Content warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide. "If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the ⁠⁠988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline⁠⁠ at⁠ 988 (para ayuda en español, llame al 988). The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call 911 in life-threatening situations. If you are worried about a friend’s social media updates, you can ⁠⁠contact safety teams at the social media company⁠⁠ . They have processes to reach out to connect the person with the help they need."

In this episode of We’re Not OK: A Community of Healing, we sit down with Dr. Shanéa Thomas, Ed.D, LICSW (He/She/Dr.), a bold lecturer, seasoned scholar-practitioner, and LGBTQ+ training specialist with over 20 years of clinical social work experience.

Through his organization, Thomas Consulting and Therapeutic Services, Dr. Thomas trains and strategizes withsocial workers, educators, and service providers to create safer therapeutic, educational, and workplace spaces — especially for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities. He has facilitated over 120 workshops on diversity, equity, and inclusion, grief and loss, mental health, sex and gender, and LGBTQIA+ populations.

Dr. Thomas shares insights on the intersections of death, identity, and healing, exploring how grief,suicide prevention, and inclusive care are shaped by gender, sexuality, and marginalized identities. He also draws on his TEDx talk, “Everybody Feels Sad”, discussing mental health, grief, and the universality of human emotion.

This conversation offers powerful guidance for anyone seeking to understand grief, support healing, andhonor identity in times of loss, while centering marginalized voices and creating inclusive spaces.

Connect with Dr. Thomas:

Facebook: Shanéa Thomas

Instagram: drkchocolatnoir (main), drshaneathomas (professional)

Tiktok: drkchocolatnoir

Carrd Site: https://drshaneathomas.carrd.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drshaneathomas/

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