This life takes us through so many chapters as we each make our ways through. Moments of transition – whether you’re coming out, undertaking physical transition, or navigating any other life transformation, it can help to talk it through with someone who is ready to celebrate you.
You – you are the same, but different. You’re new, you’re the same, and you have to find ways to talk about it that feel authentic. You are also an ancient bit of the galaxy, a creature who deserves comfort and joy and love.
I – I am a doula who provides compassionate, trauma-informed, feminist emotional, logistical, and physical support. My mission is to meet you where you are, and to offer the care you need with humility, warmth, curiosity, vulnerability, pragmatism, and a sense of our creaturely nature for an embodied process.
My services range from virtual support sessions, real-time support, in-person support for transitions including visits, surgery care, home assistance, and ritual creation to mark your transition. In person or from afar, these services are highly specialized based on what feels right for you and yours.
As a Queer and Nonbinary Doula
It is my great honor to sit with and serve my queer and trans community. In our lives, there are many times when we may feel that we don’t have the support we need. To me, a doula is neither family nor friend, rather someone who opens space for intentionally moving through life. Investing in doula accompaniment is a way to invest in yourself, to bring deeper meaning, accompaniment, and intentionality to your most important moments.
As a Jewish Doula
I am moved to bring my embodied ancestral Judaism into my work. Jewish gender and sexuality are complex and celebrated, providing opportunities for heartbreak and mystery, humor and imagination. The structures of Jewish ritual provide us with containers and supports throughout life that I am honored to co-facilitate and navigate. Jewish text, liturgy, and music connect us to our ancestors through time and ritual.
Ariel N Kates 