Mental health and Pride: The wellbeing of and the impact of policies of oppression on LGBTQ+ communities

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“Love takes off the masks we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.”

―  James Baldwin

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Photo by jacoblund, Unsplash

Honoring Pride Month

By Somava Saha, WE in The World


This month, we honor the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community in the face of unprecedented levels of attack. The trans community, in particular, has been challenged by the introduction of legislation that compromises basic rights to identity, access to education and afterschool activities, and access to basic mental and physical health and well-being. We share data about legislative actions taken to prevent access to health care for trans youth and adults and shine a light on the toll anti-trans legislation has on the mental health of trans youth. We also share success stories about how legal action and solidarity from a broader community have helped to create the conditions where everyone belongs. 


We want to life up Nicole Cardoza’s tangible recommendations as a Black queer activist about how to do better during Pride Month in the AntiRacism Daily (read in detail below!): 



  • Instead of…blanket support, center those most marginalized.
  • Instead of…Buying big box, shop local.
  • Instead of…Supporting national organizations, donate locally. 
  • Instead of…Giving one-time, make a monthly contribution. 
  • Instead of…Posting rainbows, make your stance clear.
  • Instead of…Hosting a panel, build accountability. 
  • Instead of…Getting “prideful,” get political.”
Find out "how" and sign up

Statistics

What does the statistics say?

Anti-trans legislation, hate-based crimes, and discrimination shouldn't overshadow Pride, but they can't be ignored. We hope those struggling with their identity or living in unsupportive environments find these resources helpful to living a life of well-being and resilience.

Source: Mental Health America

Access Resources

Videos


Digital targeting of LGBTQ+ community in North Africa and Middle East



Ranging from sexual assault, extortion to solitary confinement, this report unveils torturesome details, highlighting the plight of the LGBTQ+ community in the face of homophobic and transphobic laws.

Source: Human Rights Watch

The global scale of violence and discrimination against LBQ+ women has fallen through the cracks


These concerns span from basic human rights to tenure security for lesbian women, compromising their ability to forge relationships, build homes and families, putting to question the state of their well-being globally.

Source: Human Rights Watch

Podcasts

How many hard rights can one supreme court take?

With Professor Melissa Murray



In the coming weeks, the Supreme Court of the United States will hand down decisions that could have major implications for LGBTQIA+ rights, racial justice, tribal sovereignty, and beyond. Melissa Murray and Jonathan discuss what’s on the docket, why the Supreme Court seems more powerful (and conservative) than ever, and how we can get through this hot mess SCOTUS summer.

Listen to the podcast

Articles for reflection

Beyond Inclusion: Pronoun Use for Health and Well-Being

Transgender and Nonbinary people frequently grapple with a life-threatening combination of increased mental health struggles... These inequities are being met with tireless efforts from the LGBTQ+ community and allies to improve gender-expansive care. Proper pronoun and chosen name use is one critical piece that has been proven to directly benefit the health and well-being of TGNB people.

Let's learn more

Wave of Anti-Transgender Bills in Republican-Led States Divides US Faith Leaders

By Associated Press

May 12, 2023, at 8:10 a.m.

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As Republican-governed states across the nation advance numerous bills targeting transgender young people, America’s faith leaders are starkly divided in their assessment.

Follow the conversation

Understanding and supporting the transgender community

By Christopher Dawson, CNN

Updated 8:34 AM EDT, Thu June 1, 2023

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If you or someone you know is transgender and needs to talk, there are resources available for you: lifelines, hotlines, text lines and counselors. Trans families also host free virtual parent support groups on zoom. Sessions are available.

Access the resources

Anti-trans bills take toll on mental health

By Arika Herron, author of Axios Indianapolis

Apr 11, 2023 - Politics & Policy


The record-setting number of bills targeting the transgender community is already harming trans' youths mental health, experts and advocates warn.The LGBTQ+ community is already at higher risk for disorders like anxiety and depression....This is especially true for LGBTQ+ youth, who consistently report higher rates of depression and suicidal ideation than their straight and cisgender peers.


check out numbers

Join the conversation

Pride and Mental Health


Pride Month is a time for LGBTQ+ folks to gather and celebrate their freedom to live authentically. The LGBTQ+ community deserves affirmed, safe, supported, joyful, and mentally healthy lives.


Get involved in Pride Month events by attending one of Mental Health America's webinars or viewing the recordings. 

Get involved

Art Corner

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Source: amplifier art

Resources for Equity

Exploring and Affirming Your Gender



Being transgender isn't a mental health condition, but the trans community faces higher rates of mental health challenges than any other LGBTQ+ identity group. Being your authentic self — if safe to do so — is one of the best ways to protect your well-being. Take pride in exploring and affirming your gender identity!

Read Article Here

2023 anti-trans bills tracker


In 2023, anti-trans bills continue to be introduced across the country. We track legislation that seeks to block trans people from receiving basic healthcare, education, legal recognition, and the right to publicly exist.

Use this Tool

Upcoming events

9 Jun - The 2023 All-America City Awards

Jun 9, 2023 - Jun 11, 2023 EDT


12 Jun - Inside-Out International Conference & Leadership Series

Jun 12, 2023, 12:00 PM - Jun 15, 2023, 5:00 PM EDT


22 Jun - Terwilliger Center Summit on Housing Supply Solutions

Jun 22, 2023, 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM EDT


7 July - Active Minds Mental Health Conference 2023

Jul 7 - Jul 8, 2023 Washington, DCWashington DC



Check out the WIN Calendar

Funding Opportunity

Leonard-Litz LGBTQ Foundation: LGBTQ+ Community Grants (New Hampshire)

Type: Foundation

Due Date: Rolling

Match Required: No Cost Share

Overview: The purpose of this program is to help LGBTQ+ people fulfill their potential by funding nonprofit organizations that advance the interests and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy and with programs and services that meet the needs of LGBTQ+ people. Funding will be provided for life-affirming services that address one or more of the following focus areas:


  • Health and wellness
  • Crisis intervention
  • Racial justice
  • Advocacy and community engagement
  • Social assistance and programming


Huntington National Bank: Charitable Grant Program (Wisconsin)

Type: Foundation

Due Date: Rolling

Match Required: No Cost Share

Overview: The purpose of this program is to contribute to the development of healthy, vibrant communities. Funding will support projects that improve self-sufficiency and quality of life, as well as advance social and economic equality, in communities served by the funding agency.


Support will be provided for projects in the following focus areas:


  • Community revitalization and stabilization 
  • Community services 
  • Affordable housing 
  • Economic and community development 
  • Racial/social equity
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