The month of June is recognized as Pride Month, or more specifically, LGBTQ+ Pride Month. It is a month celebrated annually in June to recognize the impact that LGBTQ+ individuals, advocates, and allies have had throughout the history of the United States and around the globe. The month will include marches, parades, parties, and other celebrations across the country and in communities throughout America, as well as include educational and awareness initiatives.
The month of June as Pride Month commemorates the Stone Wall Uprising that took place in New York City and began on June 28, 1969. It was a critical turning point for the gay liberation movement in the United States and paved the way for the modern fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Throughout the month of June, members of the LGBTQ+ community will come together and celebrate the freedom to be themselves and who they are as both individuals and as a collective community. LGBTQ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Bisexual, and Queer or questioning. The community is also often referenced as the LGBTQIA community, which includes Intersex, and Asexual or allies.
On Tuesday, June 1st, President Joe Biden issues a presidential proclamation that officially recognized the month of June as Pride Month and made a declaration to fight for full equality for the LGBTQ+ community. Hatred, prejudice, discrimination, and stigma still are issues that members of the LGBTQ+ community face on a daily basis, and Pride Month is an opportunity not only for the LGBTQ+ community to come together and celebrate themselves, but also an important opportunity for friends, family members, advocates, and allies to come together to support the LGBTQ+ community.
The recognition of Pride Month is even more important from the standpoint of mental health and addiction. While it is important to recognize that mental health and addiction do not discriminate and impact individuals and communities in all sectors and demographics throughout the country, members of the LGBTQ+ community experience mental health issues and substance use disorder issues at much higher rates. 33% of members of the LGBTQ+ community experience a mental illness, are 2-3x more likely to have long-term psychological or emotional problems, regularly face prejudice, harassment, and/or discrimination, are 56% more likely than heterosexuals to develop an alcohol use disorder, attempt suicide 9x more than the rest of the population and are almost 3x more likely to develop a substance use disorder.
Therefore, during Pride Month, it is vital that members of the LGBTQ+ community feel safe, supported, and protected. Like anyone in our society, members of the LGBTQ+ community deserve respect, dignity, love, compassion, and understanding, and we as a society must do our best to support them so that they are able to live their lives being who they are, loving who they love, and deserving of the health and happiness that should be afforded to all members of society.
If you or someone you know needs help for addiction or co-occurring disorder issues, please give us a call. Maryland Addiction Recovery Center offers the most comprehensive dual diagnosis addiction treatment in the Mid-Atlantic area. If we aren’t the best fit for you or your loved one, we will take the necessary time to work with you to find a treatment center or provider that better fits your needs. Please give us a call at (410) 773-0500 or email our team at info@marylandaddictionrecovery.com. For more information on all of our drug addiction, alcohol addiction and co-occurring disorder services and recovery resources, please visit our website at www.marylandaddictionrecovery.com.
Table of Contents
