![[CC] Plurality and Chronic Illness by Cosmo and the Maelstrom Constellation @pluralevents](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/CJfpjCOTzaU/maxresdefault.jpg)
Uploaded May 2024 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The Plural Positivity World Conference happens every year online in May or June. Get your ticket and find out more about PPWC and our other virtual events at: powertotheplurals.com/events Plural Positivity World Conference 2024
Cosmo and the Maelstrom Constellation
Plurality and Chronic Illness: What it means to be a Terminal
Session description: Chronically ill pluralities function differently due to the amount of work and awareness required to keep the body in a functional state. In some cases this leads to the formation of what a friend aptly called a "Terminal," a headmate that facilitates the rest of the plurality interacting with the wider world, often giving their headmates access without risking the wellbeing of the body as a whole. The way our plurality functions, as a result, can look a good bit different from what many describe their plurality as. These differences can make a lot of chronically ill pluralities feel that they must not really be plural. Beyond that, interactions with, and care for, a plurality with a Terminal can be quite a bit different than other pluralities. Disability is often overlooked in intersectionality, so especially during a mass disabling event that leaves many with Chronic Fatigue (among other things), this is something that needs much more education.
TW (TRIGGER WARNINGS) for the session: Medical trauma, death/mortality, illness/injury, trauma, abuse, isolation, discussions of weight, ableism, sanism, eugenics.
Presenter bio: I've& been an aware plurality for 12 years, and have spent recent years connecting with plural community and learning about the variety and diversity we have as a whole. The intersections I'm& at also inform the way I& look at plurality, being a disabled, chronically ill, trans (specifically xenine), queer advocate, and an artist, I've& had a lot of exposure to how these things intersect with plurality. Many pluralities end up feeling like they don't count, or don't fit in, because they don't have or do certain things that they've been told were required parts of the plural experience. I& also do focus a lot on the experience of having severe chronic illness and how that can impact the way your plurality functions when you have extensive and delicate body management needs.
Disclaimer: While we encourage the sharing and viewing of this video, unauthorized reproduction, exploitation, or any use beyond this, particularly for case studies, conference presentations, research papers, promotional or marketing materials, or incorporation into other video or broadcast content, is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, organizations like the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) and McLean Hospital.
The contents of this video, including all related materials and media, are the property of The Plural Association Stichting (TPA). All rights are reserved under the Copyright Act of 1976, which protects "original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression". This includes the exclusive rights to reproduce the work, create derivative works, distribute copies to the public, perform the work publicly, and display the work publicly.
The opinions expressed by our presenters are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TPA. They are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.
For more information about our conference, check out our website: powertotheplurals.com/ppwc
Found value in our PPWC sessions? Help us keep this resource available and growing by donating to The Plural Association Nonprofit: powertotheplurals.com/donate
The Plural Positivity World Conference happens every year online in May or June. Get your ticket and find out more about PPWC and our other virtual events at: powertotheplurals.com/events Plural Positivity World Conference 2024
Cosmo and the Maelstrom Constellation
Plurality and Chronic Illness: What it means to be a Terminal
Session description: Chronically ill pluralities function differently due to the amount of work and awareness required to keep the body in a functional state. In some cases this leads to the formation of what a friend aptly called a "Terminal," a headmate that facilitates the rest of the plurality interacting with the wider world, often giving their headmates access without risking the wellbeing of the body as a whole. The way our plurality functions, as a result, can look a good bit different from what many describe their plurality as. These differences can make a lot of chronically ill pluralities feel that they must not really be plural. Beyond that, interactions with, and care for, a plurality with a Terminal can be quite a bit different than other pluralities. Disability is often overlooked in intersectionality, so especially during a mass disabling event that leaves many with Chronic Fatigue (among other things), this is something that needs much more education.
TW (TRIGGER WARNINGS) for the session: Medical trauma, death/mortality, illness/injury, trauma, abuse, isolation, discussions of weight, ableism, sanism, eugenics.
Presenter bio: I've& been an aware plurality for 12 years, and have spent recent years connecting with plural community and learning about the variety and diversity we have as a whole. The intersections I'm& at also inform the way I& look at plurality, being a disabled, chronically ill, trans (specifically xenine), queer advocate, and an artist, I've& had a lot of exposure to how these things intersect with plurality. Many pluralities end up feeling like they don't count, or don't fit in, because they don't have or do certain things that they've been told were required parts of the plural experience. I& also do focus a lot on the experience of having severe chronic illness and how that can impact the way your plurality functions when you have extensive and delicate body management needs.
Disclaimer: While we encourage the sharing and viewing of this video, unauthorized reproduction, exploitation, or any use beyond this, particularly for case studies, conference presentations, research papers, promotional or marketing materials, or incorporation into other video or broadcast content, is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, organizations like the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) and McLean Hospital.
The contents of this video, including all related materials and media, are the property of The Plural Association Stichting (TPA). All rights are reserved under the Copyright Act of 1976, which protects "original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression". This includes the exclusive rights to reproduce the work, create derivative works, distribute copies to the public, perform the work publicly, and display the work publicly.
The opinions expressed by our presenters are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TPA. They are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.
For more information about our conference, check out our website: powertotheplurals.com/ppwc
Found value in our PPWC sessions? Help us keep this resource available and growing by donating to The Plural Association Nonprofit: powertotheplurals.com/donate
![[CC] Plurality and Chronic Illness by Cosmo and the Maelstrom Constellation](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/CJfpjCOTzaU/mqdefault.jpg "[CC] Plurality and Chronic Illness by Cosmo and the Maelstrom Constellation
The Plural Positivity World Conference happens every year online in May or June. Get your ticket and find out more about PPWC and our other virtual events at: https://powertotheplurals.com/events Plural Positivity World Conference 2024
Cosmo and the Maelstrom Constellation
Plurality and Chronic Illness: What it means to be a Terminal
Session description: Chronically ill pluralities function differently due to the amount of work and awareness required to keep the body in a functional state. In some cases this leads to the formation of what a friend aptly called a Terminal, a headmate that facilitates the rest of the plurality interacting with the wider world, often giving their headmates access without risking the wellbeing of the body as a whole. The way our plurality functions, as a result, can look a good bit different from what many describe their plurality as. These differences can make a lot of chronically ill pluralities feel that they must not really be plural. Beyond that, interactions with, and care for, a plurality with a Terminal can be quite a bit different than other pluralities. Disability is often overlooked in intersectionality, so especially during a mass disabling event that leaves many with Chronic Fatigue (among other things), this is something that needs much more education.
TW (TRIGGER WARNINGS) for the session: Medical trauma, death/mortality, illness/injury, trauma, abuse, isolation, discussions of weight, ableism, sanism, eugenics.
Presenter bio: Ive& been an aware plurality for 12 years, and have spent recent years connecting with plural community and learning about the variety and diversity we have as a whole. The intersections Im& at also inform the way I& look at plurality, being a disabled, chronically ill, trans (specifically xenine), queer advocate, and an artist, Ive& had a lot of exposure to how these things intersect with plurality. Many pluralities end up feeling like they dont count, or dont fit in, because they dont have or do certain things that theyve been told were required parts of the plural experience. I& also do focus a lot on the experience of having severe chronic illness and how that can impact the way your plurality functions when you have extensive and delicate body management needs.
Disclaimer: While we encourage the sharing and viewing of this video, unauthorized reproduction, exploitation, or any use beyond this, particularly for case studies, conference presentations, research papers, promotional or marketing materials, or incorporation into other video or broadcast content, is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, organizations like the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) and McLean Hospital.
The contents of this video, including all related materials and media, are the property of The Plural Association Stichting (TPA). All rights are reserved under the Copyright Act of 1976, which protects original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression. This includes the exclusive rights to reproduce the work, create derivative works, distribute copies to the public, perform the work publicly, and display the work publicly.
The opinions expressed by our presenters are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TPA. They are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.
For more information about our conference, check out our website: https://powertotheplurals.com/ppwc
Found value in our PPWC sessions? Help us keep this resource available and growing by donating to The Plural Association Nonprofit: https://powertotheplurals.com/donate")
![[CC] Empowering Plurality: Reflections on Growth and Healing](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/E_JNSWN0MRg/mqdefault.jpg "[CC] Empowering Plurality: Reflections on Growth and Healing
The Plural Positivity World Conference happens every year online in May or June. Get your ticket and find out more about PPWC and our other virtual events at: https://powertotheplurals.com/events Plural Positivity World Conference 2024
Anderson System, Xy, Salem Starship, El Higuerón System, Team Renewal
Empowering Plurality: Reflections on Growth and Healing
Session description: Join us for Empowering Plurality: Reflections of Growth and Healing, a session exploring the diverse experiences of Plurality with a focus on growth, healing, and resilience.
We will cover topics like defining functional multiplicity, overcoming obstacles, and discovering strengths within Plural Systems. Participants will share beneficial practices and resources, future aspirations, and positive insights, offering practical advice and support.
This session aims to foster understanding and allyship through firsthand accounts of resilience, thriving, and selves-love, highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives in building an inclusive and supportive community.
Presenter bios:
Salem Starship: Just a gateway system of schizoaffective experience. Highly populated.
El Higuerón System: Relationship and intimacy coach, helping people with sexuality, gender, intrapersonal relationships and intimacy, and interpersonal relationships and intimacy. Caring for non-normative people, in particular those of 2SLGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities, most especially plurals.
Passing as light-skinned, in an AMAB body, having earned an advanced education and significant professional experience, we acknowledge and appreciate our privilege. And our financial reality and history of poverty and isolation, our physical and mental disabilities, our queerness and transness, our non-normative relationship values and practices, our lived experience of plurality, our immigrant and racial/ethnic identity, and our complex trauma history intersect with normative societal dominance and oppression in our life.
Our commitment to ourselves is to heal, to grow, to flourish, and to thrive. And our purpose is to help others to do the same.
Team Renewal: Team Renewals body is named Riley. We are primarily a fictive system, a disabled trans man of color, and looking to educate people on plurality and disability. We live in Maine, USA, with our partner (who is also a caregiver) and our best friend, who is a silly old black cat named Tundra. We are a mixed-origin system; mostly endogenic, but with a trauma-based DID diagnosis and one little self.
Disclaimer: While we encourage the sharing and viewing of this video, unauthorized reproduction, exploitation, or any use beyond this, particularly for case studies, conference presentations, research papers, promotional or marketing materials, or incorporation into other video or broadcast content, is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, organizations like the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) and McLean Hospital.
The contents of this video, including all related materials and media, are the property of The Plural Association Stichting (TPA). All rights are reserved under the Copyright Act of 1976, which protects original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression. This includes the exclusive rights to reproduce the work, create derivative works, distribute copies to the public, perform the work publicly, and display the work publicly.
The opinions expressed by our presenters are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TPA. They are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.
For more information about our conference, check out our website: https://powertotheplurals.com/ppwc
Found value in our PPWC sessions? Help us keep this resource available and growing by donating to The Plural Association Nonprofit: https://powertotheplurals.com/donate")
![[CC] Clinical Panel: Gatekeeping & Trauma Ranking Within Professional Clinical Communities - Part 1](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GE2ZLTLMuOU/mqdefault.jpg "[CC] Clinical Panel: Gatekeeping & Trauma Ranking Within Professional Clinical Communities - Part 1
The Plural Positivity World Conference happens every year online in May or June. Get your ticket and find out more about PPWC and our other virtual events at: https://powertotheplurals.com/events Plural Positivity World Conference 2024
Katie(s) Keech, Dr. Jamie Marich, Dr. Adrian Fletcher, Crystals Multifaceted, Melissa Barsotti, Dr. Anna Rosenhauer, Melissa Parker, Michelle Kahl
Clinical Panel: Gatekeeping & Trauma Ranking Within Professional Clinical Communities - Part 1
Session description: In part 1 of this panel session clinicians, coaches and peers from The Refractory will discuss the history and concepts of the OSDD and DID diagnosis as well as historical and present perspectives on what constitutes enough trauma to qualify for a traumagenic diagnosis of plurality. This will be explored from both a clinical and research perspective as well as a personal lived experience perspective. The conversation will cover an in depth look at how the clinical establishment historically has perceived levels of traumatic impacts and how that has been experienced as lived experienced clinicians, coaches and peers within the clinical community.
Presenter bios:
Katie(s) Keech: Katie Keech, MFT (They/Them) has over 20 years of experience in both community mental health and private practice. Theyve managed emerging adult community mental health programs & forensic programs. Theyve presented as keynote for both MAMFT and The Plural Association as well as several podcasts.
Crystals Multifaceted: Embracing multiplicity and recovery, founders of Multifaceted Journeys and writer of Therapist Interrupted. We are Advocates, Artists, Adventurers.
Melissa Barsotti: Hi yall! I ve been a practicing therapist for 15 years; however, its really only been in the last 5 years that Ive taken a deeper dive into my learning about plurality. Although I still go by Melissa, I realize that Ive always experienced the world as a WE.
Dr. Anna Rosenhauer: Dr. Anna Rosenhauer is a behavioral neuroscientist studying the psychophysiology of PTSD and intergenerational trauma as a postdoctoral researcher at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. A member of the Refractory, Anna seeks to incorporate her lived experience with her passion for understanding biological adaptations to trauma and the physiological interplay between trauma, development, and healing. In her free time you can find her practicing yoga, drinking fancy coffee, writing in her journal, or playing with her dog.
Disclaimer: While we encourage the sharing and viewing of this video, unauthorized reproduction, exploitation, or any use beyond this, particularly for case studies, conference presentations, research papers, promotional or marketing materials, or incorporation into other video or broadcast content, is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, organizations like the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) and McLean Hospital.
The contents of this video, including all related materials and media, are the property of The Plural Association Stichting (TPA). All rights are reserved under the Copyright Act of 1976, which protects original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression. This includes the exclusive rights to reproduce the work, create derivative works, distribute copies to the public, perform the work publicly, and display the work publicly.
The opinions expressed by our presenters are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TPA. They are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.
For more information about our conference, check out our website: https://powertotheplurals.com/ppwc
Found value in our PPWC sessions? Help us keep this resource available and growing by donating to The Plural Association Nonprofit: https://powertotheplurals.com/donate")
![[CC] The Power and Hope in Being Plural by Riley [Renewal]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/H9wHvI-agTk/mqdefault.jpg "[CC] The Power and Hope in Being Plural by Riley [Renewal]
The Plural Positivity World Conference happens every year online in May or June. Get your ticket and find out more about PPWC and our other virtual events at: https://powertotheplurals.com/events Plural Positivity World Conference 2023
Riley [Renewal]
Title of the session: The Power and Hope in Being Plural
Please note that the session will touch on themes of racism, transphobia, ableism, and abuse.
Session description: The Power and Hope in Being Plural is a session about how our plurality has guided us in our tumultuous life. Despite the pain of being many, it has allowed us incredible empathy, wisdom, strength, and perspective that we otherwise may never have had. We find ourselves doubting our plurality constantly, in a world that is not accepting and even judgmental towards us. Despite this, deep down we know we are stronger together. How we renew our courage to be plural proudly is a journey we wish to share, to remind others of the strength in living their truth without self-judgement, even if its a journey we take a thousand times.
Presenter bio: We are a chronically ill plural focused on surviving each day, and sharing our wisdom through art, video making, and poetry. Our work is meant to make often ignored or even persecuted feel more welcome in this world, because no one is truly alone, and the plural experience as a whole represents that truth to us. We want to share our struggles with intersectional issues in the US, as being trans, bisexual, black, mixed race, and plural all at once has not been easy (to say the least). We identify as an endogenic system, despite having suffered severe traumas in our life, and having a DID diagnosis (we consider it a label of a plural who needs help with trauma and inner organization). Our plurality is what lifted us through the darkest hours of this life, and we really want to inspire others like us with that eternal flame of self-love inside.
Disclaimer: Please respect our copyright under the Copyright Act of 1976, which protects all aspects of this video. Unauthorized use, particularly by organizations like the ISSTD and McLean Hospital, is strictly prohibited. To learn more about our efforts to protect our communitys content, see our [petition](https://chng.it/rSZ88Nt9).
The views expressed by presenters are their own and do not reflect the official stance of The Plural Association Stichting (TPA). We appreciate your support and understanding. Consider making a [donation](https://powertotheplurals.com/donate) to further our cause.
For more about our conference, visit our [website](https://powertotheplurals.com/ppwc)
Donation request: Found value in our PPWC sessions? Help us keep this resource available and growing by donating to The Plural Association Nonprofit today.")
![[CC] Thought Bubbles and Utility Belts: Plurality in Superhero Comics by The Anserines](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HFvaj0Cx6k0/mqdefault.jpg "[CC] Thought Bubbles and Utility Belts: Plurality in Superhero Comics by The Anserines
The Plural Positivity World Conference happens every year online in May or June. Get your ticket and find out more about PPWC and our other virtual events at: https://powertotheplurals.com/events Plural Positivity World Conference 2024
The Anserines
Title: Thought Bubbles and Utility Belts: Plurality in Superhero Comics
Session description: Since at least The Scarlet Pimpernel, superhero stories have been filled with people who utilise multiple, contrasting personas, becoming different people in different situations to achieve different goals. This talk will explore the various themes of plurality seen in superhero comics, ranging from subtle shades of plurality to full-on separate identities. We will give some summaries of plural characters in comics, as well as some who are not explicitly plural but can be viewed through a plural lens, and ask why it’s so common to see plurality represented in this medium in particular.
TW (TRIGGER WARNINGS) for the session: This talk will touch on various potentially triggering topics including: abuse in childhood (including sexual abuse), mental illness and perceptions of other realities, all in the context of fictional stories found in comics. We will also talk about the ableism perpetuated by certain trends and stories in comics.
Presenter bio: The Anserines are a plural system of around 12 members, depending on when you ask. They write music, lyrics and stories, some of which relate to plural experiences. They are interested in comics, musicals, philosophy and anarchism.
Disclaimer: While we encourage the sharing and viewing of this video, unauthorized reproduction, exploitation, or any use beyond this, particularly for case studies, conference presentations, research papers, promotional or marketing materials, or incorporation into other video or broadcast content, is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, organizations like the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD) and McLean Hospital.
The contents of this video, including all related materials and media, are the property of The Plural Association Stichting (TPA). All rights are reserved under the Copyright Act of 1976, which protects original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression. This includes the exclusive rights to reproduce the work, create derivative works, distribute copies to the public, perform the work publicly, and display the work publicly.
The opinions expressed by our presenters are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TPA. They are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual, or anyone or anything.
For more information about our conference, check out our website: https://powertotheplurals.com/ppwc
Found value in our PPWC sessions? Help us keep this resource available and growing by donating to The Plural Association Nonprofit: https://powertotheplurals.com/donate")
