{"id":13659,"date":"2023-06-01T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-01T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/allonehealth.com\/insights\/?p=13659"},"modified":"2026-01-21T23:02:05","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T23:02:05","slug":"supporting-students-during-pride-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/allonehealth.com\/insights\/supporting-students-during-pride-month\/","title":{"rendered":"Supporting Students During Pride Month"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Gil Manzano<\/strong><\/a>, SHRM-SCP, Senior Director, Operations, ACI Specialty Benefits, an AllOne Health Company<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While Pride Month is primarily about individuals of the LGBTQ+ community having an opportunity to openly express being proud of who they are, it is also a time for family, friends, and allies to show their support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, coming to terms with being gay, lesbian, non-binary, transgender, or any other identity within the LGBTQ+ community can be terrifying, for many reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s the stigma. Feeling \u201cabnormal.\u201d Rejection from family, friends, congregation, or coworkers. The risk of losing a job, a promotion, or even a career path. The possibility of being the victim of bullying or hate crimes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These scenarios\u2014and the related feelings and fears\u2014often lead to thoughts of suicide, isolation, depression, anxiety, and other mental health struggles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People need to know they\u2019re not alone and resources are available to help guide them through these situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the U.S., the percentage of LGBTQ+ individuals has climbed to 7.2%, according to a study released by Gallup<\/strong><\/a> in February 2023. That\u2019s up from 5.6% in 2020, and 3.5% in 2012.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other studies highlight their mental health challenges. According to the Trevor Project\u2019s 2023 National Survey<\/strong><\/a>, fewer than 40% of LGBTQ+ young people found their homes to be affirming. Nearly 2 in 3 LGBTQ young people said that hearing about potential state or local laws banning people from discussing LGBTQ people at school made their mental health a lot worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a fact that when LGBTQ+ individuals have a support system of family, friends, and peers, they are more likely to thrive. But that\u2019s not always the case for people who come out. For that to happen, greater understanding is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While it may not be easy for individuals to come to terms with being LGBTQ+, it can also be a difficult experience for their family and friends, who need to process any feelings of shock, denial, fear, guilt, or anger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pride Month is about acceptance, confidence, love, and respect. It\u2019s an opportunity for individuals who are LGBTQ+ to learn that it is<\/em> possible to combat feelings of shame, self-doubt, denial, unworthiness, or any other negative feelings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also an opportunity for friends and family to learn how to provide the love, support, and acceptance that LGBTQ+ individuals need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The following resources are a good starting point:<\/p>\n\n\n\n