May 1, 2021Manhood — from the inside out, part 8 — DissociationPaula Sophia Schonauer, LCSW, continues a serial memoir. If you haven’t read the earlier parts of this series take a look: “Dissociation — complete dissociation — is an emotional protection strategy that totally and completely removes painful realities from the mind and body of the survivor.” ― Kathy Broady, LCSW …Transgender5 min readTransgender5 min read
Apr 24, 2021Manhood from the inside out — part 7 — LimboPaula Sophia Schonauer, LCSW, continues a serial memoir. If you haven’t read the earlier parts of this series take a look: I am the soul in limbo. - Andre Breton, founder of Surrealism People who have nearly drowned report an intense struggle, sheer panic, followed by moments of peace and…LGBTQ5 min readLGBTQ5 min read
Apr 16, 2021Manhood, from the inside out — part 6 — Deep WaterPaula Sophia Schonauer, LCSW, continues a serial memoir. If you haven’t read the earlier parts of this series take a look: Victims who don’t seem to be confident in themselves will likely be eager to please, and not certain of their own identity [sic]. -Darrel Turner Ph.D., forensic psychologist By…Queer4 min readQueer4 min read
Apr 16, 2021DysphoriaA Slice of Life Memoir Sophie found herself trapped between sliding doors at the Oklahoma County Jail, in the zone of transition between freedom and captivity. Through two inches of security glass spider-webbed with cracks, she saw a row of inmates wearing institutional orange jumpsuits standing outside holdover cells. They…Gender Dysphoria29 min readGender Dysphoria29 min read
Apr 10, 2021Manhood, from the inside out, part 5 — MirrorPaula Sophia Schonauer, LCSW, continues a serial memoir. If you haven’t read the earlier parts of this series take a look: We do not see things as they are. We see things as we are. - Anais Nin A common theme in many horror films involves seeing someone in the…Oklahoma City5 min readOklahoma City5 min read
Apr 3, 2021Manhood, from the inside out, part 4 — Snips and Snails and Puppy-Dogs’ TailsPaula Sophia Schonauer, LCSW, continues a serial memoir with this second installment. If you haven’t read the earlier parts of this series take a look: Child advocates and behavioral health professionals have learned that the impact of trauma on children’s lives is profound, manifesting in multiple ways: developmental delays, problems…Oklahoma City5 min readOklahoma City5 min read
Mar 26, 2021Manhood, from the inside out, part 3 — Magic carpet cocoonsPaula Sophia Schonauer, LCSW, continues a serial memoir with this second installment. If you haven’t read the earlier parts of this series take a look: The darkness was no longer a comfort. My light-starved eyes filled with tears, and panic struck my heart. I pounded on the little door, feeling…Oklahoma City5 min readOklahoma City5 min read
Mar 20, 2021Manhood from the inside out, part 2 — Cubby HolePaula Sophia Schonauer, LCSW, continues a serial memoir with this second installment. If you haven’t read the first part of this series take a look: Manhood, from the inside out — Memoir and Mythology At the age of four, I got out of bed after Mom and Dad left the…Manhood5 min readManhood5 min read
Mar 14, 2021Manhood, from the inside out — Memoir and MythologyPaula Sophia Schonauer, LCSW, begins a series of memoirs with this introduction. I have aspired to be a hero and for much of my life. I have aligned myself with what society considers a praiseworthy character: law-abiding, hard-working, devoted to God, Country, and family — a protector, defender, and advocate…Transgender4 min readTransgender4 min read
Jul 15, 2020White Bread AmericaBy Paula Sophia Schonauer When I was a kid I ate sandwiches made with white bread. I remember the commercials declaring the wholesomeness of white bread showing white kids eating the bread and washing it down with milk. My mom cracked white eggs to make birthday cakes with white flour…White Privilege3 min readWhite Privilege3 min read
