Centering Community: LGBTQIA2S+ Strength in Numbers

During Pride month, I often think about the meaning of community. LGBTQIA2S+ people continue to face challenges that aim to separate and destabilize us. It can be hard to feel like celebrating Pride when our protections are being systematically removed, but it is in these moments where we need community more than ever. Society wants us to feel alone and powerless. We are not. Community gives us strength. None of us have to do this alone.

I remember being in my undergraduate program, not knowing anything about being LGBTQIA2S+. I did not realize it was an option for me. Fortunately, I found a group of people at my university that introduced me to the community. They surrounded me with care and love when I was not able to do that for myself. They gave me the space to discover myself while also providing me with healthy role models and resources. I will always be forever grateful for them. Many people have had similar experiences where the community came together to welcome them with open arms, throwing them a lifeline when they needed it most.

There are also people that are alone and scared, disconnected from the greater community. Pride is a time where we hope to not only celebrate our current members but extend our reach out to those that need help. It is a beautiful, important part of our culture, to be able to project unwavering acceptance to each other. That is something that I love about our community. We have been harmed in so many ways, but we continue to prioritize love and compassion. Those are the foundations of what makes us a community. It’s important to remind ourselves every day, but especially during Pride, to always hold on to each other.

Community is there for you when others may not be. Community is a promise to each other to be steadfast and true in the face of people that want to tear us down. When we are being hurt from multiple angles, those are the times to trust in our community and stay connected to one another. Our community thrives on values of safety, support, and freedom. We must always remember that we deserve to love freely and fully. We deserve to express ourselves in ways that feel euphoric and aligned with who we are. We are safer and stronger together, especially during times that are dark and uncertain.

A Final Word

Getting the facts right about mental health isn't just an intellectual exercise. It's how we reduce the stigma that keeps people silent. Our goal is to make space for honest conversations in our communities. All of our posts are written or reviewed by our team of licensed mental health providers for ethics and accuracy.

If you are ever in crisis, please dial 911 or 988 and visit your nearest emergency room. If you have questions about mental health, treatment options, or how to support someone else, we're here to help. Clear View Mental Health Counseling offers online therapy to adults and adolescents in New York. To schedule a free consultation, visit our website at clearviewmhcny.com