CRCHC Has Pride

Pride month celebrates beauty and well-being, aiming for all 353,000 LGBT+ individuals in North Carolina to feel the same sense of beauty and wellness. It’s common for LGBTQ+ individuals to face unwelcoming environments which often leads to depression, anxiety, and other behavioral health illnesses.

Prioritize self-awareness and seek support when needed. A recent national survey highlighted that 82% of LGBTQ youth desire access to mental health services. Sexual and physical health are crucial for everyone. Regardless of your preferences, your health should come first. If you’re a man engaging in sexual activities with other men, you have a higher risk of STI transmission. Open up about proactive STI prevention with yourself and your partner. Embrace regular health check-ups, and don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), a medication that can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission. Additionally, maintaining open and honest communication with your partner about sexual health can foster a stronger, more trusting relationship.

It’s also important to recognize the value of community. Finding and participating in supportive LGBTQ+ spaces, whether online or in person, can provide a sense of belonging and acceptance. These communities often offer resources, counseling, and support groups tailored to the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals. Visit your local community events calendars to view upcoming events. Cities such as Salisbury and Charlotte host Pride parades to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, fostering a sense of unity and acceptance.

Remember, you’re not alone. Many organizations and hotlines exist to provide the help and support you might need. The Trevor Project, for example, offers crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth. Similarly, local LGBTQ+ centers can provide a wealth of resources, from mental health support to social events that create a sense of community.

Pride Month is not just a time for celebration but also a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance. By taking care of yourself and supporting others in the community, you contribute to this vital movement. Together, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feels valued, respected, and healthy. From Cabarrus Rowan Community Health Centers, we hope everyone enjoys the rest of Pride Month.