June marks Pride Month, a vibrant celebration of queer* identities, communities, and histories. The reason Pride takes place in June is significant: it commemorates the Stonewall Uprising, which occurred in June 1969. One year later, the very first Pride marches were held to honor this pivotal event and advocate for equal rights. Since then, Pride has become an important part of American culture.

For those unfamiliar with the acronym, LGBTQIA+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual. The “plus” encompasses a wide range of other gender and sexual identities, such as pansexual, nonbinary, or two-spirit. For a quick primer on what each of these terms means, you can check out the Human Rights Campaign’s Glossary of Terms.

*Is it okay to use the term “queer”?

Absolutely! The Human Rights Campaign explains that “queer” is “a term people often use to express a spectrum of identities and orientations that are counter to the mainstream. Queer is often used as a catch-all to include many people, including those who do not identify as exclusively straight and/or folks who have non-binary or gender-expansive identities. This term was previously used as a slur, but has been reclaimed by many parts of the LGBTQ+ movement.”

Why Pride Matters: Fostering Identity and Acceptance

Pride matters for deeply significant reasons that go to the heart of identity and acceptance. It creates a vital space for visibility and community, allowing LGBTQIA+ individuals to see themselves reflected and connect with others who share similar experiences. For too long, these identities were hidden or suppressed; Pride actively counteracts that by affirming that there’s no single “normal” way to be human.

While each person’s identity is unique, we share a fundamental humanity. Pride serves as a powerful reminder that labeling people as “other” creates harmful divisions and “in-group/out-group” dynamics. In terms of our shared humanity, there’s no “out-group”; we all matter, and love is a universal experience we all feel and desire.

Beyond visibility, Pride functions as an advocacy platform, highlighting the ongoing fight for equal rights, protections, and dignity for all. It’s a testament to resilience and joy, celebrating the strength of the LGBTQIA+ community in the face of adversity. By celebrating differences, Pride enriches our world and educates the broader public, helping to foster understanding and break down stereotypes.

Pride and Mental Health

Pride is deeply connected to mental well-being for LGBTQIA+ individuals. While everyone can face mental health challenges, LGBTQIA+ people often navigate unique stressors that can deeply affect their emotional health.

One important way Pride makes a difference is by helping to alleviate the minority stress many LGBTQIA+ individuals face. “Minority stress” is a term for the ongoing strain caused by stigma, prejudice, discrimination, and constant worry about rejection. Unfortunately, this kind of stress can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and sometimes even suicidal thoughts within the community. But through Pride events and initiatives, we’re building welcoming, inclusive spaces where people can feel accepted and supported, actively fighting back against these challenges.

Pride also plays a vital role in bringing people together and helping to lessen feelings of loneliness. Since loneliness can seriously impact mental health, Pride events, parades, and gatherings offer wonderful chances to connect with others and find a sense of community. For many, these moments are their first experience of genuine understanding and acceptance, helping to build supportive networks that can last a lifetime.

Additionally, the visibility and representation showcased during Pride are incredibly validating. They send a powerful message that “you are not alone” and “you can live a full and happy life.” Seeing this openly celebrated helps break down negative stereotypes and encourages a more accepting society for everyone.

Pride’s origins as a protest still inspire its important role as a voice for equal rights and protections today. Discriminatory laws and societal attitudes can take a serious toll on mental health by blocking access to safety, jobs, housing, and healthcare. That’s why Pride’s continued advocacy is so vital—working toward systemic changes that foster a more welcoming and supportive environment. When we make progress in these areas, it can significantly improve mental well-being for the entire LGBTQIA+ community.

The Power of Authenticity

Pride also plays a crucial role in identity affirmation and self-esteem. For many people, societal pressures can make them feel ashamed or think their identities are somehow “wrong.” Pride celebrations offer a powerful antidote, giving everyone a chance to show up as their authentic selves in safe and welcoming spaces. Celebrating openly and being validated in front of others can do wonders for how we see ourselves. Seeing diverse LGBTQIA+ individuals thriving openly helps dismantle negative internal messages.

On the other hand, living inauthentically can take a serious toll on our mental and emotional well-being. It often results in ongoing stress, anxiety, feelings of depression, and a sense of loneliness that can be hard to shake. The effort to constantly put on a false face drains our energy and distracts us from things that truly matter—like personal growth, authentic connections, and overall well-being. Over time, this can lead to internalized shame, making us believe that our true selves are somehow flawed or unworthy.

Embracing your authentic self is a truly empowering step for LGBTQIA+ folks. It’s about discovering who you really are and having the courage to live that truth, often leading to: 

• Better mental health: Being open about who you are lifts the weight of hiding and reduces stress, helping you find peace and feel more in tune with yourself.  
• Deeper connections: When you’re genuine, your relationships are based on honesty and mutual understanding, allowing for more meaningful and genuine bonds with others who accept and celebrate you.  
• Boosted self-esteem: Affirming your identity, both in private and public, increases confidence and helps you see your worth, pushing back against negative messages.
• Growing resilience: The journey of living authentically often makes you stronger, helping you face challenges head-on and find support within your community.  
• Empowerment: Living authentically is a bold act of resistance against societal pressures to conform, giving you the strength to shape your own story and live fully as yourself.

Practicing Authenticity: Steps Towards Living Your Truth

Embracing authenticity is a lifelong journey that involves self-discovery and courageous self-expression. It’s about aligning your inner self with your outward actions and interactions. Here are some practical tips to help you practice living authentically and build a stronger connection with your real self and the people around you:

Cultivating Inner Awareness

• Identify Your “Why”: Take a moment to really understand why you’re doing what you’re doing. When you’re clear on your reasons, it’s easier to see if your actions match your values and are truly worth your effort.
• Practice Unconditional Self-Acceptance: Try to challenge the habit of setting conditions for your self-love, like thinking, “I’ll love myself once I achieve X.” Instead, be kind and gentle with yourself right now. Remember that acceptance leads to acceptance, while shame often leads to more shame.
• Reframe Humility: Keep in mind that while humility can be a wonderful quality, it’s important not to let it turn into self-criticism or be overly hard on yourself. Genuine humility helps you recognize your worth, not undermine it.

Embracing Growth and Self-Compassion

• Adopt a Growth Mindset: Embrace that your abilities and knowledge can expand with dedication and effort; mistakes are simply part of growth and imperfection doesn’t mean you can’t be skilled at something!
• Navigate Your Inner Critic: Forgive that critical voice in your head. You don’t have to follow its every demand, but you don’t need to demonize it, either. Just recognize that your inner critic might be trying to look out for you, even if it’s not doing so in the best way. Remember, you can’t hate yourself into loving yourself; self-compassion is the path to acceptance. 
• Embrace Contradiction: Hold the truth that you are doing your best and there is always room for growth and improvement. You are valuable and capable, and continuous development is part of the human experience.

Navigating Relationships and External Perceptions

• Find Your People: Surround yourself with people who accept and celebrate you just as you are. Look for those “safe” friends and welcoming communities where you feel truly seen and supported.
• Navigate Disapproval with Detachment: Just a reminder that not everyone will like or agree with you—and that’s totally okay! You can understand where someone is coming from without letting their opinion shape how you see yourself or influence what you do. Embrace the dialectic that someone isn’t necessarily a “bad” person, but their comments or presence might not be worth your time.

Expressing Your True Self

• Embrace Play and Imperfection: Do things just for the fun of it,without worrying about being “good.” Intentionally allow yourself to be imperfect; it’s a powerful way to practice authenticity.
• Receive Compliments: Try to genuinely accept and embrace compliments. Let yourself feel good about the positive things people say about you and what you do, instead of brushing them off.