Why Pride Month Matters

Every June, streets across the world explode with rainbow colour. Pride is part party, part protest and, through a psychologist’s lens, a yearly public-health intervention that boosts self-esteem, dismantles isolation, and galvanises resistance to discrimination.

The tradition began with the Stonewall uprising in New York in 1969, a turning point that sparked the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Within a few years, Pride marches spread internationally, with London holding Europe’s first Pride in 1972; Switzerland, for example, saw its first Pride parade in 1994 in Zürich, and today many Swiss cities host vibrant Pride celebrations each summer. Pride Month in June honors this history of protest and progress, commemorating those who fought for LGBTQ+ rights while celebrating love, diversity, and equality.

Pride Month and LGBTQ+ Mental Health Today

Decades of activism have brought greater acceptance, but LGBTQ+ individuals still face unique challenges that impact mental health. Experiencing stigma and discrimination creates minority stress, a chronic stress from being part of a marginalized group, which can take a serious toll on well-being. Research shows that LGBTQ+ people have higher rates of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts compared to the general population. For instance, in 2024, surveys found that 39 % of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide; for transgender and non-binary youth the figure rose to 46 %. These numbers reflect the corrosive impact of stigma, not any inherent vulnerability. These sobering statistics are linked to the ongoing reality of prejudice and lack of acceptance that many in the community still encounter.

Four Ways Pride Heals

At the same time, Pride Month offers a powerful antidote to some of these challenges. It creates supportive spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals know they are not alone and can feel proud of who they are. The very act of gathering in celebration and solidarity can boost self-esteem and resilience. Pride’s mix of celebration and activism plays an important role in fostering hope and belonging:

• Community & Belonging: Pride events bring people together, reducing isolation. Feeling connected to a community of peers can make LGBTQ+ individuals feel less alone and more supported. Attending Pride marches, festivals or even online events can remind someone that they are part of a vibrant, accepting family.

• Self-Acceptance & Identity: Celebrating Pride encourages people to embrace their authentic selves. Seeing thousands of others openly express their LGBTQ+ identities can be profoundly validating. This affirmation helps counter feelings of shame and promotes self-acceptance, which is crucial for mental health.  In short, Pride Month empowers people to say, “It’s okay to be me,” and truly mean it.

• Ally Support & Validation: Pride is not only for those who identify as LGBTQ+, but also for allies who show up in solidarity. The visible support from friends, family, and the wider public during Pride – from waving rainbow flags to marching together, brings a sense of validation and safety. Knowing that allies “have your back” can significantly reduce the stress of being marginalized. This support network, affirmed during Pride, often carries on beyond June, providing encouragement when things get tough.

• Visibility & Advocacy: The very public nature of Pride events increases awareness and visibility, which can chip away at stigma. By marching through city streets, the LGBTQ+ community and allies send a powerful message that we’re here and deserving of respect. Over time, this advocacy helps make society more accepting.

Carrying the Spirit Beyond June

Pride is a day on the calendar, but its lessons: visibility, solidarity, joy; are year-round medicine. Whether you march, mentor, vote, or simply refuse to laugh at hateful humour, you help replace minority stress with minority strength.

Conclusion

Fifty-six years after Stonewall, Pride Month is still essential. It is a festival that heals, a protest that educates, and a promise that no one should live in secrecy or shame. By celebrating loudly and caring intentionally, we narrow the mental-health gap and build a world where every person, in every month, can be proud to stay alive.