Seeking support? I am available for new clients in February, 2027.
Queer Death Doula
Companioning LGBTQ+ folks in navigating the realities of death and dying.
Are you looking for support as you figure out what end-of-life means for you or a loved one?
Contemplating your own death or that of a loved one can be heartbreaking, uncertain and filled with questions.
I am here to support LGBTQ+ folks in:
You don't need to do this alone. Let's talk...
Death is a natural part of life that we don’t talk about much. The journey through it evokes many emotions and asks us to make many decisions.
Grounded in kindness and empathy, I am here to provide practical assistance and emotional support related to death & dying for LGBTQ+ people locally in Montgomery County, Maryland and parts of DC and virtually to the wider community.
End-of-Life Planning
LGBTQ+ folks deserve respectful and compassionate care. I will work with you to specify your wishes regarding end-of-life care, living will, funeral or memorial service and body disposition.
Compassionate Support
Each person’s needs are unique. We will work together to determine services such as providing practical support, education about the dying process, emotional care, vigil plans and sitting, help creating meaningful rituals at or after death and more.
Community Gatherings
In small in-person or online groups, we explore how ritual, meditation, connection, and community help us through times of uncertainty, loss and grief.
Hi, I'm Susan!
I am a queer death doula. My journey into this vital work is deeply personal. My own encounters with loss and the experiences of LGBTQ+ friends and chosen families have shaped my approach to death care. I faced my own mortality during my cancer journey where I was met with systems that just wanted me to conform. I realized the importance of having supportive and affirming companions on our unique life paths.
I am committed to advocacy and supporting LGBTQ+ people when contemplating death and during end-of-life, offering both practical guidance, emotional solace and a calming presence. Together, we navigate this sacred journey with authenticity and love.
Frequently Asked Questions
From the National End-of-life Doula Alliance website: “End-of-life doulas (EOLDs) provide non-medical, holistic support and comfort to people preparing for, or experiencing end of life by offering education and guidance; emotional, social, and spiritual care; logistical and practical assistance, and more--before during and after death. End-of-life doulas complement and supplement the work of family and other caregivers (including hospice providers).”
While both death doulas and hospice professionals offer support during the end-of-life journey, death doulas primarily provide non-medical emotional and spiritual support, while hospice teams offer a comprehensive medical and holistic approach to care for individuals with terminal illnesses.
The primary focus is to provide holistic support, comfort, and guidance as you navigate the end-of-life journey. The process will be tailored to your unique situation and preferences.
The first step is an initial consultation. This can take place in person, over the phone, or through video conferencing, depending on your location and comfort. During this meeting, we will get to know each other, have an understanding of your needs and how I can best serve you. We will create a personalized plan that may include discussing your end-of-life wishes, exploring any fears or concerns you have, and determining what will best support you and your care community.
Subsequent meetings may include reviewing end-of-life planning documents, discussing concerns around end-of-life or dying, legacy projects, respite services, vigil sitting and other supportive actions for you and your care community.
Death care is community care. To serve as many people in the LGBTQ+ community as possible, I request your active participation in deciding your contribution.
The initial consultation is free.
HOURLY RATES
Pay it forward $150+ / hour
You have more than enough resources and would like to contribute to making this work accessible to others.
Fair $110 / hour
You have sufficient resources and can offer a sustainable rate.
Supported $50 - $75 / hour
You may be struggling financially and would benefit from community support.
Monthly packages are available for a flat fee based on a specific number of hours. We can discuss what works best for your needs during the initial consultation call.
I am open to questions and discussions in order to serve you best.
Susan opened up an inquiry about what I'd want in ways I didn't think of. She supported my intention to move from a basic "I'd like" to "I want” and it was empowering.
We have appreciated Susan's calm and grounded nature and feel grateful to have her with us on this journey.