Pride Month!
The summer season is a chance for joyous celebrations, times with friends and family, and fun in the sun. June kicks off this exciting time with the LGBTQ+ Pride Month, recognizing the challenges folks of the community have faced, along with their accomplishments. While this time is a jubilant time for many, others are finding difficulty within it due to the overwhelming worry amongst the crowd, due to the current social climate.
The Trevor Project, founded in 1998, remains a reliable source for data regarding the mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals. Each year, the organization releases a survey consisting of statistics surrounding different concerning topics for youths and adults. According to the 2024 national survey on the mental health of LGBTQ+ young people, 90% of LGBTQ young people said their well-being was negatively affected by the current political climate of the United States. Within those surveyed, nearly half of transgender and nonbinary individuals reported considering moving to a different state because of LGBTQ+ politics and laws.
This is an incredibly alarming statistic considering that the suicide rate for LGBTQ+ youth is already larger than that of their heterosexual or cisgender peers. Although we may feel as if the world around us is out of our control, there is still so much that we can do to ensure that those around us feel welcomed and accepted into safe spaces. Whether you are a teacher, parent, counselor, or simply just a loved one who wants to show support, here are five ways you can demonstrate kindness and understanding to those affected.
Open The Conversation: There is no shame in bringing up your concerns for someone’s well-being. Working on starting the conversation about emotions to demonstrate that you care about listening to their concerns. How have they been coping with everything going on? What are their emotions surrounding Pride month?
Be a Safe Space: When you welcome the conversation, ensure that you are creating a safe environment for that individual. Within that, make sure you are willing to welcome conversations about gender identity, sexual orientation, hormone therapy, body dysmorphia, and more without passing judgment. You can also offer to accompany them to doctor’s appointments and other nerve-wrecking events.
Share Resources: Don’t be afraid to share hotlines, websites, mental health tips, and medical personnel that may be of use to your loved one. Sharing that information will demonstrate kindness and show that you have an interest in supporting them.
Below are some resources to save on your phone or share with those you love.
The Trevor Project: Provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention for youth (13-24)
Phone: 1-866-488-7386
Text: START to 678678
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 or text PRIDE to 988 for LGBTQ+ Support
Trans Lifeline: A peer-support hotline run by trans people for trans individuals.
Phone: 1-877-565-8860
The Network/La Red Hotline: Provides 24/7 support for LGBTQ+ domestic violence victims
Phone: 800-832-1901
~ Celine Colon
MHC-LP
