Pride Month: More Than Just Rainbows and Parties – It's About Real Support
Pride Month is here! For a lot of us, it's a time for celebrating love, embracing who we are, and just having a good time. But beyond all the glitter and fun, Pride Month really means a lot to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
As mental health professionals, we see that it's super important to recognize, celebrate, and keep speaking up for this community. Understanding why this matters isn't just for community members or active allies – it's for anyone who cares about creating a healthy, supportive world for everyone.
A Look Back: The Strength and Struggles That Shaped Pride
To really get why Pride is such a big deal today, we have to remember where it all started. Pride Month honors the Stonewall Uprising back in June 1969. That wasn't just some random party; it was a powerful moment when queer folks stood up against police harassment and unfair treatment. For decades, and still in many places, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals have faced unfair laws, violence, and being pushed to the side.
From a mental health point of view, this history is really important. Imagine constantly worrying about discrimination, rejection, or even violence – that takes a massive toll. Studies consistently show that 2SLGBTQIA+ folks often deal with higher rates of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and thoughts of suicide compared to their straight and cisgender friends. This isn't because of who they are, but because of something called "minority stress" – the ongoing stress from prejudice and discrimination.
So, Pride isn't just a party; it's a testament to the incredible strength of a community that has been marginalized, silenced, and hurt. It's a powerful way to heal together. Celebrating Pride means we remember this tough history and honor the brave people who made things better for so many of us today. It also reminds us that we still need to work on closing those mental health gaps.
Our Promise: We've Got Your Back
While we've come a long way, the fight for true equality and acceptance isn't over. Pride Month isn't just about looking back; it's also about moving forward. It's a clear reminder that:
Discrimination is still happening, and it hurts: Even here in Canada, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals can still face discrimination with housing, jobs, healthcare, and just in everyday life. Violence, especially against trans people, is still a serious issue. These ongoing stresses directly impact mental health, making access to understanding and affirming therapy even more crucial.
Rights can be fragile: The rights that have been hard-won can be challenged, and new unfair laws can pop up. Pride is a time to come together, speak out, and protect these rights, knowing that legal and social protections directly affect our well-being.
Being an ally is an ongoing thing: Celebrating Pride isn't a one-time event; it's about committing to being an ally all year round and creating inclusive spaces. Here at Kindred Roots Therapy, that means actively practicing LGBTQIA+ affirming care, making sure our space feels safe and welcoming, and that our team keeps learning and growing to best support our 2SLGBTQIA+ clients.
Your Well-being Matters Most to Us
Pride Month isn't just a party; it's a powerful and essential time for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. It’s about recognizing a history of struggle and resilience, celebrating all the amazing identities, creating a vital space for visibility and validation, and a strong call to keep pushing for equality and acceptance.
At Kindred Roots Therapy, we're all about creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for everyone. We get the unique challenges the 2SLGBTQIA+ community faces, and we're here to support your mental health journey with care, respect, and professional help. By recognizing and celebrating the 2SLGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month, we're helping to build a more inclusive, fair, and loving world for all.
For the month of June 2025, 2SLGTBQIA+ community members will receive a 40% discount on sessions with social worker therapists at Kindred Roots Therapy. Please contact us to self-identify and book your in-person or virtual session. Our therapists who identify as members of the 2SLGTBQIA+ community and specialize in supporting this community are Ali, Dom, and Jed.
We’ve also created a downloadable resource “Understanding 2SLGTBQIA+ Communities, Pronouns, and More: A Guide for Creating Informed Allies” to offer accurate information to uninformed or misinformed people who’d like to learn and grow.
Let's make this Pride a meaningful one, together.