This February is LGBTQIA+ History Month!
LGBT History Month exists as a moment to reflect and remember the history of the people with LGBTQIA+ communities and look back at the progress over the years. It is celebrated every February in the UK, and is hugely important!
For so long LGBT+ people's history was hidden, following the repeal of Section 28, UK LGBT+ History Month was created to; claim our past, celebrate our present and create our future!
This month also has strong links towards mental health and is something very important to us here at Burton and District Mind as it allows us to celebrate the history that has been made by LGBTQIA+ people and amplify their stories of mental health.
We also take this chance to talk about the challenges that many LGBTQIA+ people have experienced and still are more likely to face today. This includes…
-Â Â Â Â Â Stigma
-Â Â Â Â Â Abuse
-Â Â Â Â Â Discrimination
-Â Â Â Â Â Difficulties getting needed healthcare for reasons such as discrimination or long waiting lists for gender treatments
-Â Â Â Â Â Isolation
-Â Â Â Â Â Difficult experiences coming out
-Â Â Â Â Â Not feeling like they can be their true self
That is why, more than ever we take a stand with LGBTQIA+ people this month! 🌈
It is important to recognise that being LGBTQIA+ does not cause mental health problems, however some of the challenges and experiences that LGBTQIA+ can go through, can also mean they are two to three times more likely to experience a mental health problem! This is something that is only made more difficult by the lack of inclusive environments and support options.
There have, however, been some inspirational LGBTQIA+ people who have been outspoken, and consistently advocated for better support and protection towards the people within these communities.
One such person is Stephen Fry…
In 2017, Stephen Fry alongside author and LGBTQIA+ advocate Juno Dawson attended a Mind LGBTQIA+ Mental health event where they discussed some of the challenges they have experienced whilst also talking about the progress made…
This is something we definitely recommend taking a look over ->Â https://www.mind.org.uk/news-campaigns/news/celebrities-stephen-fry-and-juno-dawson-support-mind-s-lgbtq-mental-health-event/
Over the past few years there have been more and more monumental milestones in terms of the progress made such as…
The Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Act passed in England and Wales – 2013
The World Health Organisation stops categorising being transgender as a ‘mental disorder’ – 2019
Over the remainder of the month, we will continue celebrating LGBTQIA+ people and their amazing triumphs over the years! However, we continue pushing for more progress!
Back in 2023, the UK Government proposed a ban on conversion therapy towards children but not for freely ‘consenting’ adults. This is not enough. ‘Conversion therapy’ is not a therapy. It is something harmful and puts people at risk of poor mental health.
Mind believes that the UK Government needs to commit to a full ban on conversion therapy. Everyone should be able to feel pride and empowered to be their true self, not put through conversion therapy to change that.
If you are LGBTQIA+ and are struggling we are here for you 💖 Please remember that you are not alone!
At Burton and District Mind, we offer support and want to help everyone and for over 60's we have some additional resources available, please click the following link for further information: Older Adults Outreach | Burton&DistrictMind (burtonmind.co.uk)
We will always be there for LGBTQIA+ communities! For more information on the topics covered in this blog post you can find it below…
Or
You can get in touch with us today and we will help you!
01283 566696Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
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