What happens when chronic pain intersects with queer identity, minority stress, and isolation?

In this episode, Tom speaks with Ian A. Lane, PhD, RN, pain management specialist, nurse consultant, and author of Pain, Power, and Pride. Ian explains why emotional regulation is an essential part of pain management and why telling someone that their pain is “all in their head” can be especially harmful for LGBTQ+ patients who already face dismissal and discrimination in healthcare.

The conversation explores the powerful role relationships and peer support can play in living with chronic pain. Tom and Ian discuss how partners, chosen family, friendships, and groups of people with shared experiences can provide forms of connection that individual healthcare providers often cannot.

Ian also offers practical guidance for queer p ...