Healing Out Loud: LGBTQ+ Journeys Toward Mental Health

Maegan Sanders
Jun 2
2 min read

To understand why LGBTQ+ Mental Health is important we have to acknowledge the history of mental health surrounding the LGBTQ+ community.

People celebrate diversity and solidarity at a lively pride event, waving vibrant rainbow flags.

For much of the 20th century, LGBTQ+ identities were wrongly labeled as mental illnesses. Until 1973, the American Psychiatric Association classified homosexuality as a disorder, leading to harmful practices like conversion therapy. Trans identities faced similar stigma, with outdated terms like “Gender Identity Disorder” or “Transexualism” which have only recently been replaced with more respectful language like “Gender Dysphoria” in some mental health spaces.

Despite decades of mistreatment, LGBTQ+ communities have pushed back—organizing for rights, creating safe spaces, and advocating for affirming care. Today, mental health support is becoming more inclusive, but the work continues. Rising Hope Therapy stands on ensuring that marginalized individuals in the LGBTQ+ community are supported by providing safe spaces and opportunities to freely express themselves with individual and group therapy, such as Emerald Lighthouse or our monthly queer expressive arts group!

While there are many reasons folks in the LGBTQ+ community may struggle with mental health, there are some contributing factors we would like to keep in mind:

Stigma and Discrimination – Whether subtle or overt, experiences of bias in schools, workplaces, or healthcare settings can negatively impact mental health.
Family Rejection – Lack of support or acceptance from family members remains one of the strongest predictors of poor mental health outcomes.
Internalized Homophobia or Transphobia – Societal messages can lead individuals to struggle with their self-worth or identity.
Lack of Access for LGBTQ+ Affirming Care – Mental health care is most effective when providers understand and respect LGBTQ+ identities.

Despite the challenges, LGBTQ+ individuals demonstrate remarkable resilience. Building supportive networks, finding community, and seeking affirming mental health care can make all the difference.

A man stands in a dimly lit room with the message "LOVE IS LOVE" projected onto his white T-shirt, emphasizing a message of inclusivity and acceptance.

Here are a few ways to support yourself or someone else during LGBTQ+ Mental Health Month (and beyond):

Seek Affirming Mental Health Support – Find therapists or counselors who specialize in LGBTQ+ care.
Connect with Community – Whether online or in person, being part of a community that affirms your identity helps reduce isolation.
Educate Yourself and Others – Learn about the experiences of LGBTQ+ people to better advocate for inclusive spaces. That may be via conversations, books, or documentaries. Note that everyone's experience is not the same and you should only educate others if you are comfortable and competent!
Celebrate Your Identity – Your identity is valid, worthy, and powerful. Celebrate the parts of you that make you unique.