LGBTQ+ Pride Month
18 days ago
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month!
Why we celebrate Pride?
Pride is a term for the promotion of the dignity, equality, and increased visibility of LGBTQ+ people. It is Pride, as opposed to shame and social stigma, which is the main motivation for LGBTQ+ rights movements. It is a celebration of people coming together in love and friendship, to show how far LGBTQ+ rights have come, and how in some places there's still work to be done.
Pride is all about being proud of who you are no matter who you love and to come together as a community. Some of us identify as LGBTQ+. This means we may be lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, non-binary, queer or questioning etc.
LGBTQ+ and Mental Health and Wellbeing
Anyone can experience a mental health problem. But those of us who identify as LGBTQ+ are more likely to develop:
Low self-esteem
Depression
Anxiety, including social anxiety
Eating problems
Misusing drugs and alcohol
Self-harm
Suicidal feelings
Other mental health problems.
Being LGBTQ+ does not cause these problems.
The reasons why those of us with LGBTQ+ identities are more likely to get them are very complicated. But it is most likely to do with facing things like:
- Homophobia, biphobia and transphobia.
Stigma and discrimination.
Difficult experiences of coming out.
Social isolation, exclusion and rejection. Anyone can experience a mental health problem.
But we know that those of us with LGBTQ+ identities may face extra challenges around getting the right support.
There is an internal LGBTQ+ group that meet monthly on an informal bases, this group is for anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+. The next meeting is on Wednesday 26th of June at 13:30, follow this link to add to your outlook calendar.
For further information and support please visit our LGBTQIA+Help and Support pages on our intranet and see HR policy Supporting Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Staff for more information. For any enquiries, please email health&wellbeing@carmarthenshire.gov.uk.
Article submitted by: Health & Wellbeing Team