June 2024

Jun 1

🐰🐰 PRIDE!!!!!!

“Folks who were willing to endure bullying and taunts, and stayed strong, and came to believe in themselves and who they were, and slowly made an entire country realize that love is love.” — Barack Obama

The only constant is change...

June is a special month for the LGBTQ+ community and allies. It's a time to celebrate Pride, honor the rich history of the LGBTQ+ movement, and acknowledge the ongoing struggle for equality and acceptance. As we celebrate the vibrant activities and events that mark Pride, it's important to highlight mental health and wellness activities to uplift individuals and communities.

A Brief History of Pride

Pride Month commemorates the Stonewall Riots of June 1969, a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. The riots were a response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, a popular gathering place for the LGBTQ+ community. This event sparked a series of protests and demonstrations that led to the formation of various LGBTQ+ advocacy groups and the first Pride marches in 1970. Over the decades, Pride has evolved into a global celebration of love, identity, and resilience.

Check out the flags of the LGBTQ+ community. (More than just these! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️)

Mental Health AND WELLNESS in the LGBTQ+ Community

Addressing mental health challenges within the LGBTQ+ community is vital for fostering genuine inclusion and well-being.

Research shows that LGBTQ+ individuals face higher rates of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. These struggles are often compounded by experiences of discrimination, familial rejection, and internalized stigma. Navigating self-acceptance amidst such adversities can profoundly impact overall wellness.

Meaningful efforts to cultivate supportive spaces that prioritize mental health and wellness for LGBTQ+ individuals are essential include:

Creating Safe Spaces: Ensuring workplaces, schools, and social settings are free from prejudice and discrimination.
Providing Access to Resources: Offering mental health services that are sensitive to the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
Promoting Representation: Amplifying diverse LGBTQ+ voices in media, leadership, and policymaking to foster a sense of belonging and visibility.

Empowering Activities for Individuals and Communities

Celebrating Pride goes beyond parades and parties; it's about engaging in activities that empower and uplift. Here are some ways to foster empowerment and wellness during Pride Month and beyond:

For Individuals:

Cultivate Self-Care Practices: Engage in activities that nurture your mental and emotional health. This could be mindfulness exercises, journaling, or engaging in hobbies that bring you joy.
Pursue Education: Learn about LGBTQ+ history and issues. Understanding the struggles and triumphs of the community can be empowering and foster a deeper sense of connection.
Seek Support: If you're struggling, reach out for help. Therapy, support groups, and online communities can provide valuable support and guidance to help navigate challenges and cultivate resilience.

For Communities:

Organize Inclusive Events: Host events that celebrate LGBTQ+ culture and history. Workshops, panel discussions, and art exhibitions can educate and inspire awareness and unity.
Advocate for Change: Participating in activism and advocacy efforts to advance LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness.
Establish Support Networks: Create or join groups that offer solidarity and mutual support, reinforcing community resilience.

As we commemorate Pride Month, let's not only celebrate progress but also commit to meaningful action. Community resilience is strengthened when individuals come together to support each other.

CELEBRATE PRIDE!!!!!!

Pride Month is a time to celebrate the progress we've made while recognizing the work that still lies ahead. By embracing the principles of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) and prioritizing mental health and wellness, we can create a more inclusive and supportive world for everyone. Let’s take this June to not only celebrate our identities but also to empower ourselves and our communities through meaningful action and connection.

Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally like me, there are countless ways we can get involved and make a difference. Remember, every step towards inclusion and acceptance is a step towards a healthier, happier world for all.

Unique & special MONTH holidays:

Some of my favorites:

National month for: PRIDE!!!!!!, Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

June 3 World Bicycle Day

June 7 National Doughnut Day

June 18 National Splurge Day

June 19 Juneteenth

I'm grateful to know you and I thank you for letting me be a part of your journey. Please let me know if there is anything more I can be doing to support you.

“When you put love out in the world it travels, and it can touch people and reach people in ways that we never even expected.” — Laverne Cox

Resource Numbers:

I recommend adding these to your contacts in your phone. If you don't need them, you might be able to share them with someone who does.

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Text Crisis Line... you can send a text to 741741 and just write HOME and someone will get right back to you. Visit Text Crisis Line
Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
The Trevor Project: Offers crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQIA+ youth. Visit The Trevor Project
GLAAD: Provides resources for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies, including information on mental health. Visit GLAAD
PFLAG: Offers support, information, and resources for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families. Visit PFLAG
National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE): Provides resources and support specifically for transgender individuals. Visit NCTE
It Gets Better Project: Shares stories and provides resources to LGBTQIA+ youth, promoting the message that life gets better. Visit It Gets Better