Gender dysphoria is the term used to describe deep feelings of distress, unease, and discomfort because one’s biological sex does not align with one’s gender identity, or the gender they feel they innately are. Gender dysphoria is a condition recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5),…
The LGBTQIA+ community is a diverse group of individuals — specifically, those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual, and a host of other identities. Despite outdated perceptions and unwarranted prejudice from others, cultural norms are shifting and society is becoming increasingly supportive of the community, thanks in…
Coming out to loved ones can be one of the most vulnerable and nerve-wracking experiences of a person’s life. Though there are many families and loved ones who are supportive and loving throughout this process, there are plenty who react poorly—saying hateful things or even disowning their loved ones for…
The LGBTQIA+ community is full of diverse and remarkable individuals, each with their own story to tell. Throughout history, people in this community have faced immense hardship and discrimination. However, each of these individual groups has faced their own unique struggles as well. For many years, bisexual people have struggled…
Coming out as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community takes a lot of courage—and for those who are coming out later in life, it can be even more difficult. Adult LGBTQIA+ members may have built a life around an identity that they no longer associate themselves with. Their interpersonal relationships,…
Imposter syndrome is a lingering feeling of uncertainty related to some part of our identity—the sense that we don’t belong. It can occur at work if we’re promoted, when relocating to a new community, or when meeting new people in our personal lives. But it can also happen to members…
LGBTQ+ Pride Month is celebrated annually throughout the month of June—its mission being to achieve equal justice and opportunity for the LGBTQ+ community, which is comprised of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and many more individuals. Today, Pride events include parades and parties, workshops, concerts, and…
When you’re relentlessly defending your human rights, you don’t get adequate opportunities to just BE. Transgender people have to read more than enough scary headlines about threats to their very existence. So we want to take a moment to shine a proud, beaming spotlight on all the beautiful men and women…
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (or HRC Foundation) and the University of Connecticut conducted a vast survey of over 12,000 LGBTQ+ teens across the US, revealing prevalent mental health challenges among this group. They feel depressed, worthless, and hopeless—additionally, they face rejection and feel unsafe as well as unsupported. Survey…
One in four people in the world will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lives, making mental illness a leading disability worldwide. That said, a specific group of people is even more likely to suffer from a mental illness: the LGBTQ+ community. These individuals face unique…
