Exploring the importance of LGBTQ+ mental health, both on an individual and community basis.
Location: United Kingdom
Aaron Campbell
Pride month takes place every June and celebrates LGBTQ+ communities and culture. It created in recognition and celebration of the Stonewall Inn riots. These took place in New York on June 28, 1969, where activist bravely stood up against police raids. As well as being a celebration, the month also raises awareness and educates about the need for equal rights.
For many, Pride month is a highlight on their calendar. It’s a time where LGBTQ+ people and allies can come together, celebrate and much more. Events and parades take place all over the globe.
Pride as a community
We know that community is good for our mental health. The sense of belonging and acceptance that can come from being around like-minded people is important for our wellbeing (for more see: Relationships and community: statistics). This is why Pride month is important. It presents a great opportunity to bring LGBTQ+ people and allies together. Some LGBTQ+ people might not naturally have that sense of community with their family or friends who don’t share similar experiences.
Why Pride might feel different this year
However, this Pride month feels decidedly different. Over the past year we have seen many concerning things impacting the lives of LGBTQ+ people. This includes the new EHRC guidance (To see our joint letter to the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, and the Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, raising concerns click here) which is making life more difficult for trans and non-binary individuals. We have also seen many smaller LGBTQ+ spaces, events and Prides, such as UK Black Pride, shutting down due to a lack of funding and support. On the Rainbow Map’s Index of LGBTQ+ equality, the UK has fallen to 22nd place (out of 49 in Europe) at 44%. Just 5 years ago in 2021 the UK was 10th at 64% and in 2015 the UK was ranked 1st with 86%, showing a continued downward trend.
Many LGBTQ+ people this year may see this recent news and not even wish to celebrate Pride. Others may argue that it is at times like these, we need to celebrate Pride even more than ever. No matter which side of the fence that you fall upon, we know that LGBTQ+ people’s mental health is being impacted greatly at the moment. Both by recent news and ongoing factors like homophobia and transphobia. As such, it is vitally important that the mental health of LGBTQ+ people is prioritised during Pride month and beyond.
Pride and mental health
Everyone’s experience of Pride will differ. The month may bring up difficult feelings if you’re not ‘out’, or if you’re struggling with your gender identity or sexuality. You might also be affected by prejudice conversations around in the media, online, or where you go to school, university, work or to socialise. It’s important that, no matter your situation, you can find a community where you can be yourself. Support is available and that you take time for your mental health, here is some things you can try:
- Take time each day to practice self-care.
- Check out our best mental health tips.
- Visit a local Pride event (for a list of events across the UK click here).
- Try to make more LGBTQ+ friends either at local events online and build your own community.
- Take some time to consume LGBTQ+ media, whether that be TV and Film, books, music or something else.
Celebration and activism
When it comes to mental health, both the celebration and activism of Pride are vital. We know that LGBTQ+ discrimination still exists today and that the fight for equal rights is ongoing despite the progress we have seen. Pride continues to be a driver for change. Allies can be a part of that change too. Learn about important issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, speak up, call out discrimination, and support the Queer people in your life.
Together, we can make sure that Pride month is not just an opportunity to celebrate, but to protect the mental health of LGBTQ+ people too.
Getting support
If you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, you may face experiences that can affect your mental health, like discrimination and stigma. It may feel helpful to get support from an organisation with a deeper understanding of your experience as an LGBTQ+ person, like the ones below. This doesn’t mean that other mental health services aren’t for you – as services should always be inclusive and welcoming.
Switchboard - Listening services, information and support for LGBTQIA+ people. Call 0800 0119 100 - Open 10am-10pm every day.
MindOut - Mental health service run by and for LGBTQ+ people. Live chat available Monday - Wednesday from 3pm to 5pm.
LGBT Foundation - Advice, support and information for people identifying as LGBTQ+. Call 03453 30 30 30 - Open between 9am-6pm on week days.
Mermaids - Supports gender-diverse young people aged 19 and under, their families and carers. Offers a helpline and and webchat. Call 0808 801 0400 - Open 1pm - 8:30pm Monday to Friday.
African Rainbow Family - Charity that supports people seeking asylum and refugees who are LGBTIQ+ and have African heritage.
AKT - Supports LGBTQ people aged 16-25 who are homeless or living in a hostile environment. Live chat available Monday - Wednesday from 10am to 5pm.
Pink Therapy - Online directory of qualified therapists who identify as or are understanding of minority sexual and gender identities.
Hub of Hope - UK-wide mental health service database for local and national support. Includes a filter for LGBTQ+ support.