In June 2019, I was overwhelmed with love as people took to the streets of my Minneapolis hometown for the largest PRIDE turnout in our history. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, the community showed up to celebrate how far we’ve come and to recognize the work that still needs to be done.
One year later, against the backdrop of a pandemic, I watched as the Black Lives Matter movement and the LGBTQ+ community marched in solidarity down the same Minneapolis streets. We’re all stronger when we join together as allies — after all, the Stonewall Riots were led by a heroic Black transgender woman named Marsha P. Johnson.
As we celebrate PRIDE month this year, I want to remind everyone that the world needs what the LGBTQ+ community has to offer more than ever before. It is time that we support one another, celebrate our individuality, and advocate for mental health resources for all.
Finding your community
One way I intend to remain steadfast is by remembering that many members of the LGBTQ+ community already lived in isolation prior to the pandemic and far too many still do today. We shouldn’t need a pandemic to remind us of basic human needs, and it’s our responsibility to prioritize visibility, inclusion, acceptance, and above all, love.
At Sanvello, we invite everyone to simply come as you are. Whether you identify as someone in the LGBTQ+ community or as an ally, we invite you to join the conversations happening now in the vibrant PRIDE community.
Everyone deserves mental health support
So, how can someone in our community go about looking for mental health resources? Trying to find providers can feel overwhelming enough, plus many LGBTQ+ members regularly face discrimination. It should come as no surprise that we’d be apprehensive when reaching out for support. Here are a few places to start when seeking support.
- The Association of LGBTQ+ Psychiatrists is a community of psychiatrists that educates and advocates on LGBTQ mental health issues.
- Mental Health America believes mental health is a critical part of overall wellness and provides support for all in need.
- The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services. You can always call their 24/7 crisis hotline at 866-488-7386.
- The LGBT National Youth Hotline provides free and confidential peer support for the LGBTQ and questioning community ages 25 and younger at 800-246-7743.
At Sanvello, we also have empathic, professional therapists waiting to connect and support you on your mental health journey. Consider reaching out today.
Abide in your PRIDE
This month, I’m celebrating the fact that things are changing and awareness exists. The recognition that the healthcare system is woefully unprepared to take appropriate care of us is starting to gain significant traction. We are now being looked at as a priority population for research into health disparities and my hope is that this knowledge, plus research, will help providers better extend their efforts to care for us.
We should show great PRIDE today, tomorrow, and always.
With Pride,
Anthony
By Anthony Saffert, Sanvello Patient Care Coordinator
Anthony spent most of his early career in hospital operations before realizing how much he wanted to hyper focus on the behavioral health patient population. When he’s not assisting patients, Anthony enjoys spending time outdoors, practicing yoga, and hanging out with Peanut, his 20-year-old-dachshund.