Pride Month 2024: belonging and mental health

Pride can be a time for celebration, connection and protest. It can also bring difficult feelings for people who face discrimination, have been rejected by people close to them or do not feel safe being open about who they are.

There is no single LGBTQ+ experience. The support one person needs may not fit another, and identity should never be treated as a diagnosis.

Make room for your own response

You do not have to take part in every event or feel celebratory throughout June. Notice what gives you energy and what leaves you depleted. It is reasonable to set limits around events, social media and conversations that do not feel safe.

Connection can come from friends, family, colleagues, local groups or online spaces. Choose places where your identity is respected and where you can leave without having to explain yourself.

Ask what support understands about you

If you want professional support, you can ask a therapist or service about its experience of working with LGBTQ+ people before you begin. Useful questions include:

• How will you record my name, pronouns and relationships?

• What training and supervision do practitioners receive?

• What happens if the first practitioner is not a good fit?

• Who can see the information I share?

Clear answers matter more than a rainbow logo.

For managers and colleagues

Do not ask an LGBTQ+ colleague to educate the team or speak for a whole group. Use the name and pronouns they give you, challenge discriminatory behaviour and make policies easy to find. Keep personal information private.

If someone tells you that they are finding things difficult, listen before offering advice. Ask what would help at work and explain any limits on confidentiality before they share more.

Pride Month ends. The responsibilities around safety, dignity and fair treatment do not.