Every June is a period of time where we celebrate new beginnings. In commemorating Pride Month, we remind ourselves of the social barriers that the LGBTQ+ community has historically faced, while collectively taking charge on building toward a promising future for all. In this blog, we will focus on the importance of mental health within queer spaces, and actions that can be taken to foster environments that promote positive mental health for queer individuals.
Entering the month of June, we urge all to stimulate conversations, support LGBTQ+ businesses, and educate themselves on queer culture. Supporting these initiatives show solidarity for the LGBTQ+ community, and also aid the holistic development of social empathy and inclusivity.
Below are a list of local resources of community support organizations in the South Bay that Relucent Psychology Group recommends to check out or share:
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Signs of Negative Environments For LGBTQ+ Individuals
Although many initiatives have been taken to create positive environments, LGBTQ+ identifying individuals still persist through negative environmental conditions on a regular basis. Especially at a young age, it is important to recognize the correlation between negative environments and the impact on mental health for LGBTQ+ identifying individuals.
Below are a list of key characteristics that are typically associated with negative environments for LGBTQ+ identifying individuals:
Lack of mindfulness in conversation hinders the ability to create positive environments for LGBTQ-identifying individuals. The misuse of pronouns, derogatory slurs, or jokes about identity and sexuality are common topics that perpetuate negative stereotypes and narratives around queer culture.
Given the social taboos that surround queer intimacy, negative environmental conditions also include shooting weird looks or making inappropriate gestures at queer couples in public. This also includes the negative environments in private vicinities, where families may disapprove of queer relationships.
Ways to Create Positive Environments for LGBTQ+ Individuals
These are some suggestions that we have collected that could aid the creation of positive environments for LGBTQ-identifying individuals:
Proper conversation etiquette is a strong way of promoting positive environments for LGBTQ-identifying individuals. Using correct pronouns and refraining from the joking use of inappropriate words all communicate that an individual is socially cognisant and respectful of queer culture.
Being able to look past social taboos by educating uninformed individuals on queer culture. In situations where individuals may seem misinformed or hold prejudice, having intellectual conversations help develop collective empathy and understanding for the emotions of queer individuals.
Being able to properly implement these environmental conditions should contribute to the improvement of mental health, and overall well-being. While these changes may not resolve all issues and prejudices that LGBTQ-identifying individuals face, by promoting the recognition and importance of LGBTQ+ culture, we help cultivate positive, safe environments that allow queer individuals’ mental health to flourish. If you are an LGBTQ+-identifying individual, we offer LGBTQ+ affirming care including trauma therapy. Contact us today to learn more about our approach.
