This Pride Month, Recognize the Importance of Supporting LGBTQ Mental Health

Pride is a time for us to celebrate Colorado’s vibrant LGBTQ+ population, empower each other, and lean into the joy that this month can bring. But at the same time, we must acknowledge the anti-LGBTQ+ hate and violence that seeks to divide us and instill fear and despair in our communities, as well as the ongoing mental health struggles that many LGBTQ+ individuals face.

As the founder of Envision:You, an organization that seeks to close the gaps in health outcomes for LGBTQ+ Coloradans, I am intimately aware of the barriers that make it difficult for these individuals to lead happy, healthy lives. LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face significant mental health challenges as a result of systemic discrimination, disparities in health care, and the ongoing struggle for acceptance in the face of hate and violence.

Studies consistently show that LGBTQ+ individuals are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health issues compared to straight people. These disparities are exacerbated for LGBTQ+ people of color, transgender individuals, and those from low-income backgrounds, highlighting the intersecting factors that contribute to health disparities within the community.