By Natalie Kraft MA, LPC, LCADC, ACS

It’s June and that means Pride, a month-long celebration of living out loud! During Pride, we remember the individuals who paved the way to living out and authentically as LBGTQIA, and we focus on the present and future of the community as a whole. June’s Pride Month reminds us that belonging and connection aren’t just celebratory, they’re essential to one’s mental well-being.

 The Power of Community

Pride celebrations do more than just uplift, they empower. Attendees of celebrations report experiencing feelings of renewed resilience, solidarity, and visibility in the face of historic persecution and adversity. The protective factors of this acceptance and connection are paramount. A survey by the Trevor Project found that LGBTQ+ youth that identified as having family or community support had their rates of suicide attempts cut in half compared to peers with less support. And digital communities can make a difference too. Online platforms can offer vital access to support via virtual “safe spaces.”

It’s important to note that belonging isn’t a luxury, our social health is essential for our overall well-being. When you surround yourself with affirming people, whether in-person or online, you strengthen your sense of security and of Self. This is why Pride matters, and this is why Affirming Care matters.

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The Importance of Affirming Care

Developed thanks to movements like Pride, Affirming Care means that therapists and other providers respect and accept the client in front of them for who they are. They may show this by doing things like using preferred names and pronouns, speaking openly about issues faced by queer individuals, as well as other marginalized communities, and by validating a client’s experience in their own skin. Research shows that Affirming Care strengthens the therapeutic alliance and leads to improved health outcomes.

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Call to Action

This Pride, embrace community, connection, and healing. Find or create spaces where you and others belong, whether it’s Pride events, support groups, or online platforms.

At Sage Sea, we believe that by integrating therapeutic modalities such as DBT with Affirming Care and support, we can help you build a foundation of resilience rooted in acceptance, belonging, and authenticity.

Seeking affirming mental health care in New Jersey or Florida? Call us for your free consultation today!

609-373-2378