Pride Month and Mental Health: A Reflection by Chase Uribe, ASW
Understanding the History and Significance of Pride Month
To understand the purpose and significance of Pride Month, it’s necessary to recognize the history of discrimination, hate, and violence endured by LGBTQ+ individuals. This history has been a catalyst for the existence of Pride Month today. Historically, LGBTQ+ people have been denied basic human rights, legal protections, and access to healthcare. They have faced oppression on multiple levels—micro, mezzo, and macro. LGBTQ+ individuals have been denied service in bars and restaurants, forbidden from disclosing their sexual orientation, denied the right to marry whom they love, committed to mental health institutions solely for being LGBTQ+, and even murdered for their identity, to name a few examples.
Despite this, LGBTQ+ people have consistently demonstrated boldness and courage in their response to discrimination and hate by organizing and protesting. In the early 1900s, figures like Henry Gerber, a German immigrant and World War I Army enlistee, organized the Society for Human Rights, an early LGBTQ+ organization. Later, the Mattachine Society and the Daughters of Bilitis were founded to combat oppression and proclaim pride in being LGBTQ+. These organizations, among others, were catalysts for events like the Stonewall Riots.
The Stonewall Riots: A Catalyst for Change
In the 1960s, it was common for police to raid bars and restaurants where LGBTQ+ people gathered, especially in New York City. These raids often resulted in fines and jail time for LGBTQ+ individuals. However, on June 28, 1969, when the New York Police Department raided The Stonewall Inn, a popular LGBTQ+ bar in Manhattan, the community fought back. This act of defiance led to six days of protests, capturing the attention of news outlets and the hearts and minds of people globally. The Stonewall Riots became a catalyst for change through organizing and protesting, a symbol of pride for LGBTQ+ people, and led to the first Pride Parade.
On the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, the first Pride Parade, known as the Gay Pride Parade or Christopher Street Liberation Day, took place in New York City with between 3,000 – 5,000 attendees. Activist Craig Schoomaker was quoted saying, "People did not have power then; even now, we only have some. But anyone can have pride in themselves and that would make them happier as people and produce the movement likely to produce change." The New York Times reported, "Thousands of young men and women... from all over the Northeast marched from Greenwich Village to Sheep Meadow in Central Park yesterday proclaiming the new strength and pride for gay people."
Reflecting on Pride Month
To me, Pride Month is an opportunity to reflect on the history of the LGBTQ+ community, acknowledging both the injustices endured and the accomplishments achieved. It’s a chance to honor past leaders who paved the way for progress and to celebrate current leaders who continue to create change. Pride Month fosters a sense of belonging and community, ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals know they matter, have purpose and meaning, and have voices that need to be uplifted.
As a Clinical Therapist, Pride Month is a crucial time for me to support LGBTQ+ individuals in their journey to grow, heal, and recover from minority stress. It’s an opportunity to help people explore and learn more about their identities and to affirm and validate their experiences.
Supporting LGBTQ+ Individuals as a Therapist
Pride Month serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health support for LGBTQ+ individuals. The minority stress theory suggests that LGBTQ+ individuals experience chronic stress due to their stigmatized social status. This stress can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. As a therapist, it's essential to recognize these unique challenges and provide tailored support to help LGBTQ+ individuals navigate them.
Creating Safe Spaces
Creating a safe and affirming environment is crucial for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking therapy. This involves using inclusive language, respecting pronouns, and being aware of the specific issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community. It's also important to educate oneself continuously about LGBTQ+ issues and stay updated on the latest research and best practices in LGBTQ+ mental health care.
Advocacy and Allyship
Therapists can also play a crucial role in advocacy and allyship. This involves challenging discriminatory practices and policies, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and supporting initiatives that promote LGBTQ+ well-being. By being active allies, therapists can help create a more inclusive and equitable society for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Conclusion
Pride Month is more than a celebration; it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder of the struggles and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community and an opportunity to renew our commitment to creating a more inclusive and accepting world. As a therapist, my role is to support LGBTQ+ individuals in their journey, helping them to heal, grow, and thrive. By providing a safe and affirming space, offering validation and affirmation, and advocating for their rights, we can make a significant impact on their mental health and overall well-being.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of Pride Month?
Pride Month is significant because it commemorates the history of the LGBTQ+ community, recognizing both the injustices endured and the accomplishments achieved. It fosters a sense of belonging and community, ensuring that LGBTQ+ individuals know they matter and have voices that need to be uplifted.
2. How did the Stonewall Riots impact the LGBTQ+ movement?
The Stonewall Riots were a catalyst for change, symbolizing defiance against oppression and discrimination. They led to increased visibility and organizing within the LGBTQ+ community, culminating in the first Pride Parade and ongoing advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
3. How can therapists support LGBTQ+ Individuals
Therapists can support LGBTQ+ individuals by creating safe and affirming environments, using inclusive language, respecting pronouns, and being aware of specific issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Affirmation, validation, and continuous education on LGBTQ+ issues are also crucial.
4. What is minority stress theory?
Minority stress theory suggests that LGBTQ+ individuals experience chronic stress due to their stigmatized social status. This stress can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Recognizing and addressing these unique challenges is essential in providing effective mental health support.
5. Why is advocacy important for therapists working with LGBTQ+ individuals?
Advocacy is important because it involves challenging discriminatory practices and policies, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and supporting initiatives that promote LGBTQ+ well-being. Active allyship helps create a more inclusive and equitable society for LGBTQ+ individuals.