What Pride Month Really Means: History, Intersectionality, and Mental Health
Every June, Pride Month shines a vibrant spotlight on the resilience, courage, and joy of the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide. But Pride is more than celebration; it is a remembrance of struggles overcome, a call for ongoing activism, and a reminder to uplift every voice within the community, especially those facing compounded challenges.
Remembering Stonewall: The Spark of a Movement
On the night of June 27, 1969, people gathered at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, to connect, dance, and simply be themselves. But that night, the NYPD raided the bar, forcefully dragging patrons and employees out into the streets (Contra Tiempo 2023). What followed were six nights of rioting — spontaneous, fierce resistance against systemic oppression.
This uprising ignited the modern LGBTQIA+ civil rights movement. The very next year, on June 28, 1970, the first Pride marches took place, transforming Stonewall’s pain into a powerful call for visibility and equality (Sopelsa and Espadas Barros Leal 2024).
The Power of Intersectionality Fighting Discrimination Within Discrimination
Within the LGBTQIA+ community, people of color often face layered discrimination, encountering racism alongside homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia. This intersectionality means their experiences and struggles can be unique and more complex.
As Ariane Resnick explains, “The biggest challenge of being both LGBTQIA+ and a person of color is being subjected to compounding systems of oppression” (Resnick 2024). The Center for Intersectional Justice defines intersectionality as “fighting discrimination within discrimination, tackling inequalities within inequalities, and protecting minorities within minorities.”
Recognizing intersectionality helps ensure that Pride is truly inclusive and supportive of every identity and experience within the community.
Mental Health Crisis Among LGBTQ+ Youth
The 2024 survey highlights a mental health crisis among LGBTQ+ youth:
- 39% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including 46% of transgender and nonbinary youth.
- 12% of LGBTQ+ young people attempted suicide in the past year.
- 50% of LGBTQ+ young people who wanted mental health care in the past year were unable to access it.
These statistics are not just numbers; they represent real lives and underscore the critical need for supportive environments and accessible mental health resources.
Need Support You Are Not Alone
Coming out, facing discrimination, or navigating mental health challenges can feel isolating. Remember, there are caring resources ready to support you:
The Trevor Project Immediate crisis support for LGBTQ youth via chat, call, or text.
Website thetrevorproject.org/get-help
Crisis Hotline (866) 488-7386
Trans Lifeline Peer support hotline run by trans people for trans and questioning peers.
Call (877) 565-8860
Website translifeline.org
LGBTQ Hotline General coming out support
Call (888) 688-5428
Website lgbthotline.org
The Center on Colfax Colorado Engaging and empowering the local LGBTQ community.
Phone (303) 733-7743
Website lgbtqcolorado.org
Transgender Center of the Rockies
Phone 303.761.0200
Website transgendercenteroftherockies.org
HRC Mental Health Resources Extensive LGBTQ mental health resources from the Human Rights Campaign.
Website hrc.org/resources/mental-health-resources-in-the-lgbtq-community
Celebrate Honor and Advocate
Pride is a moment to honor those who fought for the rights many enjoy today and to recognize the work that remains. It is also a chance to celebrate all identities with compassion and inclusivity.
Let us amplify voices at the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality. Let us stand together against all forms of oppression. And above all, let us keep creating spaces where everyone can live authentically and safely.
References
Contra Tiempo. (2023). PRIDE NOW, PRIDE FOREVER [Blog]. https://contratiempo.net/pride-now-pride-forever
Resnick, A. (2024). The intersection of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC identities. https://www.example.com/intersection-lgbtq-bipoc (replace with actual URL if you want to link)
Sopelsa, B., & Espadas Barros Leal, I. (2024). It’s officially Pride Month: Here’s everything you should know about the global LGBTQ celebration. https://www.example.com/pride-month-guide (replace with actual URL if you want to link)
The Trevor Project. (2024). 2024 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2024/
9 News KUSA Staff. (n.d.). Resources for Colorado’s LGBTQIA+ community. https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/colorado-lgbtq-resources/73-9f58eabb-8bbf-4d35-9b4d-8db9e9ebd3d7
Human Rights Campaign. (n.d.). Mental health resources in the LGBTQ community. https://www.hrc.org/resources/mental-health-resources-in-the-lgbtq-community
Center for Intersectional Justice. (n.d.). About intersectionality. https://www.intersectionaljustice.org/about
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