Pride
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Pride Month (June 2025)
June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate LGBTQIA+ identities, reflect on the history of the movement, and recommit ourselves to advocating for equality and inclusion. At Harper Psychology, we recognise the importance of this month not only as a celebration but also as a call to action, particularly in the realm of mental health, where LGBTQIA+ individuals continue to face significant disparities.
The Origins of Pride
Pride Month was established to commemorate the Stonewall Riots, a series of protests that occurred in June 1969 at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. These protests were a direct response to police harassment and discrimination and are widely considered a pivotal moment in the global LGBTQIA+ rights movement.
In the UK, the first Pride march took place in 1972, and since then, Pride has grown into a month-long celebration in towns and cities across the UK and countries across the globe. While the rainbow flags and parades are powerful expressions of joy and visibility, it is also a call to action because the fight for equality isn’t over.
Justice and Equality
Pride Month encourages us to advocate for legal protections against discrimination, support inclusive policies and legislation, and actively challenge the societal prejudices that continue to marginalise LGBTQIA+ individuals. At its core, Pride stands for love and acceptance, resistance to discrimination, visibility and voice, and the importance of community and belonging.
Why Affirming Support Matters: Mental Health
While Pride is a celebration, it also brings attention to the ongoing challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. Mental health outcomes for LGBTQIA+ individuals - particularly young people, remain deeply concerning.
Research continues to highlight that LGBTQIA+ individuals, and especially young people, are at significantly higher risk for mental health difficulties. According to The Trevor Project, 41% of LGBTQIA+ youth (ages 13–24) reported seriously considering suicide in the past year, with that number increasing to 50% for transgender and non-binary young people. These figures highlight the profound impact that stigma, rejection, and lack of access to affirming care can have on mental wellbeing. LGBTQIA+ individuals are more likely to feel lonely or isolated, often due to family rejection or lack of community acceptance. These experiences negatively impact on self-esteem, self-identity and overall mental wellbeing.
This is why affirming care is critical. When LGBTQIA+ individuals are met with acceptance, compassion, understanding and validation, their mental health outcomes improve significantly. Affirming care creates a safe non-judgemental environment to help individuals feel seen and valued for who they are, while reducing shame and fear, which can occur as a result of internalised social prejudice.
Our Commitment to Provide Affirming Support
At Harper Psychology, we recognise the need for mental health support within the LGBTQIA+ community. We are committed to providing inclusive, affirming, and culturally competent care to individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.
Our work is grounded in respect, empathy, and a belief that every individual deserves to be valued and respected. We strive to create a safe space where people can be their authentic selves and receive the care they deserve, free from judgment and discrimination.
At our core, we’re all humans deserving of respect, understanding, and care. Labels can help us express identity, but they don’t define our worth. What matters most are the shared needs we all have: to be seen, accepted, and supported.
Pride is Not Just a Month
Pride Month is a celebration of how far we've come, and a reminder of how far we still have to go. As a psychology practice, we proudly stand with the LGBTQIA+ community, not just in June, but every single day.
Wishing everyone safety, strength, and support this Pride Month, from all of us at Harper Psychology.