Pride Isn’t Just A Party — It’s a Lifeline
June is Pride Month — a time to honor and uplift the LGBTQ+ community. In today’s climate, that celebration is more important than ever.
Across the country, queer and trans folks are facing growing discrimination, stigma, and marginalization. These stressors don’t just affect day-to-day safety or comfort — they take a real toll on mental health. Increased isolation, anxiety, depression, suicidality, and substance use are common and painful consequences of these experiences.
For those in the LGBTQ+ community: now more than ever, it’s vital to stay connected to safe people. Whether it’s attending a local Pride event or spending time with your closest friends, surrounding yourself with community is powerful. It reminds us that we’re not alone, even when the world feels overwhelming. That sense of belonging, of being seen and accepted, can be rare, especially in rural areas. But when we find it, it creates space for us to live more fully and authentically.
For allies: remember why we celebrate Pride. The parades, the joy, the glitter — they’re beautiful. But Pride was born from resistance. From riots. From grief and courage and a refusal to be erased. The fight for LGBTQ+ rights didn’t end with marriage equality or a corporate rainbow logo in June. It continues year round, in classrooms, courtrooms, healthcare settings, and everyday conversations.
As allies, your voice matters — especially in places where ours might not be safe. Show up when we need to rest. Speak up when misinformation or stigma is passed off as truth. Keep the work going when the spotlight dims.
Pride Month brings unforgettable celebrations, but it’s more than a party. It’s a commitment to remembering where we came from, caring for each other in the present, and creating something better for those who come next.
We’ve always been here and we’re not going anywhere.