Pride Month: Proud Provider
Happy Pride month to all our LGBTQIA+ brothers and sisters. As a trained LGBTQIA+ therapist I find it extremely important that folks understand the impact discrimination can have on mental health. When I first started in the field, I worked on a state grant that provided counseling, education, and support to lower the suicide rate in LGBT teens in Erie and Allegheny counties. It was my first job out of my master’s degree and its was an incredible and challenging opportunity. I learned so much and was proud to be a part of such an amazing project. However, one of the first things you must do before providing education and resources is to do your research. My findings were grim and not at all shocking. Many of these same statistics hold true today 6 years later.
LGBTQIA+ individuals have higher rates of anxiety, depression, suicide as well as physical health issues. This is not because we are LGBTQIA+ but because of societal and familial rejection and violence. According to American Progress, 40% of all runaway youth are LGBT children. According to NAMI, LGB high schoolers are 5 times more likely to report suicidal thoughts and 5 times more likely to have attempted suicide than their heterosexual peers. The high rates of violence, discrimination, and rejection contribute to LGBT individuals struggle with depression and suicidality. Do you know what it takes to reduce the suicide risk for LGBT youth? Literally, it takes 1 trusted and accepting adult to potentially save a person’s life. Think about that. All a child needs to know is that they have someone in their life who loves and accepts them for who they are. Just one.
You may have heard the term Ally or maybe you even refer to yourself as an LGBTQIA+ Ally and friend. So, what does that mean? It basically means that you believe and support the equality of the LGBTQIA+ community. You believe that LGBTQIA+ people should be treated with dignity, respect, and receive the same rights and protections as everyone else. What are some ways that someone can be a good ally? According to the HRC here are some ways that you can be a supportive ally:
1. Be vocal & courageous: We live in a society where prejudice still exists and where discrimination is far too common. HRC polling has found that nearly two-thirds of LGBTQ Americans report experiencing discrimination. Challenges are magnified for those who also face racism, sexism, ableism and other forms of discrimination. Recognizing this fact, acknowledging your privilege and giving your support to people and families who face marginalization and discrimination, even when it’s difficult or awkward, helps build a more accepting world. Listen to your loved ones’ concerns and join them in speaking out, advocating for change … or just be there for them when they need a rock in their lives.
2. Be honest: It’s important to be honest with yourself — acknowledging your feelings and coming to terms with them. And it means being honest with the person who came out in your life — acknowledging you aren't an expert, asking them what's important to them, seeking resources to better understand the realities of being an LGBT individual so that you can be truly informed and supportive.
3. Be reassuring: Explain to a someone who came out to you that their sexual orientation or gender identity has not changed how you feel about them, but it might take a little while for you to digest what they have told you. You still care for and respect them as much as you ever have or more. And that you want to do right by them and that you welcome them telling you if anything you say or do is upsetting.Seek out businesses that support equality: Plenty of stores and restaurants have set themselves apart as welcoming and inclusive to all. Make a point to frequent them and tell them that you appreciate their commitment to equality. You can use HRC’s Corporate Equality Index as a guide.
4. Make your support visible: Put a symbol like the HRC equal sign sticker in your office, home or vehicle to tell LGBTQ people in your community that you’ve got their backs. If you need a sticker, just text STICKER to 472472, and we’ll send you one!
5. Don’t let an anti-LGBTQ joke slide: When people laugh at others and not with them, it is important to speak out. If someone makes an offensive joke about anyone in the LGBTQ community, don’t shrug it off; say you don’t appreciate “humor” that demeans LGBTQ people. This is a chance for you to educate others and put your beliefs into action.
6. Show your support at the ballot box: Laws affect lives. Voting for a politician who doesn’t support equality — even if they share your views on other issues — sends a message to your LGBTQ friends and family members that you are willing to accept discrimination against them.
There are never enough resources or ways to support an LGBTQIA+ person and I want to make sure whoever you are as a reader that there are resources here for your too. Below are links for suicide prevention, support groups, family support and resources if you are struggling to accept your own children or family members.
The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/#sm.0000vnbodppc3cqm11rqm1g5y93qc
PFLAG Pittsburgh: http://www.pflagpgh.org/
Trans Lifeline: https://www.translifeline.org/
Family Acceptance Project: http://familyproject.sfsu.edu/
My Kid Is Gay: http://mykidisgay.com/
Lambda Legal: https://www.lambdalegal.org/
Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders: https://www.sageusa.org/
The Human Rights Campaign: https://www.hrc.org/
Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD): https://www.glaad.org/
If you are looking for an LGBTQIA+ positive, educated, and competent therapist contact me for support finding a referral or setting up an appointment. I would be PROUD to help you.