CMHA Ontario joins individuals and organizations worldwide to celebrate the history, courage and diversity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, Two-Spirit, queer, and questioning (LGBT2SQ) individuals for Pride Month in June.
While Pride celebrations across the province recognize Ontario’s vibrant and creative LGBT2SQ communities, it’s important to note that LGBT2SQ individuals continue to face specific mental health issues and barriers for accessing supports.
LGBT2SQ people are as diverse as the general Canadian population in their experiences of mental health and well-being, but they face higher risks for some mental health issues due to the effects of discrimination and the social determinants of health.
Additional factors that may impact on mental health and well-being for LGBT2SQ people include the process of “coming out” (sharing one’s LGBT2SQ identity with others), gender transition, internalized oppression, isolation and alienation and loss of family or social supports. LGBT2SQ people may also experience other forms of marginalization – such as racism, sexism, poverty or other factors – alongside homophobia or transphobia that negatively impact on mental health.
For more information and mental health resources for Ontario LGBT2SQ communities, visit the Rainbow Health Ontario website.