Connection, Community, and LGBTQIA+ Mental Health
🌈Happy Pride Eve!
Pride Month is a time for celebration, visibility, and self-expression. It also provides so many opportunities to support something that deeply impacts mental health: connection and community.
In recent years, increased harmful rhetoric and actions against LGBTQIA+ rights and identities have left many people feeling stressed, anxious, discouraged, and isolated as we continue to navigate homophobia, transphobia, discrimination, rejection, and misunderstanding. When we regularly encounter messages that we are unwelcome, unsafe, or unsupported, those experiences can take a significant toll on our mental health.
Human brains are wired to notice and remember potential dangers, called negativity bias, more readily than experiences that feel safe, supportive, or positive. For LGBTQIA+ folks who have experienced rejection, discrimination, or marginalization, the brain may become especially vigilant in scanning for potential threats and sometimes, we may isolate ourselves as a form of self-protection.
One of the most powerful ways to support ourselves is through building a sense of connection with a community. Community provides opportunities to challenge negativity bias and show our brains that we are not alone, that we can be accepted as we are, and that supportive relationships exist. These experiences can help reduce feelings of loneliness, increase resilience, and foster a greater sense of belonging.
Research consistently shows that social connection is associated with better mental health such as lower rates of anxiety and depression, increased resilience during stressful times, and improved overall well-being. Feeling connected to others can also help regulate the nervous system, reducing the chronic stress that often accompanies isolation and exclusion.
As Pride Month begins, consider exploring opportunities to create or strengthen connection with community. You could try attending a local event, joining a group, volunteering, or simply reaching out to supportive people in your life. For folks in San Diego, the next two months offer numerous opportunities to connect with the LGBTQIA+ community. See below for a list of local organizations hosting a variety of events (ranging from family-friendly gatherings and educational programs to social events and celebrations):
Queer Social Club SD - Check their Instagram for upcoming events.
Great Outdoors San Diego - Check their website and other socials for upcoming events. They also have chapters in LA, Orange County/Long Beach, Palm Springs, and Santa Barbara/Ventura County!
San Diego Women’s Chorus - The next performance is July 25 and 26 and the next new member orientation is in the Fall of 2026.
San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus - The next performance is July 11 at 7PM in La Jolla.
Rainbow Spaces - Offers multiple free events for LGBTQIA2S+ youth.
Out & Abt Inclusive Queer Events - Check their website or IG for upcoming events.
Queer Crafting San Diego - Check IG for upcoming events.
LGBTQ+ Sports Leagues - Check their website for a list of multiple different queer sports leagues in San Diego.
Line Dancing - with the San Diego Coasters, see here for upcoming events.
She Fest - Check IG for upcoming events.
Big Gay Picnic - Hosts a monthly picnic in Balboa Park, the next one is scheduled for June 14 from 11am-4pm.
Pride By the Beach – Parade and festival, June 6 from 12-6pm in Oceanside.
The Collective Coalition San Diego - Check IG for upcoming events, they are hosting Sober Pride on June 13 at 3pm at the WorldBeat Cultural Center in Balboa Park.
San Diego Pride – Multiple community events happening from July 11-19.
The Center - Their calendar of upcoming events can be found here.
More upcoming San Diego Pride events: https://sdpride.org/events/
Building community is an important part of supporting mental health, and sometimes additional support can help as well. As a queer therapist, I understand how meaningful it can be to work with someone who is affirming, informed, and doesn't require you to explain or justify your identity before getting to the issues that matter most to you. If you’re looking for support with exploring your sexuality or gender identity, navigating a major life transition, or seeking support for anxiety, trauma, relationships, or self-esteem, let’s talk!
Wishing you a happy Pride Month filled with connection, belonging, and joy. 🌈