Growing Up Queer: Bullying, Shame & Acceptance | "Mind If We Talk?" BetterHelp Podcast

Mind If We Talk? is a BetterHelp mental health podcast featuring real stories and expert insights on how therapy can help. Hosted by BetterHelp therapist Sreela Roy-Greene, LMHC. How does bullying shape the way we see ourselves, connect with others, and move through the world? In this episode of Mind If We Talk?, host and licensed mental health counselor Sreela Roy-Greene sits down with trailblazing comedian Margaret Cho and comedian Dylan Adler for a candid conversation about queer identity, belonging, and healing from childhood bullying. Together, they reflect on growing up feeling different, navigating rejection and shame, and the long journey toward self-acceptance. They also explore how humor can become a powerful tool for transforming pain into connection, resilience, and self-expression. Later, organizer, author, and activist Hope Giselle joins Sreela to break down: • The lasting psychological impact of bullying and exclusion • Why positive LGBTQ+ representation matters for mental health • How experiences of rejection can shape the nervous system • What healing can look like after years of hiding parts of yourself Whether you're navigating your own identity, healing from bullying, or supporting someone you love, this episode offers insight, validation, and hope. 00:00 Why Representation Can Save Lives 02:31 Margaret Cho on Growing Up Queer and Feeling Like an Outsider 09:31 Dylan Adler on Bullying, Identity, and Finding Hope 12:48 The “It Gets Better” Message That Changed Everything 14:45 Turning Pain Into Confidence and Success 19:34 Therapy, Humor, and the Power of Healing Together 21:53 Margaret and Dylan’s Advice for LGBTQ+ People Coming Out 26:43 Why Visibility and Representation Matter 27:31 Hope Giselle on the Importance of Representation 32:08 Creating Safe Spaces for Queer Youth 42:16 Using Creativity to Heal Trauma and Shame 44:53 Why We Seek Validation From Those Who Hurt Us 48:09 Final Advice on Self-Worth, Community, and Belonging 🔗 https://lnk.to/miwts2e7 🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don’t miss new episodes. 💡 Ready to talk to someone? https://www.betterhelp.com/youtube 📱 App links: App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/betterhelp-therapy Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.betterhelp 🌱 Follow BetterHelp: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterhelp TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@betterhelp Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BetterHelp #BetterHelp #BetterHelpPodcast #mentalhealth #LGBTQ #queeridentity #selfacceptance #bullyingrecovery #healingjourney #mentalwellness #MargaretCho #DylanAdler #HopeGiselle