Meta Title: 8 Ways to Show Your Love and Support for LGBTQ+ Family and Friends All Year Round – NBC Chicago
Meta Description: Looking for ways to support your LGBTQ+ loved ones? Check out these 8 meaningful and actionable tips to show your love and support all year round.
In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to show love and support for the LGBTQ+ community. As acceptance and inclusion grow, the need for consistent support remains. Whether you have LGBTQ+ family members, friends, or colleagues, here are 8 ways to show your love and support for them all year round.
- Educate Yourself
One of the best ways to support the LGBTQ+ community is to educate yourself. Take the time to learn about LGBTQ+ history, terminology, and current issues. Understanding the struggles and triumphs of the community will make you a better ally.
- Attend LGBTQ+ Events
Attending LGBTQ+ events is a great way to show your support and solidarity. Pride parades, film screenings, and community fundraisers are just a few examples of events you can attend to show your love for the LGBTQ+ community.
- Use Inclusive Language
The words we choose matter. Using inclusive language and pronouns shows your commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Make an effort to use gender-neutral language and ask for someone’s pronouns if you’re unsure.
- Stand Up Against Discrimination
If you witness discrimination or hateful speech towards LGBTQ+ individuals, it’s important to speak up and stand against it. Whether it’s confronting a friend’s off-color joke or reporting discriminatory behavior in the workplace, standing up for what’s right is crucial.
- Volunteer for LGBTQ+ Organizations
Many LGBTQ+ organizations rely on volunteers to support their mission. Consider donating your time to a local LGBTQ+ organization or charity. Whether it’s helping with event planning, fundraising, or mentoring LGBTQ+ youth, your contribution can make a real difference.
- Be an Active Listener
Sometimes, the most powerful form of support is simply being there to listen. If your LGBTQ+ loved ones want to share their experiences, struggles, or triumphs with you, take the time to listen with an open heart and mind.
- Show Off Your Pride
Wearing LGBTQ+ pride symbols, such as rainbow flags and pins, is a simple yet powerful way to show your support. By proudly displaying these symbols, you’re signaling to the world that you stand with the LGBTQ+ community.
- Speak Out for LGBTQ+ Rights
Advocating for LGBTQ+ rights is a crucial way to show your love and support. Whether it’s signing petitions, contacting lawmakers, or participating in advocacy campaigns, your voice can help bring about positive change for the LGBTQ+ community.
There are countless ways to show your love and support for LGBTQ+ family and friends all year round. By educating yourself, attending events, using inclusive language, standing up against discrimination, volunteering, being an active listener, showing off your pride, and speaking out for LGBTQ+ rights, you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of those you care about. Let’s continue to work together to create a more inclusive and loving world for everyone.
Celebrate Diversity: Promoting LGBTQ+ Mental Health
June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and promote awareness and acceptance. However, beyond the parades and festivities lies a deeper issue—the mental health challenges faced by this community.
Luma Bonilla-Webster, a program manager for the Illinois Chapter of the America Foundation for Suicide Prevention, reports that the LGBTQ community has a 50% higher rate of suicide compared to the general population. Depression and anxiety are prevalent issues, often leading to severe depression and suicidal thoughts if not adequately addressed.
In an effort to address these concerns, Bonilla-Webster will be hosting a virtual presentation titled ”Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to LGBTQ Suicide Prevention” on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. CT. This presentation aims to highlight suicide risk factors and warning signs while providing simple ways to show support.
According to Bonilla-Webster, offering support to individuals within the LGBTQ+ community is crucial. Simply uplifting them and checking in on their well-being can make a significant difference. At times, individuals hesitate to initiate conversations about mental health, fearing that asking about suicide may act as a trigger. However, studies have shown that directly inquiring, “Are you thinking about suicide?” can provide a sense of relief and validation to those struggling.
One of the primary concerns of the LGBTQ+ community is the lack of LGBTQ-competent mental health providers. Logan Spicer, LCPC with Thriveworks, a mental health provider with 13 locations in Illinois, emphasizes the need for community outreach and resources to bridge this gap. Mental health professionals should actively engage with the community, provide support groups, and make their services more visible, reassuring individuals that they are willing to support them.
Ultimately, showing support to the LGBTQ+ community involves ongoing conversations and check-ins, not just during Pride Month, but throughout the year. By fostering a culture of love and acceptance, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.
