Celebrating the Resilience of Queer Black Relationships

In a clinical landscape where traditional therapy models have historically been researched, constructed from, and designed for white heterosexual couples, this book offers an innovative framework to address the challenges, nuances, and strengths of diverse identities and relationships. Drawing from Attachment Theory, Structural Family Therapy, Narrative Therapy and the rich history and resiliency of Black LGBTQIA+ communities from the Harlem Renaissance to contemporary Ballroom culture, Multidynamic Relational Therapy (MRT) transforms centuries of wisdom and resilience into a practical five-step framework. This model specifically addresses issues of rigidity, power dynamics, and attunement in loving relationships while helping client systems break free from society's limiting scripts about love and connection. Through compelling clinical examples, Dr. Pennant demonstrates how this framework helps individuals navigate intimate relationships and generational trauma, moving beyond merely solving problems to achieve "radical emancipation" - the complete rewriting of relationship rules to create partnerships that are authentically their own. This pioneering book provides clinicians with a versatile framework applicable to individuals, couples, families, and various relational constellations. It is an essential resource for therapists, counselors, and mental health professionals committed to culturally responsive practice and helping clients develop relationship patterns that honor their full humanity and unique relational needs.

Anthony G. Pennant, PhD, CST is a licensed marriage and family therapist, systemic therapist, and AASECT-certified sex therapist. He is also an Approved Supervisor through the AAMFT. Dr. Pennant is an international speaker and skilled in working with neurodiversity, LGBTQ+ relationships, and foster care communities. As a passionate educator, his focus is on training Couple and Family Therapists in the theory and practice of systemic intervention.

1. Intersectionality and Me 2. African philosophy of Self & Person of the Therapist 3. Multidynamic Relational Therapy 4. Blackity Black with some more Black in there 5. Societal Expectations 6. Values 7. Power and the Power Analysis 8. Liberation 9. Radical Emancipation 10. Jamal and Marcus: MRT with a Queer Couple 11. Ballroom: 10 Out of 10 12. MRT and Family Therapy 13. MRT in Intimate Relationships and Sex Therapy 14. The Future We're Building: MRT in Community