Celebrate who you are with Pride in Baltimore! Whether you’re an LGBTQ person or an ally, let’s unite for diversity, inclusion, and love. Here are 5 reasons (of many!) to celebrate Pride in Baltimore — and everywhere else on the planet!
Pride celebrations take place all over the world in June, with events in Baltimore starting this week. These celebrations can be especially meaningful for the LGBTQIA+ community, highlighting both progress and the ongoing fight for equality.
Pride season is an excellent opportunity for all of us to come together for a common cause, connect over shared goals, and experience a sense of belonging and understanding.
Why We Celebrate Pride Month
Did you know that, years ago, LGBTQ+ traits were classified as mental disorders? This was considered the norm until the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses, in 1990. Even so, despite a lot of improvements over the years, more progress is needed.
According to the Human Dignity Trust, as of today, 64 jurisdictions criminalize same-sex activity, with 12 imposing the death penalty. Additionally, 14 countries criminalize transgender identities. Clearly, the LGBTQIA+ community still faces severe discrimination, exclusion, detention, mistreatment, and even death.
Celebrating Pride is a powerful way to honor diversity and a wonderful display of community, showcasing the importance of acceptance and inclusivity.
Pride Celebrations in Baltimore
Baltimore Pride began as a peaceful get-together between activists back in 1975. In the ‘70s and ‘80s, its neighborhood Mount Vernon was home to an inspiring LGBTQ+ community. The Washington Monument held the first Pride event and hosted rallies for gay rights.
One of the first AIDS support groups also originated in Mount Vernon, in April 1983, holding meetings in the First & Franklin Presbyterian Church.
For over 40 years, Baltimore, the Pride Center of Maryland, has evolved with its yearly Pride Celebration, hosting events like Youth Pride, the Pride Parade and Block Party, Pride in the Park, and more.
Mental Health Challenges Faced by the LGBTQ Community
While being part of the LGBTQIA+ community doesn’t necessarily lead to mental health challenges, the stigma they experience increases their risk compared to other groups. Half of LGBTQ Americans describe mild or considerable negative psychological effects due to discrimination.
Social isolation, discrimination, and gender/sexual minority distress can lead to mental health issues like depression, anxiety, self-harm, PTSD, substance abuse, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts.
This can be especially worrying among students, who face a higher risk of violence at home and school compared to their heterosexual peers.
Regrettably, a recent 2024 U.S. survey on LGBTQ+ youth mental health paints a concerning picture:
- Nearly half of those aged 13-17 were bullied in the past year.
- 39% contemplated suicide in the past year, with almost half being transgender and nonbinary.
- An overwhelming 90% reported negative effects on their well-being due to recent politics.
- 66% experienced recent symptoms of anxiety, while over half dealt with symptoms of depression.
Overall, a review of studies on LGBTQIA+ mental health provides worrying results:
- They’re 1½ times more likely to develop depression and anxiety compared to the general population.
- 67% of transgender people had experienced depression in the previous year, with 46% contemplating suicide.
- Gay and bisexual men are 4 times more likely to attempt suicide.
In the face of these challenges, Pride Month celebrations provide a healthy outlet by fostering social connections and allowing LGBTQ members to find purpose in their values and identity. These experiences can greatly impact mental and physical well-being.
5 Reasons to Celebrate Pride in Baltimore and All Over the World
1. Express yourself authentically and openly
Pride celebrations inspire everyone to express and celebrate their genuine selves without constrictions, encouraging them to stay united in the face of social challenges.
Standing by the side of people with similar experiences can help LGBTQ members navigate their journey to self-confidence and identity.
Pride promotes self-advocacy — and not just in Baltimore! It transcends national borders and goes beyond linguistic, religious, and socio-cultural differences. It’s a truly inspiring global movement!
2. Fill your cup with self-love and acceptance
Living in a hetero and cis-normative society can be challenging, making it harder to find people with similar identities. Pride provides an important sense of belonging and is crucial for mental health, encouraging people to take significant steps in their lives.
Its celebration stands on the foundations of equal rights, self-love, acceptance, and body positivity, impacting all human beings, regardless of their identity.
3. Connect with others who are on a similar journey
Participating in the Pride movement helps LGBTQIA+ members find support and solidarity, allowing them to cope with challenges like rejection and discrimination.
A strong support network reduces the risk of depression and anxiety. In Baltimore, you can connect through the numerous events and celebrations during Pride Month, sponsorship, volunteer work, and many other year-round initiatives.
Be sure to search for ‘Pride Month events near me’ to discover all the ways you can connect and get involved with your community.
4. Honor those who fought and fight for LGBTQ rights
Celebrating Pride in Baltimore is a powerful way to honor those who, back in the ‘70s and ‘80s, fought so hard for their community – as well as those who are still fighting.
Worldwide, Pride is an inspiring event that allows people to share their stories and learn from others’ challenges. In turn, this encourages everyone to make significant moves toward individual pride.
5. Raise awareness for the community
By becoming an LGBTQIA+ activist or volunteering to support Pride celebrations, people are joining a greater cause and finding purpose. Ultimately, this benefits their mental health and improves life satisfaction.
Pride is a great chance to learn and share information, educate yourself and others, share resources, and remember you are never truly alone.
Celebrate Pride in Baltimore
Not big on parties? Do you feel more at ease in small gatherings? Well, that’s perfectly ok! While parties and parades are highlights of the season, Pride is ultimately about being true to ourselves. So, you should celebrate it in whatever way makes you happy!
Here are a couple of ideas:
- Get together with close friends or your chosen family. Make a “party” of your own, whichever way you prefer!
- Practice self-care through yoga or meditation.
- Enjoy your favorite LGBTQ+ movie, alone or with your close ones.
Remember, any way of participating can be impactful, as long as it fills your cup with love and acceptance!
Find an LGBTQ affirming therapist in Baltimore, MD
Are you struggling to celebrate your LGBTQIA+ identity? Are you still discovering what being yourself truly means? Maybe you’ve been feeling a lot of pressure to figure it all out or to be out. While reflecting on yourself and who you are is an important part of your journey, there’s no right pace for it. Everybody has different needs, experiences, and times.
In LGBTQ therapy, our therapists will work alongside you and give you the time and space to question, process, and reflect. We’re here to help you! Contact us to know more or schedule a free 15-minute consultation here.
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