Quite Queerly

Exploring the performing art of living

Artificial Intelligence
AI Is the New Blank Screen

Mark O'Connell LCSW-R on November 18, 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) feels like the perfect listener, but therapy shows us why real relationships require tolerating limits. To use AI wisely, we must balance fantasy with reality.

Artificial intelligence (AI) feels like the perfect listener, but therapy shows us why real relationships require tolerating limits. To use AI wisely, we must balance fantasy with reality.

Media
How to Talk to "the Other Side" on Social Media: Listen

Mark O'Connell LCSW-R on October 13, 2020

Can the toxic divide in America be bridged? Here are some tips from a therapist on how to listen to the other side, one person at a time, on social media.

Can the toxic divide in America be bridged? Here are some tips from a therapist on how to listen to the other side, one person at a time, on social media.

Media
How to Talk to 'the Other Side' on Social Media: Take Action

Mark O'Connell LCSW-R on October 13, 2020

Can the toxic divide in America be bridged? Here are some tips from a therapist on how to take action toward healing, one relationship at a time—at least on social media.

Can the toxic divide in America be bridged? Here are some tips from a therapist on how to take action toward healing, one relationship at a time—at least on social media.

Media
How to Talk to “The Other Side” on Social Media: Prepare

Mark O'Connell LCSW-R on October 12, 2020

Can the toxic divide in America be bridged? Here are some tips from a therapist on how to navigate our national dysfunction, one relationship at a time--at least on social media.

Can the toxic divide in America be bridged? Here are some tips from a therapist on how to navigate our national dysfunction, one relationship at a time--at least on social media.

Health
BIPOC Voices in Mental Health

Mark O'Connell LCSW-R on June 4, 2020

An invitation for all BIPOC mental health pros to pitch a new blog or article to Psychology Today. Or to write guest pieces on my blog: email me at MarkOtherapy@gmail.com

An invitation for all BIPOC mental health pros to pitch a new blog or article to Psychology Today. Or to write guest pieces on my blog: email me at MarkOtherapy@gmail.com

Play
“Come Out” and Play: An Open Letter to My Once-Closeted Self

Mark O'Connell LCSW-R on October 25, 2018

In this open letter to my younger self, I describe how the art of acting saved my life, and how “coming out” is not a single event, but a lifelong process of playing many roles.

In this open letter to my younger self, I describe how the art of acting saved my life, and how “coming out” is not a single event, but a lifelong process of playing many roles.

Meditation
Improve Your Relationship In Twenty Minutes!

Mark O'Connell LCSW-R on February 14, 2018

The greatest challenge for each half of a couple, is to walk in the emotional shoes of our partner. Here's a short and sweet tool to help you do just that.

The greatest challenge for each half of a couple, is to walk in the emotional shoes of our partner. Here's a short and sweet tool to help you do just that.

Forgiveness
Beyond #MeToo and #IBelieveYou

Mark O'Connell LCSW-R on October 30, 2017

To move beyond our sexist culture we must look inward, acknowledge the ways we have caused harm to our sisters (and brothers), and initiate dialogue.

To move beyond our sexist culture we must look inward, acknowledge the ways we have caused harm to our sisters (and brothers), and initiate dialogue.

Sex
The Best Wedding Trend Is the Freedom to Not Follow Trends

Mark O'Connell LCSW-R on October 7, 2017

Just as same sex couples have done for decades, we can all—yes, straight people too—create our own events, rituals, and celebrations, completely on our own terms.

Just as same sex couples have done for decades, we can all—yes, straight people too—create our own events, rituals, and celebrations, completely on our own terms.

Health
Pride in Mental Health: Advocacy

Mark O'Connell LCSW-R on June 23, 2017

An interview with Jillian Weiss of Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund, and Calvin Stowell of DoSomething.org.

An interview with Jillian Weiss of Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund, and Calvin Stowell of DoSomething.org.

Health
Pride in Mental Health: Education

Mark O'Connell LCSW-R on June 21, 2017

An interview with GLSEN (creating safe schools for all, regardless of orientation or identity) and The Hetrick-Martin Institute (a safe space for LGBT youth and families).

An interview with GLSEN (creating safe schools for all, regardless of orientation or identity) and The Hetrick-Martin Institute (a safe space for LGBT youth and families).

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Magazine
November 2025 magazine cover
November 2025
Healing Family Splits

Cut-offs cut deep and wide, their emotional impact reverberating far beyond the combatants. Because much of the suffering is hidden, repair is challenging for everyone, not least of all therapists.

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Tests
Self Tests
Self Tests

Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.

Self Assessments
Quizzes