Pride Month is not only a time for rainbows but for checking in on our community
By: Yolande Clark-Jackson
June is the time for celebrating summer, Juneteenth, Men’s Health, and Pride Month. Facebook is using the rainbow background for profile pictures and for posts. Human rights organizations are hosting virtual dance parties, and people in cars across the country will wave their rainbow flags. LGBTQIA+ members, activists, and allies will march and celebrate in solidarity to boldly show pride in the face of those who insist there should be shame.
Pride month commemorates The Stonewall Uprising that happened in New York City on June 28,1969. Marsh P. Johnson and Slyvia Riveria were two transgender activists who pushed back agaisnt being treated as criminals for living outside the expectations of their gender designation.
We believe the freedom to decide who we are and who we choose to love is a human right. Unfortunately, there are others who do not agree. As a result, members of the LGBTQIA+ communities have suffered abuse from those who are committed to enforcing hetersexual standards and binary thinking. And, those living outside the binary structure have been made to feel ashamed or broken. LGBTQIA+ adults and teens have suffered ostracization from not only society, but also their families and communities. For this reason, It is often hard for members in this community to show their pride every day of the year. When feeling rejected and persecuted, it is challenging to maintain mental, emotional and relational health, especially when you don’t feel safe.
According to a USA Today article, over the first half of this year, 13 transgender men and women were killed, and those murdered were either Black, Latinx, or Asian. Knowing these statistics, it makes sense why those in LGBTQIA+ community suffer from anxiety and depression.
Anxiety and Depression
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, “LGB adults are more than twice as likely as heterosexual adults to experience a mental health condition. Transgender individuals are nearly four times as likely as cisgender individuals (people whose gender identity corresponds with their birth sex) individuals to experience a mental health condition.”
With these statistics, it’s no surprise that many gender-nonconforming and LGBTQIA+ adults and teens also suffer from depression.
Last year statistics from the Trevor project, a LGBTQ suicide prevention organization for youth showed the 40% of LGBTQ youth suffered depression and contemplated suicide.
It is for this reason, that Pride Month is not only a time to celebrate the gains that have been made through activism, but to also acknowledge the work that still needs to be done and support those who need it.
Support for the LGBTQIA+ Community
As a community of support, pride month is a good time to reflect and remember that some things go beyond black or white, or gay or straight. It is a good time to check in to see how well we can accept the spectrum of experiences that exist in our communities. In this month of June, we can check in to see how we can do better, and support should not begin or end in June.
We want to celebrate the lives of Black, Brown and Indigenous LGBTQIA+ and support their mental, emotional and relational wellness all year long.
We want them to know that seeking out professional health for mental, emotional and relational well-being is always important. Particularly, it is essential to find a culturally affirming therapist to discuss and process feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. And, we want their families to know that their mental health is key in becoming the best advocate for those they love.
At Ibisanmi Relational Health we provide a healing space for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their families to talk and share their experiences. We are here to listen and support you. You can book your 15-minute consultation here.
And, be sure to follow us on IG at @ibisanmi.relational for mental health check ins and inspirational posts.
