Pride and Prejudice

Pride month is here! This is a month that is filled with love, affirmation, and PRIDE in who we are and the communities we have created. At the same time, there is a darkness this month, and it feels different than past years. 

The first official Pride month took place in 1970, to commemorate the one year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. Pride month is a direct response to the challenges that the LGBTQIA+ community has faced. Pride month has grown tremendously since then, as has the world’s understanding and acceptance of this beautiful and diverse community. Pride celebrations felt like they were everywhere in the early 2000s, and the community grew more hopeful that resources and support would be widely available to all. There were four dark years, but we held out hope. Administrations changed, and it felt like things got better. Medications for our trans community improved and more expenses were covered by insurance, knowledge was shared, and more rights that should be intrinsic, were “given” for the LGBTQIA+ community. Pride month was truly a time of pride, optimism, and celebration.

This year is different. There is fear for the future, for the rights of our community, and there are a lot of unknowns. Unalienable rights feel like they could suddenly disappear. The goal of stating this is to not promote fear, but to acknowledge that it is a real part of the celebrations this year, and as a call to return to the roots of pride. 

Hope. Solidarity. Resilience. Community.  

The LGBTQIA+ community has been persecuted throughout history, across cultures and civilizations. This community has worked tirelessly to improve understanding of what the terms of  “LGBTQIA+” means, promote safety for its members, fight for their rights, and create a safe space for individuals to be true to who they are. 

In these times of both fear and hope, pride and uncertainty, there is a call to action for acceptance. Acceptance that the world is a scary place right now. That there is uncertainty and fear. Acceptance that these are an unfortunate component of our reality, AND acknowledgement of the actions that each individual can take to change this environment. 

It starts with yourself. Offer yourself kindness and grace. Find communities that are rooted in acceptance and love. If you are not already in therapy, now is a great time to start. Decide what actions you can take that help you feel safe and support your values.

Then get involved. Be active in your communities. Find others who need support and offer it to them. Be a source of kindness and light in the world. If you can, get involved in local politics. Attend Pride events. 

Practice acceptance that this year feels different, and there are complex and vulnerable emotions that we are feeling. Acceptance that at the same time, Pride month still exists. The LGBTQIA+ community is still here, and is strong. Even through all the challenges that this community has faced in the past, it remains steadfast. Love, pride, happiness, and hope are all still here. You are valuable and important, your community brings peace and light into the world, and this is a month meant to celebrate and be resilient. 

Remember that you are not alone. Before and after every period of darkness, is the light, the rainbow and the end of the tunnel. We will get through this time, together. And there will be future Pride months that are full of nothing but joy. 

Dr. Jo has expertise working alongside the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as individuals with “Type A” personalities, endometriosis warriors, individuals on parenthood journeys, and those working through anxiety, depression, and insomnia. She uses acceptance and values based approaches to create a welcoming, supportive, and safe space for everyone she meets. You can learn more about Dr. Jo and her approach to therapy on our website. To schedule a 15 minute consult with Dr. Jo to see if she is a good fit for you, click this link.