Pride Month is a time to honor resilience, celebrate identity, and reflect on the progress of the LGBTQIA+ community. But behind the rainbows and pride parades, many individuals continue to struggle with mental health challenges—often in silence.
For LGBTQIA+ individuals, anxiety and depression are not uncommon. In fact, research consistently shows that people in the LGBTQIA+ community experience higher rates of mental health conditions compared to the general population. These disparities are not due to identity itself, but to the ongoing challenges of stigma, discrimination, and lack of access to affirming care.
A History of Resilience—and Continued Struggle
LGBTQ Pride traces back to powerful acts of protest, most famously the Stonewall Riots in 1969 at the Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street in New York City. That moment of resistance sparked the modern gay rights movement and paved the way for gay and lesbian pride month, officially recognized every June.
But even as Pride marches and celebrations spread—from NYC to Los Angeles—so does the emotional toll many LGBTQIA+ people quietly carry. Anxiety and depression often stem from facing rejection, hiding identity, or feeling unsafe in everyday environments. These pressures can build over time, leading to isolation, low self-worth, and chronic stress.
The Role of Social Media and Visibility
Social media can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it offers visibility, representation, and community. On the other, it can increase feelings of inadequacy or expose users to harassment and hate. For LGBTQIA+ youth especially, constant comparison or negative messaging online can reinforce depressive thoughts or social anxiety.
It’s important to curate your online experience—follow affirming accounts, set screen time limits, and take breaks from content that causes distress.
Signs of Anxiety and Depression in LGBTQIA+ Individuals
The symptoms are similar to what anyone might experience—but they may be compounded by identity-related stress:
· Persistent worry, fear, or panic
· Trouble sleeping or eating
· Feeling hopeless, numb, or disconnected
· Withdrawing from social activities
· Difficulty concentrating
· Physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue
If you’re experiencing these signs, know that you’re not alone—and there is support.
Therapy Can Help
You deserve to feel safe, supported, and seen in your healing. LGBTQIA+-affirming therapy can help you:
· Build coping tools to manage anxiety and depression
· Explore your identity in a supportive space
· Heal from trauma and rejection
· Improve self-esteem and relationship dynamics
At Silver Lake Psychology, we believe everyone deserves compassionate, culturally competent care. Whether you’re struggling silently or simply seeking clarity, working with a licensed therapist can be a powerful step forward.
Pride Is Personal
Not everyone feels like celebrating during Pride Month—and that’s okay. For some, the bright lights of a pride parade feel empowering. For others, they might trigger memories of exclusion or trauma. The Stonewall Uprising was never just about celebration—it was about resistance, safety, and demanding visibility.
- By the 1960s, Silver Lake had become a recognized “gayborhood” in Los Angeles, offering a more affordable alternative to the more established gayborhood in West Hollywood.
- Several gay bars, like the Black Cat Tavern and New Faces, established themselves, providing social spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Silver Lake’s working-class Latino community and working-class character made it an attractive place for gay men to live and socialize, according to The Eastsider LA.
- The Black Cat Tavern was a pivotal location in LGBTQ+ history, becoming a symbol of resistance and activism.
- In 1967, a demonstration was organized outside the Black Cat in response to a police raid, which is considered one of the first documented LGBTQ+ rights protests in the nation.
- The Black Cat was eventually designated as a California Historical Landmark for its role in the LGBTQ+ movement.
- Silver Lake was home to Harry Hay, a founder of the Mattachine Society, one of the first gay rights organizations in the U.S.
- The Mattachine Society, which began in Silver Lake, played a significant role in the early gay liberation movement.
- Silver Lake also became a center for the growth of organizations like Gay and Lesbian Latinos Unidos (GLLU).
This Pride, whether you’re out at marches or reflecting quietly at home, give yourself permission to feel all of it. Pride can mean honoring your strength through healing, setting boundaries, or finding the courage to ask for help. If you’re ready to start therapy with someone who understands the unique challenges of the LGBTQIA+ experience, our team is here for you.
You don’t have to carry it alone.
