Use the Power of Pride for Better Mental and Emotional Health Awareness
While many people enjoy June parades across the world, members of the LGBTQIA2s+ community (which we’ll collectively refer to in this article as LGBTQ+) know that Pride Month represents so much more. Enacted in June 1970—one year after the Stonewall Uprising—this is a focused time to celebrate feelings of dignity and self-worth, and encourage allies to remove barriers to LGBTQ+ health equity.
By taking pride in your recovery and sharing essential wellness resources with others, you create a platform that lifts everyone to new heights. This effort is especially important for helping build greater awareness of some of the mental and emotional health challenges prevalent in the LGBTQ+ community and, more importantly, how they can be addressed.
Alarming Statistics About LGBTQ+ Health
Individuals in this community face considerable emotional and mental health issues—and recent data highlights unfortunate disparities. For example:
- According to The Trevor Project, in 2024, 39% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide in the past year, with transgender and nonbinary youth experiencing even higher rates. Additionally, 12% of LGBTQ+ youth attempted suicide during the same period.
- Additionally, a substantial 50% of LGBTQ+ youth who sought mental health care were unable to access it, and nearly half experienced bullying, which was strongly linked to increased suicidal ideation and attempts.
Studies indicate emotional and mental health challenges are compounded by systemic barriers, including discrimination, lack of access to affirming care, and socio-economic hardships. For example:
- Over a third of LGBTQ+ adults reported poor mental health in the past year, compared to just 10% of their non-LGBTQ+ peers.
- Transgender and intersex individuals face even greater obstacles, with 45% of transgender adults postponing care due to affordability and 37% avoiding care due to fear of mistreatment.
A 2024 report from NPR also indicated that “Research shows that 77% of the U.S. population has a primary care physician, but just over half of LGBTQ+ women in the survey reported being under the care of one. Respondents of color were twice as likely to say they lacked access to quality health care.” In fact, LGBTQ+ adults are nearly twice as likely as heterosexual adults to experience a substance use disorder.
Use Pride to Promote Better Mental and Emotional Health
Showing pride in LGBTQ+ health means honoring the resilience, dignity, and humanity of a community that has long faced systemic barriers to care and well-being. It’s a powerful reminder that everyone deserves access to compassionate, affirming health services—free from fear, discrimination, or shame.
There are many initiatives that build upon the foundation of Pride Month to help others. Here are just a few vital resources you can share:
- Mental Health America California offers a comprehensive listing of warmlines and hotlines designed to make opportunities for connection easier. They include CalHope’s Peer Emotional Warmline, The Trevor Project LGBTQ+ Crisis Line, and others.
- CenterLink is a professional organization that promotes a vast network of local, state, and national LGBTQ+ community centers and their services listed in a comprehensive directory.
- The Gay and Lesbian Medical Association is “the world’s oldest and largest association of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer and allied health professionals.” You can find providers, participate in research, and seek out other resources.
- The National Alliance on Mental Illness addresses numerous topics important to members of the LGBTQ+ community, including questions to ask healthcare providers about their treatment approach, a helpline for more resources, and how to join the #IAmNAMIPride movement.
By celebrating LGBTQ+ health, we uplift voices that have been marginalized, advocate for equity, and foster a future where love, identity, and mental wellness are not just accepted, but also embraced.
Fair Oaks: Your Allies for Healing
Fair Oaks Recovery Center in Sacramento, California, is a licensed Chemical Dependency Recovery Hospital—a status issued by the California Department of Public Health to addiction rehabilitation and dual diagnosis/mood disorder treatment facilities. The core philosophy of our board-certified professionals is to honor the human dignity of each person we work with, and we feel privileged to support a process of change with our safe space of inclusion.
Our professionals acknowledge collective challenges, but also strive to embrace every individual’s background and provide customized solutions for their future success as a whole person—body, mind, and spirit. This is the care you deserve—talk with a member of our admissions team today to learn more.
If you or someone you know is in distress or needs prevention or crisis resources, reach out to the 988 Lifeline for free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Simply dial 988 from any phone or start an online chat.
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