June is LGBTQIA Pride month, which exists, in large part, to advocate for a safe and supportive environment for people of all sexualities and gender expressions. If you are struggling with your own identity, I want to affirm that coming out as queer can be a daunting and overwhelming experience, and many people may feel scared or unsure about how to navigate this process.

Thankfully, despite the continued disparities, there is a growing cultural shift in awareness of the importance of mental healthcare for Black men as well as increased emphasis on culturally competent and trauma-informed care that address the unique mental health concerns of Black men.

For Black men, the male tendency to neglect mental health is exacerbated by distrust of the medical establishment due to a long history of exploitation and lack of access.