About Michelle

Michelle Esther O’Brien is a therapist, teacher and writer. She is a licensed clinical social worker, in private practice at an office in Midtown Manttan, and currently in formation as a psychoanalyst. She received her PhD from the Department of Sociology at New York University. She teaches Queer Studies as part-time faculty at NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study. Her dissertation focused on how capitalism shapes LGBTQ organizing in New York City. She has written two books and many articles.

Michelle received her Masters of Social Work from the Hunter College School of Social Work, CUNY. She spent several years working in HIV/AIDS service agencies, as a community organizer, support group facilitator and case worker. She served as the Executive Director of Housing Here and Now, at the time the leading coalition of tenant rights organizations in New York City. Michelle spent three and a half years coordinating New York City Trans Oral History Project through the New York Public Library. 

Michelle’s writing is available to subscribers through her Patreon.