Celebrating Pride Month

Kelly N. Gable, Pharm.D, BCPP
Psychiatric Care Provider

The month of June is a celebration of liberation for the LGBTQIA+* community. Pride Month is meant to honor and recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals have had within our communities. During Pride Month, rainbow colored flags are often visible all around us. The rainbow colors reflect the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community and the spectrum of human sexuality and gender identity. For many, a visible Pride flag represents inclusion, safety, and connectedness.

Unfortunately, those who identify within the LGBTQIA+ community face much higher levels of rejection, shame, discrimination, and trauma. This has a direct impact on mental health and well-being. Anxiety, depression, and thoughts of suicide occur at higher rates within the community, compared to cis-gender and heterosexual individuals. Having access to affordable, safe, and inclusive healthcare and mental health resources is vital to the holistic well-being of our St. Louis community. Feeling seen, heard, and recognized for the unique and beautiful qualities within us all, is what it truly means to celebrate Pride.

Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or thoughts of suicide can call the 3-digit 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which is now staffed with LGBTQIA+ specialists.

*This list of initials is not an exhaustive list of identities. FCHC supports all people who identify as community members.