Pride

As I think about Pride this year, I am thinking about the continued impact of systemic oppression of LGBTQIA+ folks and the mental health impact this oppression causes. When we see media coverage of the community, we can notice the progress and notice the ways in which we are still not represented. Pride is resistance. I wanted to provide some affirmations and reminders as you navigate this month.

Using people’s correct pronouns and names save lives.

Your identity is valid, even if you don’t feel safe enough to come out.

Your identity is valid, even if you don’t find yourself represented in the media.

You matter.

What are ways that you celebrate your identity? What makes you feel most affirmed in your identity? Who makes you feel most safe to show up as you are? How can you center these actions and people that make you feel most safe and affirmed this month?

Here are two resources that support urgent mental health needs of LGBTQIA+ young adults and Trans individuals - The Trevor Project and Trans Lifeline.

As always, take what is helpful and leave the rest. I hope you have the week you need.