Meet Jerry St Louis

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jerry St Louis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jerry, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

As a Black, Queer, Cisgender male therapist, I’m often reminded that my very presence in certain rooms is an act of resistance and representation. There aren’t many people who look like me in this field, and that reality has fueled my commitment to be what I once didn’t see. I’ve learned that effectiveness often starts with authenticity. By showing up fully as myself unapologetically and intentionally not only honor my identity but also create space for others who share similar lived experiences to feel seen, valued, and validated.

Being “the only one in the room” has taught me to navigate with purpose. It deepened my understanding of why representation matters, not just for visibility, but for creating trust and connection within communities that have been historically excluded from mental health care. My success is measured not only by professional achievements but by how many people who look like me can now envision themselves thriving in spaces they were once told weren’t for them.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a Black, Queer, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Kink-Affirming Certified Sex Therapist, and the founder of Of Colors Healing, LLC. OCH is a private practice dedicated to creating shame-free, inclusive, and pleasure-affirming therapy spaces. My work centers on the healing and empowerment of marginalized communities, particularly Black and LGBTQ+ individuals, by affirming their full identities and challenging the stigma that too often surrounds sexuality, mental health, and pleasure.

What excites me most about my work is helping people unlearn shame and rediscover the freedom to experience pleasure, intimacy, and connection in ways that feel authentic and liberating. Through Colors Healing, I’ve built a space where clients don’t have to shrink or explain themselves; they can simply be.

Beyond therapy, I’m also an educator and speaker, passionate about teaching other clinicians how to provide competent, affirming care for clients exploring sexuality, kink, and identity. I regularly facilitate workshops and continuing education training that equip professionals to move beyond the basics and into more nuanced, culturally aware practice.

Most recently, I’ve expanded my reach through a new project I’m especially proud of—The Queer and Kinky Couch, a podcast co-hosted with another Black queer therapist. The show creates a space where mental health, pop culture, and sexuality intersect, offering real talk, laughter, and learning for our community and beyond.

At the heart of everything I do, whether in therapy, education, or creative work, is a simple mission: to build spaces where people feel seen, affirmed, and free to explore every part of who they are.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

The three qualities that have shaped my journey most are authenticity, cultural humility, and resilience, each deepened by my path to sobriety.

Authenticity taught me that healing starts with truth. As a Black Queer therapist in recovery, I’ve learned that my story and my willingness to show up fully create space for others to do the same.

Cultural humility reminds me to stay curious and compassionate. Every client’s experience is unique, and my own recovery reinforces the importance of meeting people where they are, without judgment.

And resilience keeps me grounded. Sobriety showed me that growth often comes through discomfort, and that rebuilding is part of becoming. My advice: lead with honesty, stay teachable, and find community. It’s what sustains you when the work and the world feel heavy.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents ever did for me was risk everything so that I could have a chance at life. They came to America from Haiti by boat, literally putting their lives on the line in search of safety, opportunity, and possibility. That sacrifice has shaped every part of who I am.

Their courage taught me what resilience truly looks like. They built something out of nothing, and their strength reminds me daily that I come from people who refused to give up even when the odds were stacked against them. Every degree, every client I serve, every space I take up as a Black Queer therapist is a reflection of that legacy.

Their journey wasn’t just about survival; it was about creating a future where their children could thrive. And I carry that with me in everything I do.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: OFCOLORSHEALING
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-st-louis-cst-licsw-aa429013b/