The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Queer Guys: Skills to Cope and Thrive as Your Authentic Self

by Rahim Thawer MSW, RSW, Leo Herrera (Foreword by)

Overview

An inclusive, evidence—based guide to healing and thriving as a cis or trans queer man.

As a cis or trans man who loves men, you face unique and challenging circumstances, including homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia, struggles with body image, and rejection from family. In addition, the lingering effects of bigotry, discrimination, microaggressions, and hate crimes can have a traumatizing and devastating impact on your mental health and well—being. This compassionate guide offers powerful skills to help you heal the pain of trauma and thrive authentically in a world that often misunderstands or marginalizes your identity and experiences.

The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Queer Guys offers you a safe, inclusive space to examine, understand, and heal from systemic and interpersonal threats to your mental well—being. Based on proven—effective cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), this book provides proven—effective tools and exercises to help you reflect on, confront, and manage difficult emotions; improve self—image and self—esteem; and develop healthy coping skills.

This guidebook will help you:

• Cultivate greater self—awareness
• Move past negative thinking habits
• Heal emotional wounds and build resilience
• Challenge heteronormativity and gender role rigidity
• Care for your sexual health

 

Also included is a #DiggingDeeper community wellness campaign to help you reflect on the deeper questions of the book and share your own challenges and triumphs with others on social media.

If you’re struggling with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or trauma—or feel oppressed or misunderstood by the world around you—this book can help you overcome the negative internalized messages that are causing you emotional pain, and build the self—awareness, confidence, and courage needed to embrace your unique identity and thrive.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781648485039
Publisher:	New Harbinger Publications
Publication date:	06/01/2025
Series:	The New Harbinger Voices for Change Series
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Rahim Thawer, MSW, RSW, is a clinical social worker and psychotherapist from Toronto, ON, Canada. He is a clinical supervisor, facilitator and public speaker, university instructor, writer, and host of The CBT Dive podcast. He’s trained in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Gestalt, psychoanalytic, and sex therapy approaches. His clinical practice and writing explore the intersection of systemic oppression and mental health, while also honoring innovation in queer relationships.

Leo Herrera is a queer Mexican artist who explores queer and immigrant experiences through the lenses of sex, technology, and history. His work centers on themes of disease and stigma, always searching for utopia in LGBTQ history’s darkest chapters. Herrera is director of Fathers, a multimedia project which imagines the world if AIDS never existed. He is author of Analog Cruising, a manual for modern sex outside of our phones.

Editorial Reviews

Rahim Thawer has written an accessible mental health guide that I’m sure many queer and trans men will benefit from. Reading this guide is like going on a journey with a well—traveled friend holding your hand. The exercises draw on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and Gestalt therapy. The vignettes reflect a diversity with regards to race, sexuality, gender, age, HIV status, and more that I applaud.”
—Vikram Kolmannskog, DrPhilos, professor at the Norwegian Gestalt Therapy Institute; and author of several books, including The Empty Chair: Tales from Gestalt Therapy

Vikram Kolmannskog

Rahim Thawer’s book, The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Queer Guys, is timely and offers insight into the experiences of cis and trans individuals, and how they can cope with their own emotions and support others. The book is a much—needed guide for personal and educational use; it introduces the reader to key concepts and therapies such as CBT, Gestalt, and psychodynamic therapy.”
—Alfonso Pezzella, MSc, PGCHE, BSc (Hons), director of mental health programs at Middlesex University London, UK; and chair of the International Sexuality and Social Work group

Alfonso Pezzella

Rahim Thawer has written an essential and timely book in these difficult homophobic and transphobic times we live in. Thawer draws upon robust knowledge of diverse therapeutic theories and methods to help readers improve their mental health. Crucially, Rahim explains the impact of societal oppression and frames mental health difficulties in this context, which de—pathologizes common struggles of queer people and is affirming of gender, sexuality, and relationship diversity.”
—Silva Neves, author of Sexology

Silva Neves

As a sex therapist who explores the specifics of societal and developmental insults and trauma endured by GBTQ guys, this self—help guide uniquely expands on these concepts and puts specific and helpful tools and exercises in the hands of clients who need support but haven’t been able to access it.”
—Joe Kort, PhD, LMSW, author of Side Guys: It’s Still Sex Even If You Don’t Have Intercourse

Joe Kort

A comprehensive guide to the specialized mental health needs of GBTQ men written in a sensitive and respectful manner that will appeal to readers seeking support and a mentally healthier existence. With pertinent topic areas that are unique to the lives of GBTQ men—along with numerous examples, easy—to—follow steps, and exercises—this book is relevant to mental health and well—being at any stage of their life process.”
—Nick J. Mulé, PhD, professor of social work and sexuality studies at York University, therapist in private practice, and founder of Queer Ontario

Nick J. Mulé

This book is a much—needed life raft for queer men. Rahim writes with warmth, empathy, and an ability to translate evidence—based therapeutic knowledge into clear insights and practical tools. The book I wish I’d had as a young, queer man.”
—Kent Burgess, BOT, MPH, GAICD, CEO, CEO of Your Community Health; and LGBTQIA+ health, mental health, and alcohol and drug services leader

Kent Burgess

Rahim’s writing is a gift—relatable, accessible, and deeply and truly empathetic. His voice reflects his boldness and experience as a therapist and leader, offering love and understanding on every page. With his experience empowering gay men’s communities in Canada and beyond, Rahim’s words carry wisdom and heart. This book is a must—read for anyone seeking connection, authenticity, and true insight.”
—Aaron Purdie, executive director of HIM Health Initiative for Men Society based in BC, Canada; and registered clinical counselor who practices with 2SLGBTQIA+ people

Aaron Purdie