By: Jason Rodriguez

Ann Russo is a licensed clinical therapist and the founder of AMR Therapy. She is well known for her advocacy and commitment to supporting underserved communities. With a focus on helping clients heal from religious trauma and stigma, Ann’s work offers a safe space for those often marginalized by traditional therapy models. Part of her services include educating her fellow therapists to do the same. 

In a recent appearance on the LGBTI Conversations Podcast, Ann shared her personal experiences growing up in a queer household during the 1980s and how it shaped her path and perspectives as a therapist for marginalized individuals — particularly people of color and those in the LGBTQ+ community. 

Growing Up in a Queer Household: “It Was Hell.”

Ann’s early life was anything but conventional. Raised in a small town, her father came out as gay when she was just four years old. This revelation led to a complex family dynamic, where her father, mother, and father’s partner all lived together under one roof. 

“My dad and his partner lived with us until I was 14. It was normal for me, but looking back, I realize how different it was from any other family around us,” Ann explained. 

Despite the love in her family, they kept their situation a secret, presenting the façade of a typical heteronormative family to the outside world.

Ann’s experience growing up in secrecy left a deep impact on her, especially when it came to her own sexuality. She recalls her struggle with coming to terms with her identity: “It was hell. I didn’t want to be gay. I had already lived with the stigma and rejection that comes from being in a queer household, and I didn’t want that life for myself.” 

This internal conflict, shaped by societal expectations, made her own coming-out process especially painful. However, it also shaped her compassion and drive to help others with similar experiences.

Religious Trauma and Stigma: The Intersection of Faith and Queerness

A significant part of Ann’s work involves helping LGBTQ+ individuals heal from religious trauma, a subject close to her heart. Raised by a mother who leaned on her Christian faith to navigate the complexities of a mixed family, Ann witnessed firsthand how religion can both harm and heal. 

“My mom leaned on her faith, but not in the way of condemnation. She found a deeper love within her beliefs to support my dad and our family. That was special,” Ann said.

Ann, who holds a master’s degree in theology, has long been fascinated by how religion is used to harm the queer community. 

“I’ve seen scripture used over and over again to oppress LGBTQ+ people. But when you study how the Bible was written, you realize there are so many gaps and misinterpretations. It’s tragic how these mistranslations have been weaponized,” she noted. Ann has even engaged with conservative Christian circles to understand their perspectives, finding that many people fear LGBTQ+ identities based on misconceptions. 

One particularly powerful story involved a mother terrified her son would end up homeless or addicted if he came out as gay, highlighting the dangerous narratives some religious communities perpetuate.

Supporting Children’s Self-Exploration: Teaching Consent and Body Safety

Ann advocates for giving children the space to explore their identities in a safe and healthy way while teaching them essential life skills such as consent, body safety, and boundaries. 

Reflecting on her own upbringing, Ann shared how her parents allowed her to explore her identity without judgment, something she considers vital for a child’s development. “When I was in fifth grade, I told my dad I might be gay. His response was supportive—he said it might be true, and if it was, that was fine. That freedom to explore without fear of shame or rejection was invaluable.”

Ann emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where children feel secure in expressing themselves. 

“If we can just give children the space to explore themselves in a healthy way—while also teaching them about consent and body safety—I think we’d see a lot less mental health problems down the line,” she explained.

Breaking the Cycle of Shame and Stigma

Ann’s therapy practice is deeply rooted in helping individuals break free from the cycle of shame and stigmatization, particularly for those within the LGBTQ+ community. She shared that many of her clients still struggle with internalized homophobia and the lingering effects of societal rejection. 

“It’s about helping them find their authentic selves and love that person,” Ann said. She encourages her clients to create strong boundaries and, when necessary, turn to their chosen family for support.

While Ann believes that society is becoming more accepting, especially with the help of social media and more visible representation, she acknowledges that there is still much work to be done. She is particularly passionate about the ongoing struggles faced by the transgender community, which she sees as the next frontier for LGBTQ+ rights. 

“There’s still pushback, but I think that’s a sign that things are getting better. People are fighting hard against progress because they see that change is happening.”

Creating a Safe Space for Healing

Ann Russo’s work as a therapist offers a lifeline to those grappling with complex issues of identity and trauma. Whether helping non-monogamous couples navigate their relationships or guiding LGBTQ+ individuals through the process of self-acceptance, her approach is compassionate and deeply informed by her own lived experiences. 

Through her practice, Ann Russo continues to contribute to a broader societal shift toward acceptance and understanding.

If you’d like to listen to the podcast in full, visit the LGBTI Conversations website. You can visit Ann’s website to connect with her or click here to subscribe to her newsletter! 

Published by: Holy Minoza