Why Pride Month Still Matters for LGBTQIA+ Mental Health

Mental Health MusingsTips & ResourcesCulture
Written By Neil Austine & Einna Parekh

*This article uses the acronym “LGBTQIA”, to acknowledge Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual individuals, and the “+” symbol which holds space for other sexual orientations and gender identities. 

What is Pride Month?

Pride Month is celebrated in the month of June every year, commemorating the 1969 Stonewall uprising in the United States of America.

On June 28, 1969, Stonewall (a bar in New York City) with its patrons, including transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, were raided by the police in an act of oppression against the community. This resulted in the Stonewall uprising to fight back, marking a pivotal moment in the LGBT rights movement and a turning point attributed to the word “pride”, highlighting the bravery displayed by the rioters. (Learn more about the History of Pride Month).  

Since the first Pride Month celebration in 1970, it has advanced to be celebrated globally, highlighting the progress of the LGBTQIA+ community’s history, identity and achievements. 

Marsha P. Johnson, a prominent figure in the gay liberation movement, at the Stonewall riots.

In today’s times, with the US changing rhetoric around DE&I (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) and rising conservatism, public support for Pride has been changing. Many companies have pulled back their support for Pride Month. (Learn more about how Corporate America is ditching Pride Month)

Expanding into Asia, Pride Month is viewed differently across different countries. As the first Southeast Asian country to legally recognise same-sex marriage, Thailand is at the forefront of Pride Month Celebration this year with their month-long Pride Festivals in all parts of the country. (Learn more about Thailand’s Pride Month 2025)

However, there is some pushback to Pride Month in more religiously conservative countries. For example, Malaysia's Religious Affairs Minister recently prompted police investigation for an event called “Pride Care: Queer Stories and Sexual Health Awareness”, consisting of a forum and a presentation on sexual health awareness. (Learn more about this Pride Event controversy)

Common Misconceptions about the LGBTQIA+ Community

There are a number of misconceptions around the LGBTQIA+ community that can lead to stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination against LGBTQIA+ individuals. Here are just a few that continue to perpetuate:

  1. Sexuality is always a choice or is taught.

  2. Queer people are hypersexual.

  3. Gay men are more likely to be pedophiles.

Read more about LGBTQIA+ Misconceptions and Myths.

These are how stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination affect LGBTQIA+ individuals:

  • Stereotype: A generalisation of a group (E.g. LGBTQIA+ individuals are abnormal)

  • Prejudice: Beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and attitudes someone holds about a group (E.g. A dislike for LGBTQIA+ individuals)

  • Discrimination: Actions against a group (E.g. Not hiring an individual because of their sexual orientation)

Learn more about Stereotypes, Prejudices and Discrimination.

It is important to know that LGBTQIA+ individuals are humans who need love and support for their mental health.

Why Pride Still Matters Today (especially in Asia)

It’s been demonstrated that LGBTQIA+ individuals are at greater risk of experiencing mental health issues in comparison to their cisgender, heterosexual peers. This holds true notably in the Asian context. The prevalence of depression and suicide attempts among individuals of the community in Southeast Asia extended to 40.3%. According to The Trevor Project, more than 60% Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) LGBTQ+ youth in the U.S. reported experiencing anxiety and depressive symptoms in 2022. 40% seriously considered suicide.  

While the factors contributing to mental health issues vary by person, these studies highlighted common experiences, such as facing discrimination, rejection, or harm on the basis of their sexuality. It is especially probable for LGBTQIA+ Asians to experience intersectionality. When holding multiple marginalised identities at once (minority race, gender identity, sexuality, etc), unique challenges at the intersections of those identities are created for the individual to face, causing minority stress. 

Right now, the need for LGBTQIA+ mental health support is far from small - and everyone has a part to play. 

Thus, the celebration of Pride should be given due consideration by the community and its allies. You might attend a parade with friends, support LGBTQIA+ non-profits, simply educate yourself on its story, or choose amongst the endless ways to commemorate the month personally and show your support for others. Regardless, these actions can all help to foster a sense of self-acceptance and belonging of the community in society, factors that can contribute greatly to the mental and social well-being of yourself and other queer individuals.

If you’re a member of the community and struggling with your mental health due to identity, ostracisation, or any other reason, please know that you are not alone and help is available. Do not hesitate to reach out:

Neil Austine & Einna Parekh
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