12/06/2021
Happy Pride month 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️⚧
The q***r community holds a special place in my heart for a few reasons.
Firstly, q***r folx were an intragal part in my own trauma healing process, I am forever grateful for the safe space my friends and family created for me ♡
Secondly, the LGBTQIA+ community is one all of us should look to as an example of love, inclusivity, and vulnerability - there truly isn't another group of people as honest and authentic as this one.
And finally, because mental illness is is disproportionately high in the q***r community while access to resources are disproportionately low, exacerbating the issues.
A few months ago I met a 12 year old boy in the emergency department for a su***de attempt because his family misgendered him as a girl and called him "weird", every. Single. Day.
Last week I met a 14 year old kiddo who was so riddled with shame about their gender/sexuality questioning that they ran away from home and had spent 2 weeks on the streets for fear of being outted and ostracized by their family unit.
A year ago I spent time with a woman who had attempted to die by su***de more times than she could count, and who told me "Angie, every time someone calls me a boy, I'm one step closer to death."
Just yesterday I met with a man who hated himself for loving men because his family and church told him his love meant he would burn for eternity.
I could go on and on. These stories are not unique. Q***r folx face so much.
My hope for all non LGBTQIA+ folks this pride season? If you do one thing, consider following and spreading the example of uncondictional, non-judgmental, inclusive, and joyous love the the q***r community has created. Be an ally. Learn. Listen. Grow.
To my q***r friends - Happy Pride. I am so proud of you and so grateful to be a part of your space in the world. Please reach out if you need someone to talk to. This is a safe space. ❤🧡💛💚💙💜🤎🖤