how trauma-informed care shows up in real therapeutic practice: building trust, honoring lived experience, understanding cultural and identity-based stressors, and creating spaces where clients don’t have to educate their therapist just to feel seen. The conversation also explores therapist self-awareness, implicit bias, accessibility in mental health care, and what it truly means to center client autonomy and safety, especially for marginalized communities.Whether you’re a queer person navigating your own healing, a clinician wanting to deepen your practice, or someone curious about how trauma actually lives in the body and mind, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical insight.Because trauma-informed care isn’t just a framework... it’s a way of showing up. Connect with Janae / Learn More🌐 Website: janaeborregolmft.com📸 Instagram (Personal): @janaeborregolmft🧠 Instagram (Practice): @jbpsychotherapycc🌈 LGBTQ+ Affirming Program: rainbowhillrecovery.comWhat You’ll Hear in This EpisodeThe difference between “big T” and “little t” trauma — and why both matterHow microaggressions and systemic oppression impact mental health over timeWhat trauma-informed therapy looks like beyond buzzwords and surface allyshipWhy safety, trust, and autonomy are foundational in queer-affirming careThe role of therapist self-awareness, bias, and lived experienceHow trauma can show up in relationships, identity, and the nervous systemWhat LGBTQ+ folks deserve from their mental health providersHow to advocate for yourself in therapeutic spaces

SummaryIn this episode of the Queer Magic Podcast, host Luis Cornejo engages in a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Laura about the transformative power of movement and dance as a means of healing and self-expression. They explore the importance of joy, cultural connections through music, and the intersection of queerness and dance. Dr. Laura shares her personal journey of finding liberation through movement, the challenges of societal expectations, and the significance of community in the dance world. The episode concludes with practical advice for those looking to embrace dance as a healing practice, regardless of their experience level.TakeawaysCultivating joy is essential for resilience.Movement can spark joy and healing.Dance connects us to our cultural roots.Healing practices can be diverse and multifaceted.Dance helps release trauma stored in our bodies.Queerness and dance intersect in powerful ways.Liberation through movement requires vulnerability.Community in dance fosters connection and support.New dancers should embrace the learning process.Dancing at home can be a great way to start. About Dr. Laura Minero, PhD, LP:Dr. Laura Minero (she/ella) is a Latinx, queer, gender-expansive, formerly undocumented licensed psychologist and founder/CEO of Alchemy Psychology Colectivo Inc. She specializes in serving BIPOC, 2SQT+, Spanish-speaking, and immigrant communities through anti-racist, trauma-informed, and liberation-focused care.A nationally recognized speaker and consultant, Dr. Minero has delivered 150+ keynotes and trainings across global and U.S. audiences. She earned her PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and is a published scientific author whose research on undocumented and asylum-seeking transgender immigrants has shaped national policy conversations.Her work has received multiple state and national awards, including honors from the APA, National Latinx Psychological Association, and recognition as a Queer leader and community advocate.Ways to ConnectInstagram: @alchemypsychologycolectivoWebsite: www.alchemypsychologycolectivoinc.com

In this episode of Queer Magic, we delve into the transformative world of visual storytelling with Yulissa Mendoza (They/Elle), a third-generation Latine multimedia artist hailing from the semi-rural community of Muscoy in San Bernardino, CA.  Yulissa’s work as a photographer and mixed-media installation artist is deeply rooted in creating safe spaces that encourage full self-expression and exploration.Join us as we discuss Yulissa’s journey, from their early inspirations to their commitment to amplifying marginalized voices. We explore how they challenge traditional gender roles while honoring cultural heritage, and how their art pushes the boundaries of fashion and culture. Yulissa shares insights into their creative process, the importance of community, and their vision for a more inclusive art world.Tune in to hear how Yulissa captures the essence of queer magic through their lens, creating spaces where authenticity thrives and every story is valued.Listen now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! (YouTube coming soon).Learn more about my styling packages on my website www.luis-cornejo.com#QueerMagicPodcast #YulissaMendoza #QueerArt #LGBTQCreatives #SafeSpaces #VisualStorytelling #InclusiveArt #LatineArtists #BreakingBoundaries #AmplifyVoices

Episode Title: Empowering At-Risk Queer Youth with Antonio Mateo GarciaIn this episode of Queer Magic, we explore the urgent realities faced by at-risk Queer youth and the power of community-driven support. My guest, Antonio Mateo Garcia (he/they), a queer Latinx transgender man and founder of HELP by AMG, shares his powerful journey from overcoming homelessness to leading a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting those in need.Antonio’s lived experiences, from navigating life as a neurodivergent individual to pursuing a master’s degree in nonprofit management, have shaped his passion for advocacy and direct action. Together, we discuss the systemic barriers Queer youth face, the importance of mentorship, and how we can all contribute to creating safer, more supportive spaces for the next generation.Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, empowerment, and the actionable steps we can take to make a real difference.🎧 Available now on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Podcasts.

🎙 Episode Title: Healing Your Inner Child & Celebrating Queer Latinx Joy Welcome back to The Queer Magic Podcast! In this episode, host Luis Cornejo (He/They) sits down with Angel Fabián Rivera, an actor, host, and Latino content creator reshaping narratives in entertainment. You’ve seen Angel in Planealongside Gerard Butler, West Side Story, and Border Baby, as well as on stage in Shrek the Musical, Little Shop of Horrors, and more. In 2024, he took on a major role as the host of the New York Latino Film Festival, leading him to launch Lights Camera Latino, a podcast amplifying Latino voices in media.Together, Luis and Angel dive into a powerful and deeply personal conversation about:✨ Healing the Inner Child – Navigating childhood experiences of suppression, shame, and resilience as queer Latinx individuals🌈 The Power of Joy – Finding moments of self-expression despite societal and cultural expectations🧡 Family, Identity & Generational Healing – Understanding parental grief, cultural expectations, and creating space for authenticity🎭 Survival & Self-Discovery – How creativity, performance, and passion helped them reclaim their narrativesThis episode is a heartfelt journey through both the struggles and the triumphs of growing up queer and Latinx. Angel and Luis reflect on what they would tell their younger selves, the ways they found joy even in difficult times, and how they continue to embrace their full, unapologetic selves today.🔗 Tune in now and join us in this conversation on queer joy, healing, and self-expression!🌟 Follow Angel:📲 Instagram & TikTok: @AngelFabianRivera🎬 Watch Angel in Plane on Amazon Prime!🎙 Check out Lights Camera Latino Podcast💜 Stay connected with The Queer Magic Podcast for more conversations that empower, inspire, and celebrate our community!

Rage is often dismissed, misunderstood, or silenced—but what if we saw it as something powerful, necessary, and even healing? In this episode of Queer Magic, I sit down with Andres Larios Brown, a passionate therapist, advocate, educator, and community organizer, to dive deep into the role of rage in queer liberation. Andrés Larios Brown (they/elle) is a Utah-based Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist dedicated to healing within LGBTQ+ communities. As Training Director and Partner at Simple Modern Therapy & Institute, Andrés focuses on trauma healing and well-being for those who feel marginalized or othered. They specialize in identity development and reclaiming healing practices for queer, trans, and BIPOC communities and are trained in various modalities, including EMDR, psychedelic-assisted therapy for PTSD, curanderismo, and Radical Healing for QTBIPOC communities. Beyond therapy, Andrés is deeply committed to education and advocacy. They create and facilitate trainings for therapists and serve as a faculty member at Utah Valley University’s Masters of Social Work program and the University of Oregon’s Couples & Family Therapy program. Their research and expertise extend into academia, with co-authored contributions to The Routledge International Handbook of Couple and Family Therapy and various scholarly articles. With a background in community organizing, intersectional activism, and social justice work, Andrés bridges the gap between research and clinical practice, ensuring that healing is both accessible and transformative for LGBTQ+ individuals. They and their husband of seven years live in northern Utah, where they prioritize time with family and loved ones. Together, we explore: 🔥 What queer rage really is and why it matters 🔥 How anger can be a tool for activism, healing, and self-empowerment 🔥 The emotional and generational weight of being queer in a world that tries to erase us 🔥 Ways to channel rage into action without burnout Queer rage isn’t just about anger—it’s about survival, resistance, and reclaiming our right to exist fully and unapologetically. This is a conversation about power, emotion, and the fire that fuels change. Tune in, share your thoughts, and let’s break the silence around the emotions we’ve been told to suppress. Connect with Andres Instagram: @alabrown22 @simplemoderntherapy https://simplemodern.org/https://www.andreslariosbrown.com/

First off, I want to thank ALL of you for supporting the Queer Magic Podcast. You have inspired me, motivated me, and empowered me to share my story. I am getting ready to plan out the 2nd season of the podcast and one of the questions that has been coming up for me is "What is the purpose of the podcast?" In this special message, I share some thoughts and hopes for the upcoming season. I would also love to hear from all of you and your thoughts on the podcast and any ideas you have for season 2!

Welcome magical listeners to the final episode of Season 1 of the Queer Magic Podcast! I'm your host, Luis Cornejo, and today's episode is all about the art of creating and nurturing relationships by genuinely engaging in self-growth and understanding. Our special guest for this episode is Cynthia Flores! About Cynthia: Cynthia Flores is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, an Entrepreneur, Coach & Speaker. She is a First Gen Mexican-American, proud daughter immigrants. She helps other First Gen Cycle Breakers REMEMBER who they are outside of their traumas and the oppressive systems we live in, so they can HEAL & MANIFEST a more authentic, fulfilling life and loving relationships. Dive in as Cynthia shares her insights on: - The intricate dynamics of relationships. - Recognizing and breaking generational patterns. - Embracing our true selves to build stronger bonds. - And the transformative power of doing the work to create fulfilling, loving relationships. Before we wrap up this season, I want to give a huge shoutout to our sponsors, Chismosa Cafe and Proud Chicana, for their unwavering support. Their belief in the magic of this platform has allowed us to bring forward some of the most heartwarming, empowering, and enlightening conversations. I also want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our guests this season. Your stories, insights, and passion have truly brought Queer Magic to life in every episode. To our dedicated listeners, thank you for your continued support. Your messages, shares, and feedback have been the guiding light of this journey. As we close this chapter, we're excited to announce that we'll be returning with Season 2 in early 2024. Stay magical, keep spreading love, and always remember the power of queer magic in creating genuine connections. Until next time, be kind to yourselves and let love guide the way. ✨🌈💖🦄

Sex Education with Cindy Luquin! Tune in for an empowering and enlightening episode of the Queer Magic Podcast, as host Luis invites trailblazing sexual health educator and advocate, Cindy Luquin, to delve deep into the world of queer sex education and its paramount importance. Sharing their personal stories, Cindy and Luis reveal the profound impact and glaring lack of queer sex education on their own lives, as well as its broader implications for the LGBTQ+ community. Recognized as a thought leader in her field, Cindy's passionate advocacy for reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and equity deeply resonates, inspiring confidence to embrace one's sexuality and catalyzing positive change for a more inclusive and fulfilling future. Don't miss this eye-opening conversation that challenges societal norms, fosters personal growth and well-being, and paves the way for a healthier, more equitable world. #QueerMagic #SexEdRevolution #InclusivityMatters About My Guest: Meet Cindy Luquin, a trailblazer in sexual health education and advocacy. With over a decade of experience, Cindy's electrifying talks empower diverse audiences to explore consent, boundaries, STI prevention, and abortion access. As a certified educator, their unique blend of knowledge and healing modalities like Reiki and curanderismo foster personal growth and wellbeing, revolutionizing healthy sexual practices.Recognized as a thought leader, Cindy's expertise has earned prestigious collaborations, while their passionate advocacy for reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ equality, and equity resonates deeply. Join Cindy as they break down barriers, inspiring confidence in embracing sexuality and paving the way for a more inclusive and fulfilling future.SOCIAL LINKSWebsite: https://www.pleasuretopeople.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyluquinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pleasuretopeople/Twitter: https://twitter.com/pleasure2pplTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pleasuretopeopleCindy Luquin (she/they)Sex & Relationship ExpertWebsite: pleasuretopeople.comEmail: [email protected]