Celebrated in Canada and around the world each June, Pride Month brings LGBTQ+ communities and allies together to celebrate the achievements and resilience of LGBTQ+ people, advocate for equal rights and gather in support and solidarity.

Pride commemorates the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, which marked a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Since then, Pride has become a global movement, with celebrations taking place worldwide throughout the summer.

Pride Month also offers an opportunity to address the mental health impact of anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination, particularly on young people. LGBTQ+ youth often deal with serious social inequities and, as a result, experience an unequal burden of mental health concerns. Trans and non-binary youth in particular often face significant challenges compared to their cisgender peers, including peer victimization and harassment.

Much can be done to support LGBTQ+ youth. Adults can make a difference by educating themselves about LGBTQ+ issues, modeling acceptance, creating environments free from harassment and supporting transgender youth in taking steps to express their identity. To learn more, see Volume 11, No. 2 of the Children’s Mental Health Research Quarterly.