Happy Pride Month! Yes, images of rainbow flags, ornate floats, and lively dancing come to
mind. But, let’s not forget images of solidarity, activism, and a month designated to reminding the world of the reasons why pride month still exists.
Pride is celebrated in the month of June to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall
Riots. These riots took place on June 28th, 1969 when the NYPD raided a gay club called the
Stonewall Inn in New York City. Following the raid, a riot erupted for 6 days where LGBTQIA+ folx and allies protested for equality and against oppression. These riots are considered the catalyst for the LGBTQIA+ rights movement that is still present today: to remind the world that queer and gender diverse voices, stories, and experiences matter and should be honored and cherished.
The LGBTQIA+ community has experienced ongoing discrimination, oppression, and hate
which has increased mental health challenges for those within this community.
In 2024, the Trevor Project released a national survey on the mental health of LGBTQ+ young
people which found that:
● 60% have felt discriminated against in the past year due to their sexual orientation or
gender identity.
● 49% of 13-17 year olds have been bullied in-person within the past year.
● 23% reported that they have been physically threatened or harmed in the past year due
to either their sexual orientation or gender identity.
● 90% said that their well-being was negatively impacted due to recent politics.
I am a queer therapist and I work largely with LGBTQIA+ teens and young adults. I feel grateful to specialize in working with a community of folx who are brave and resilient in a time of political uncertainty and policy aimed at silencing our voices. If you are a client, know you are encouraged to talk about your fears, anxieties, and stress related to political uncertainty. Therapy is political and I am here to navigate these feelings and fears alongside you. Therapy for all is a place to have your voice be not only heard but validated. Particularly for the queer community this is a space to feel honored in your identity, and must serve as a safe space to explore both the beautiful and the challenging components of being in a marginalized group.
Pride is for everyone!
To any allies who may be reading. Yes, pride month is undeniably a celebration AND it is a reminder of those who have paved the way for us to celebrate. Adding your pronouns on your email sign off, wishing others “Happy Pride!”, and voting for political leaders that align with equity and inclusion are some of the ways you can show up not just during the month but all year long.
Pride month shines a light on our vibrant community to get a taste of what it feels like to exist in a world that celebrates our authentic selves. Mental health impacts resulting from being gender or sexual minorities and continued societal challenges and political decisions keep the need for Pride to continue.
In search of an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist? Best Damn You has a number of therapists who have experience working with this community and can assist you in your mental health journey!
If you'd like to reach out directly to me, I'm happy to offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation to see if we might be a fit! Please click the button below:
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