The different feelings of Pride

Here in the UK we are living in troubling times for any minority, but as we enter Pride month this is an important time for me to be aware of what Pride means, feels and can be. Pride is more than just colourful parades or parties. These events represent a vital space where LGBTQIA+ and queer individuals can express themselves freely and feel seen but the messaging surrounding these gatherings is far more important. For many, Pride provides a sense of belonging, helps re-affirm, remind the community how important standing together can be and creates a strong 'as one' voice that says we may be a minority but we are here, and we matter. Love is Love.

Why Pride Celebrations Matter

When people see others living openly and happily, it challenges stereotypes and reduces stigma. This visibility can help reduce feelings of isolation that many face, especially those who are still exploring their identity or struggling with acceptance.

For those seeking counselling, Pride celebrations can be a reminder that they are not alone. These events often connect individuals with supportive communities and resources. Mental health professionals who specialise in LGBT+ issues sometimes participate in Pride to offer guidance and support, making these celebrations a bridge to healing and understanding.

Pride can also be a troubling time for some struggling with identity. It can sometimes stir feelings of uncomfortableness or unease. Someone who has suffered homophobic abuse may not want to be around Pride or be ready to be involved with Pride events for their own reasons. Pride can also be controversial within the gay community, just as every community can struggle internally, the gay one can too. It can get commercialised leading some to see it as a money making exercise rather than the original political reasons it began - to fight for equality and fairness.

Rainbow flag waving at a Pride event

Supporting Everyone's Mental Health Through Pride

Pride can stir many feelings and emotions for people within the community and for people outside of it. Heterosexual people may want to know how best to support someone they know in their life who is a member of the gay community. I've listed lots of support links below. There are some who are unaccepting of the community and will fight against anything to do with Pride celebrations and as a member of the LGBT+ community I say, that's ok. As a person-centred therapist I hold no judgement of those people, but just as I will give my everything to listen to them and their feelings, I would gently challenge them to use this Pride month as an opportunity to take a chance to pause, listen to some of the messaging and try to sit in our shoes a little. Whilst I do not tolerate hate speech or abuse of any kind towards any minority in my therapeutic space I do welcome the opportunity to be able to sit with someone and listen completely to feelings that may be driving some of those thought processes in various forms.

These are all the different feelings of pride.

This is where counselling can help anyone. Pride can reinforce positive progress. It can be a milestone where clients celebrate their journey toward self-acceptance, no matter their sexuality.

• Switchboard — the national LGBTQIA+ helpline for anyone exploring sexuality or gender, and their allies: switchboard.lgbt

• Mindline Trans+ — confidential emotional support helpline for trans, non-binary and gender-diverse people, plus their families and friends: mindlinetrans.org.uk

• LGBT Foundation — wide-ranging support including counselling, wellbeing and helpline services: lgbt.foundation

• Galop — the UK's LGBT+ anti-abuse charity, supporting anyone who has experienced hate crime, domestic abuse or sexual violence: galop.org.uk

• Stonewall — information, resources and guidance for LGBTQ+ people and allies: stonewall.org.uk

• Chichester LGBTQIA+ Community — a weekly informal meet-up for the whole LGBTQ+ family, every Tuesday at a venue in Chichester: facebook.com/groups/457976791402989

• Sussex Transcendence — a relaxed local meet-up for trans, non-binary, intersex and gender-questioning people (Chichester area): sussextranscendence@gmail.com

• MindOut — West Sussex Community Peer Support Group — LGBTQ+ mental health peer support across West Sussex, run by and for LGBTQ+ people: mindout.org.uk/get-support/west-sussex-support

• Young People's Shop (YPS) — a Chichester-based charity on South Street offering free, confidential drop-in support, emotional support and 1-to-1 counselling for young people aged 11–25 across Chichester and Arun, welcoming of all: yps-south.org.uk