Pride, Mental Health, and the Power of Understanding

By Rose Degenhardt, MA, RCT, CCC

Registered Counselling Therapist | Founder & Clinical Director, Venture Counselling & Therapy Inc.

Posted: June 11, 2026

Happy Pride Month

June is Pride Month across Canada—a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, diversity, and contributions of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

For many people, Pride is colourful parades, celebrations, community events, and visibility.

But Pride is also something deeper.

It is about belonging.

It is about safety.

It is about being seen and accepted for who you are.

And from a mental health perspective, those things matter tremendously.

As therapists, we know that human beings are wired for connection and belonging. When people feel accepted and valued, they are more likely to thrive emotionally, socially, and psychologically.

When people experience rejection, discrimination, or exclusion, the impacts can be significant.

The Mental Health Reality for Many 2SLGBTQIA+ Individuals

Research consistently shows that members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and substance use than the general population.

Importantly, these outcomes are not caused by being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, Two-Spirit, or gender diverse.

They are often linked to experiences such as:

• Rejection by family or community

• Bullying and harassment

• Discrimination

• Fear of being judged

• Social isolation

• Minority stress

• Lack of safety or acceptance

Imagine carrying the daily burden of wondering whether you will be accepted for simply being yourself.

That stress takes a toll.

Over time, it can affect self-esteem, relationships, physical health, and mental health.

What Is Minority Stress?

One concept often discussed in mental health is minority stress.

Minority stress refers to the chronic stress experienced by individuals who belong to marginalized groups.

For many 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, this can include:

• Anticipating rejection

• Hiding aspects of their identity

• Feeling hypervigilant in certain environments

• Navigating prejudice or discrimination

Even when overt discrimination isn't occurring, the anticipation of being judged can create significant emotional strain.

This is why affirming spaces matter.

It's why representation matters.

And it's why culturally responsive and inclusive mental health care matters.

What We Do at Venture

At Venture Counselling & Therapy Inc., we strive to create a space where people feel welcomed, respected, and safe.

We understand that every person's story is unique.

We recognize that identity, culture, family experiences, faith, community, and personal history all shape who we are.

Our role as therapists is not to tell people who they should be.

Our role is to help individuals better understand themselves, navigate challenges, strengthen relationships, and live more authentically.

We are committed to providing affirming, compassionate, and evidence-based care to individuals from all backgrounds and identities.

A Different Conversation: When Someone Holds Fear, Bias, or Strong Beliefs

One aspect of therapy that people don't often talk about is that therapists work with individuals across the entire spectrum of beliefs, experiences, and perspectives.

Sometimes that includes individuals who hold strong negative views about members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

People are often surprised to hear this.

But therapy is not about shaming people.

It's about helping people understand themselves.

If someone enters therapy with beliefs rooted in fear, anger, misinformation, past experiences, cultural influences, or rigid thinking patterns, we don't simply tell them they are a bad person.

Instead, we become curious.

We explore questions such as:

• Where did these beliefs come from?

• What experiences shaped them?

• What fears might exist underneath them?

• Are these beliefs helping or hurting the person?

• How do these beliefs impact relationships and well-being?

Therapy often involves challenging assumptions and cognitive distortions—not through argument, but through reflection, education, empathy, and critical thinking.

Growth happens when people are willing to examine their beliefs and consider alternative perspectives.

Understanding Does Not Require Agreement

One of the most important skills we can develop as humans is the ability to understand experiences different from our own.

Understanding does not necessarily mean agreement.

It means recognizing the humanity in another person.

It means becoming curious rather than reactive.

It means asking questions rather than making assumptions.

This applies to all relationships.

When we become less focused on proving ourselves right and more focused on understanding one another, meaningful conversations become possible.

A Personal Reflection

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with individuals from many different backgrounds, identities, cultures, and life experiences.

What I have learned repeatedly is this:

People want many of the same things.

They want to feel safe.

They want to feel loved.

They want to belong.

They want to be understood.

And they want opportunities to live meaningful lives.

As therapists, we have the privilege of sitting with people in some of their most vulnerable moments. Those experiences remind us that beneath labels, politics, assumptions, and differences, there is a shared human need for connection.

Pride Is About More Than Celebration

Pride Month is certainly a celebration.

But it is also an opportunity for reflection.

It's an opportunity to consider how we treat one another.

How we support one another.

How we create communities where people feel valued and safe.

Mental health flourishes when people experience belonging.

And belonging begins when people feel accepted as they are.

Final Thoughts

As we celebrate Pride Month this June, let us remember that mental health is strengthened by connection, compassion, and understanding.

Whether you identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, have a loved one who does, or are simply seeking to better understand experiences different from your own, there is value in approaching others with curiosity and respect.

Because healing often begins when people feel safe enough to be themselves.

And that is something worth celebrating.

Sign-Off

With compassion, curiosity, and a commitment to creating spaces where everyone feels seen and valued,

Rose Degenhardt, MA, RCT, CCC

Registered Counselling Therapist

Founder & Clinical Director

Venture Counselling & Therapy Inc.

A Reflection for You

What assumptions or beliefs might become opportunities for growth if you approached them with curiosity instead of certainty?