June is LGBTQ Pride Month. An annual event starting after the Stonewall riots that happened in 1969 New York City, each June is dedicated to celebrating and recognizing the impact the LGBTQ community has had on our history. It is also dedicated to remembering those who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS.
Pride is about people embracing who they are and coming together to show how far gay rights have come. Individuals in the LGBTQ community come from all walks of life, and according to the latest Gallop poll, the LGBT community is growing:
- In the latest Gallop poll, the data showed that 5.6% of Americans now identify as LGBT, which is up from 4.5% in 2017.
- An interesting takeaway from the latest Gallop poll is that more than half of the LGBT respondents (56.6%) identified as Bisexual. Compared to almost a quarter (24.5) of the LGBT population that identifies as gay. The data also showed that 11.3% identified as Transgender and 3.3% identified as other. (e.g., queer, same-gender-loving).
- Gen Z has the highest identification of the LGBT population, with 15.9%
Finding strength and belonging in the LGBTQ community is common, however it is not without its own challenges. Members of this community are at higher risk for mental health conditions, so it’s important to understand how your sexual orientation and gender identity can impact your mental health.
- LGB adults are more than twice as likely as heterosexual adults to experience a mental health condition.
- Transgender individuals are nearly four times as likely as cisgender individuals (people whose gender identity corresponds with their birth sex) individuals to experience a mental health condition.
Although many know Pride Month for the colorful events and celebrations, it is about more than that. It is about raising awareness on LGBTQ issues and the gay rights movement. Though we have made significant advances for equality, we still have a long way to go. This month, we encourage you to learn more about how you can be a better ally to the LGBTQ community and support this celebration of acceptance and love.
If you would like to speak to someone about better managing your stress and anxiety, or to make an appointment, please call (717) 782-6493 for more information.
References:
June is LGBT Pride Month | Youth.gov
LGBTQI | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
LGBT Statistics for 2021 – Minority Times