More Than a Party: The Mental Health Benefits of Pride Month
Pride activities are vital self-care. Beyond the spectacle of the parades and parties, LGBTQIA+ Pride month is an opportunity for people to come together and celebrate their identity, culture, and community. LGBTQIA+ folks often face mental health challenges due to systemic discrimination, stigma, lack of social support, and other factors. However, engaging in Pride events and activities can have significant mental health benefits for queer people of all ages. Let's have a closer look at the specific benefits of Pride Month activities for different age groups.
For children, Pride events can help foster a sense of pride and self-esteem. Queer children often face bullying and hostility as they try to come to terms with their identity and feelings. The children of queer adults can be similarly targeted because of their families. Pride Month activities create a safe space for children to express themselves and connect with others who share their experiences. Seeing others who have similar identities, experiences, and families can be validating and affirming for children who may feel like outsiders in their school or community. It can give them a sense of belonging, which can help to combat feelings of isolation or sadness. Such activities include storytelling events, family-friendly marches, and community picnics.
Tweens and teens in the LGBTQIA+ community are particularly prone to depression, anxiety, and suicide ideation due to bullying, family rejection, or internalized homophobia. Pride Month activities offer a chance for them to build connections with peers and mentors, access mental health resources, and express their identities in a supportive atmosphere. Being part of a community can help them feel less alone, more accepted, and more hopeful for their futures. According to The Trevor Project’s 2021 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health, 42% of LGBTQIA youth said that having access to more support from their family members and/or peers would have a significant positive impact on their overall mental health. Pride activities for tweens and teens include attending concerts, dancing, playing games, and participating in events that allow them to explore their identity in a welcoming environment.
Young adults often face the challenges of starting their careers and establishing their identities; they may experience a period of uncertainty and confusion as they navigate adulthood. For queer young adults, these challenges can be compounded by discrimination and stigma. Being part of a broader LGBTQIA+ community provides a sense of support and motivation. It helps foster a sense of purpose and identity while reducing feelings of loneliness or alienation. Pride Month activities can help young adults affirm their identities and provide opportunities for self-expression, community building, and empowerment. These include attending parties, participating in sports events, and participating in workshops and seminars on topics relevant to mental health, such as stress management, coping strategies, and self-care.
For older adults, social isolation can significantly contribute to depression and anxiety. Older adults in the LGBTQIA+ community face unique challenges, such as isolation and lack of social support as they age. Many older LGBTQIA+ people have experienced decades of discrimination and have lost friends and loved ones to the AIDS epidemic. Participating in Pride events can help older people rebuild social connections and help create a sense of connection within the community. It can provide a sense of community and purpose while helping reduce feelings of loneliness or alienation. Pride Month activities offer a chance for them to build relationships, participate in events, connect with others, and access resources that can help improve their mental well-being. In addition to Pride parades and parties, older adults can benefit from activities such as membership in inclusive social clubs and support groups.
Even the elderly in the LGBTQIA+ community can benefit from Pride Month activities. Activities provide opportunities for them to feel connected, share experiences, and gain peer and community support. Examples of these activities include participating in walking tours or movie nights and joining social clubs for retired adults. According to SAGE (Services and Advocacy for LGBT+ Elders), participants in LGBT-inclusive programs had lower rates of depression compared to those without access to such programs.
Pride Month activities provide mental health benefits at every stage of life. Queer people of all ages can benefit from these activities, which help them build relationships, access support, and create a sense of community and belonging. These events and activities can nurture a sense of pride, identity, and community which can help provide emotional support, reduce feelings of isolation and alienation, and foster resilience. Additionally, these activities can help to reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions and promote overall well-being. By participating in Pride activities, we build stronger connections to our authentic selves and our communities. Let's actively encourage participation in such activities during Pride Month and beyond.
You can find Pride events in your area on The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association annual calendar and Proudout.com’s Pride Finder. And don’t forget your local LGBTQIA+ Center, which might be the best and most accessible resource for building community year-round.
