Pride and Mental Health: Supporting the LGBTQIA+ Community
June is Pride Month, which is typically a celebration of visibility and resilience for the LGBTQIA+ community. However, it’s also a time to spotlight the critical mental health challenges many in the community are facing, especially within our current sociopolitical climate. Now more than ever, it’s crucial to acknowledge the emotional realities behind the need for Pride, especially for those navigating familial/social rejection, identity struggles, isolation, and mental health challenges.
Mental Health Disparities in the LGBTQIA+ Community
It is well established that LGBTQIA+ individuals experience significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicidality compared to their cisgender, heterosexual peers. These disparities are not due to LGBTQIA+ identities themselves (i.e., being gay or trans does not cause mental illness as many cultures believe), but rather mental health challenges stem from the stigma, discrimination, hate, and rejection many endure in the community for discovering and being who they authentically are.
According to The Trevor Project, suicide is the second leading cause of death among LGBTQIA+ youth, and queer young people are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their straight peers. Transgender and nonbinary youth report even higher rates of suicidality, especially when they lack affirming, accessible supports.
The Role of Family
It’s critical to understand that family acceptance can be life-preserving. Research shows that LGBTQIA+ youth who are raised in accepting circumstances are less likely to suffer from depression, experience social/vocational interruption, and are less likely to attempt suicide in their lifetimes. Unfortunately, many experience rejection in their families of origin, especially when they come out or are openly questioning their gender or sexual identities. This can lead to housing instability, economic insecurity, disconnection, and social isolation, and these risk factors seek to further isolate and marginalize LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Having a sense of community and/or family roots is critical to social development and overall wellness across the lifespan. Some LGBTQIA+ individuals build chosen families, i.e., supportive, affirming communities of friends and mentors who become their lifelines. These connections can offer the love, safety, and belonging that may be missing from their families of origin.
Coming Out and Self-Esteem
Coming out is deeply personal and often layered with fear, hope, and vulnerability. For some, it’s extremely liberating and life-affirming; for others, it can lead to severe trauma, social rejection, or total alienation from their communities. Navigating LGBTQIA+ identity in a world that may not fully understand or accept us erodes self-esteem and makes daily life feel like a battlefield. That’s why affirming spaces, whether in person or online, are imperative. These safe spaces provide opportunities for LGBTQIA+ people to see themselves reflected positively, express their identities safely, and build confidence.
The Power of Community
Building and participating in queer communities can be a powerful buffer against mental health struggles. LGBTQIA+ centers, pride events, and support groups offer validation, education, and peer support. These spaces normalize diverse experiences, offer connection, and reduce the sense of isolation that so many feel.
Community health also includes sexual health. Access to safe sex education, STI testing, and affirming healthcare providers is key, especially for queer people who may be navigating complex social and medical landscapes. Mental and physical health are deeply connected, and being informed and supported reduces stigma around issues like HIV and other STIs.
What Allies Can Do
If you’re a parent, friend, teacher, therapist, community member, or coworker of someone who is part of the LGBTQIA+ community, your support matters, often much more than you might realize. Use inclusive language, accept and promote the usage of preferred names and preferred pronouns, reject patriarchal and historical stances, educate yourself on LGBTQIA+ experiences, advocate for mental health resources, and, most importantly, listen with empathy and compassion. Affirmation, not merely tolerance, is what builds self-worth and resilience and can be a life-saving form of support.
Pride as Protest, Healing, and Hope
Historically, the traditions of Pride began as protest; in many ways, it still is, especially in light of the current sociopolitical landscape that is seeking to oppress transgender and gay individuals, abolish reproductive freedoms, and eliminate accessible healthcare. It’s a reminder that queer joy is resistance and rebellion in a world that still often marginalizes and silences the LGBTQIA+ community. It’s also a time for some healing. We must reflect and honor those we’ve lost, celebrate the uniqueness of who we are as LGBTQIA+ individuals, and continue the work of making the world safer for people from all walks of life.
Whether you’re proudly out, questioning, healing, thriving, or just surviving out there, know this: You are not alone. There is a community that sees you, resources that can support you, and a chosen family waiting to welcome you with open arms.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out:
There are powerful organizations and resources available to LGBTQIA+ individuals seeking support:
The Trevor Project (www.thetrevorproject.org) offers crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQIA+ youth. Their 24/7 lifeline (1-866-488-7386), text line (“START” to 678-678), and online chat services are confidential and free.
Trans Lifeline (877-565-8860) is a peer support service run by and for trans people, offering a safe space to talk about anything from mental health to identity.
LGBT National Help Center provides peer support, resources, and hotlines for people of all ages.
Local LGBTQIA+ centers often provide therapy referrals, support groups, STI testing, and more.
Reach out to your therapist if you need additional support this month.
You deserve support.
You deserve authentic, affirming love.
And you deserve to be here.
Lori Beth Infeld, MA, LAC
