This June Balanced You celebrates Pride Month, a celebration of visibility, equality, connection, and self-affirmation for the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize the accomplishments and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community and reflect on the injustices and discrimination the community has faced throughout history and continues to face today.
Pride began as a protest against discrimination and police violence, in the form of the Stonewall Uprising in New York City in 1969. Transgender women of color like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera were at the forefront of those protests and their fight paved the way for the rights that our LGBTQ+ community has today. This historical background is a reminder to amplify Transgender voices and voices from LGBTQ+ people of color, many of whom are still struggling to be afforded the rights they deserve.
With well-being and belonging at the forefront of King County’s commitment to employees, Balanced You affirms the right for LGBTQ+ people to lead fulfilling lives and participate in every aspect of our community as their true selves. Below are some resources and opportunities for connection this Pride Month.
A message from the King County LGBTQ+ Affinity Group:
“Happy Pride! As we celebrate the resilience and beauty of the LGBTQ+ community, we know that Pride is 365 days a year for us and that is why the LGBTQ+ Affinity Group at King County is here to support you! In alignment with King County’s commitment to leading with racial justice, we exist at the intersections of race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality. While all LGBTQ+ folks are welcome, this group centers the lived experiences of Black and Indigenous people of color and those who identify as Transgender, Non-binary, Two Spirit, and other non-conforming gender identities. If you are interested in learning more or getting connected please contact lgbtq@kingcounty.gov.”
Pronouns Matter
We invite all King County employees to read through the resources from mypronouns.org to learn more about using pronouns and inclusive language to increase belonging in our work groups and community.
MyPronouns.org Resources on Personal Pronouns
Virtual Pride Events
While in-person Pride events are still on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions, there are many events happening virtually to celebrate and connect. Explore the Seattle Pride website to see the full calendar of Pride Events during the weekend of June 26-27. https://www.seattlepride.org/events
LGBTQ+ Mental Health
As we recognize the resiliency and beauty of the LGBTQ+ community, we acknowledge there are particular challenges that can arise while examining identity and facing societal discrimination. If you find yourself in need of extra support, Balanced You has put together a Mental Health resource sheet for the LGBTQ+ community. Download this catalog or browse the resources below:
Mental Health America’s Resources for LGBTQ+ Communities
Website: www.mhanational.org/issues/lgbtq-communities-and-mental-health
NAMI LGBTQI+ Mental Heath Resources
Website: www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Identity-and-Cultural-Dimensions/LGBTQI
A List of Organizations Providing Resources & Safe Spaces for the Latinx LGBTQ Community
The Trevor Project: Leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ young people under 25.
Phone: 1.866.488.7386 or Text START to 678678 (24-hour hotline for 25 years old and under)
Website: www.thetrevorproject.org
Human Rights Campaign: America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve LGBTQ equality. Their website has a wealth of information and resources for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies.
Website: www.hrc.org
Trans Lifeline Trans peer support hotline offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis.
Phone: 877-565-8860
Website: translifeline.org/
Directories
Gaylesta Psychotherapist Association for Gender & Sexual Diversity: Referral service to find providers with a range of training and experience specializing in the LGBT community. You can search by location, specific issues (including bipolar disorder, HIV/AIDS, abuse, and ADHD), and techniques (from psychoanalysis to drama therapy).
Website: directory.gaylesta.org/find-a-therapist/
Pride Counseling: Professional online counseling for the LGBTQ community.
Website: www.pridecounseling.com/
Therapy for QPOC: Therapist directory for Queer People of color. Connecting Queer & Trans People of Color to affirming and anti-oppressive mental health professionals.
Website: www.therapyforqpoc.com/qpoc-therapist-directory-1#!directory
National QTPOC Mental Health Practitioner Directory: Healing justice organization committed to transforming mental health for queer and trans people of color (QTPoC).
Website: www.nqttcn.com/en/
LGBT National Help Center: Serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning community by providing free and confidential peer-support and local resources.
National Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
National Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-PRIDE (7743)
Online peer-support chat: www.glbtnationalhelpcenter.org/