LGBTQIA+ Pride

June is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month!

Why we celebrate Pride?
Pride is a term for the promotion of the dignity, equality, and increased visibility of LGBTQIA+ people. It is Pride, as opposed to shame and social stigma, which is the main motivation for LGBTQIA+ rights movements. It is a celebration of people coming together in love and friendship, to show how far LGBTQIA+ 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 LGBTQIA+. 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 LGBTQIA+ 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 LGBTQIA+ does not cause these problems.

The reasons why those of us with LGBTQIA+ 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 LGBTQIA+ identities may face extra challenges around getting the right support.

For further information and support please visit our Help and Support pages on our intranet, or Supporting Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Staff pages as well as the HR Equality & Diversity pages

There are also two modules on Thinqi if you'd like to learn more :-

• Equality and Diversity Essential Learning - Badges - Thinqi Sirgar
• Equalities - Badges - Thinqi Sirgar

There will be an informal meeting for anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA+ on the second Wednesday of each month. If you would like to be part of the meeting, please email health&wellbeing@carmarthenshire.gov.uk.