Pride and LGBTQIA+ Mental Health

Pride goes well beyond parades and rainbow flags. It's a strong reminder of the ongoing journey towards equality for LGBTQIA+ individuals and a time to celebrate the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community.

At CCMH, we honor this month by raising awareness about the unique mental health challenges LGBTQIA+ individuals face and highlighting the importance of support, affirmation, and community.

LGBTQIA+ individuals are more than twice as likely as their heterosexual and cisgender peers to experience mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. These disparities are not a result of identity itself but stem from persistent discrimination, stigma, and social rejection.

For example, LGBTQIA+ youth face a 120% higher risk of homelessness, often due to family rejection, and are more than twice as likely to report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness compared to their heterosexual peers. Transgender and non-binary youth are at even greater risk, with higher rates of depressive symptoms and suicidality.

Bullying, harassment, and violence remain pervasive: 49% of LGBTQ+ young people experienced bullying in the past year, and 39% of LGBTQ+ youth have seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, with even higher rates among trans and non-binary youth. These experiences can lead to feelings of isolation, shame, and internalized stigma, all of which take a significant toll on mental health.

Affirming care (where providers understand and respect LGBTQIA+ identities) can make a profound difference in mental health outcomes. Here are some trusted resources to turn to:

The Trevor Project: 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth (1-866-488-7386, or text START to 678-678).

Trans Lifeline: Peer support for transgender people, by transgender people (1-877-565-8860).

SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline: Support for older LGBTQ adults (1-877-360-LGBT).

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Available 24/7 for anyone in crisis.

LGBTQ-friendly therapy directories: Find affirming mental health professionals through Mental Health America and other organizations.

Celebrating Pride & Supporting Each Other

Pride is a celebration of authenticity, self-acceptance, and community. Pride Month is also a time to recognize the resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community. Through honoring every person's unique journey and fostering inclusive spaces for all to feel welcome and safe, together, we help cultivate a sense of belonging and hope.

No one should have to navigate mental health challenges by themselves. At CCMH, we stand with the LGBTQIA+ community in June, and every day. You are valid, loved, supported, and your experiences matter. Happy Pride!