In honor of the Atlanta Pride Parade, today’s article will focus on celebrating and honoring the continued growth of the LGBTQ+ community’s promotion and awareness of mental health education.

Due to the staggering statistics surrounding suicide rates among LGBTQ+ identified teenagers, there have been wonderful organizations that have risen from these tragedies such as The Trevor Project and the It Gets Better campaign. The Trevor Project is a crisis intervention and suicide prevention program aimed to help people under the age of 25 years old. Statistics show that LGB youth are five times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers and that these same youth who come from highly rejecting families are 8.4 times as likely to have attempted suicide than LGB peers who reported no or low levels of rejection. 

Acceptance and celebration of one’s self is a steeple belief system within the LGBTQ+ community. Love has been shown throughout history as a powerful tool in the promotion of “dignity, equal rights, self-affirmation, and has been used as a way to increase society’s awareness” of the issues marginalized groups face (www.awarenessdays.com). When we accept ourselves, we love ourselves.

When people feel free to be who they are in public, it has been known to lower the level of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, traumatic experiences, and more.

The LBGTQ+ community has also been known to promote family connectivity by emphasizing that people can choose their own families and that it does not always have to be the one you are born into if they prove to be unaccepting. Knowing that you have options can reduce the feeling of isolation and improve one’s mental wellbeing. 

It’s important to build community and to be aware of organizations and support groups in your area if you identify as a sexual minority and are seeking a sense of family.

As the LGBTQ+ community continues to promote mental health, it can be the jobs of heterosexual allies to provide an inclusive environment wherever they go. If you are struggling with your sexual identity, have been facing discrimination, or simply want an affirming space, a therapist at GROW Counseling would be honored to provide such an environment for you. Love is love.

 Written by: Jasmine Tyson