LGBTQ+

How to Support Your LGBTQ+ Loved Ones During Pride Month (and Beyond)

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The LGBTQ+ community has come a long way in recent years, but progress is still being made. June is Pride Month, and it’s a time to celebrate how far we’ve come and to continue fighting for equality.

If you have LGBTQ+ loved ones, there are many ways you can support them during Pride Month (and all year round). Here are some ideas:

  1. Attend Pride events with them.
  2. Educate yourself on LGBTQ+ issues and learn about the history of the Pride movement.
  3. Stand up against discrimination and show your support for equal rights.
  4. Show your loved ones that you accept them for who they are.
  5. Be an ally and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, even when it’s not convenient or popular.
  6. Listen to and learn from your LGBTQ+ loved ones about their experiences.
  7. Donate to, volunteer for, or otherwise support organizations that serve the LGBTQ+ community.
  8. Celebrate your LGBTQ+ loved ones’ triumphs and be there for them during difficult times.
  9. Check in with your loved ones to see how they’re doing and offer your support.
  10. Let your LGBTQ+ loved ones know that you love them unconditionally.

These are just a few ideas—there are many other ways you can show your support. The most important thing is to be there for your loved ones and to let them know that you accept and love them no matter what.

Mental Health Struggles Commonly Faced by LGBTQ+

It’s essential to understand that while the mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals has improved in recent years, they still face unique challenges and disparities. According to Anxiety & Depression Association of America, “Somewhere between 30 and 60 percent of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, or transgender people deal with anxiety and depression at some point in their lives.”

Here are some key points to keep in mind:

  1. LGBTQ+ youth are more likely than their straight peers to experience anxiety, depression, and other mental illness.
  2. LGBTQ+ adults are more likely than heterosexual adults to experience anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts or attempts of suicide.
  3. Transgender adults and gender non-conforming people are at especially high risk for mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
  4. The stress of hiding one’s identity, living in a hostile environment, or dealing with hate crimes can lead to serious mental health problems for LGBTQ+ individuals.
  5. LGBTQ+ people who are not “out” or not supported by parents, family, and friends are especially vulnerable to mental health issues.

If you have an LGBTQ+ loved one who is struggling or you are close to people who identify who do not feel comfortable, it’s important to be there for them and offer your support. You can also encourage them to seek professional help if needed.

Tips for Supporting a Loved One Who Is Coming Out

If your loved one is coming out to you, it’s important to respond in a supportive and accepting way. Here are some tips:

  1. Listen without judgment and let your loved ones know that you accept them for who they are.
  2. Avoid making assumptions about their sexual orientation or gender identity.
  3. Respect their privacy and let them decide when and how to come out to others.
  4. Be an ally and advocate for their rights, even when it’s not convenient or popular.
  5. Encourage them to seek professional help if needed.
  6. Let them know that you love them unconditionally.

Pride Month is a time to celebrate the progress that has been made for LGBTQ+ rights, and to continue fighting for equality. This month we are donating to the Trevor Project, an organization that provides access “to a counselor if you’re struggling, find answers and information, and get the tools you need to help someone else”. If you have LGBTQ+ loved ones, there are many ways you can show your support. The most important thing is to let them know that you accept and love them no matter what. Join in on local pride events this month and support love!

The Trevor Project

Crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth.

You can reach them by phone at (866) 488-7386 or text “Trevor” to 678678.