LGBT History Month 2022
LGBT history month happens every February in the UK. It’s a month to celebrate the history of LGBTIQ+ communities and look back at the progress that’s been made over the years.
The theme for 2022’s LGBT history month is ‘Politics In Art’ and will also commemorate the 50th anniversary of Britain’s first ever Pride march.
Why is it important?
LGBT history month is hugely important. It’s a month where we can all remember the people that fought for LGBTIQ+ rights in the past. A chance for people of all ages to learn more about the rich history of LGBTIQ+ communities. And a moment to remember just how far we’ve come over the years.
Why is it important to Mind?
LGBT history month will always be important to Mind. It’s a moment for us to celebrate the history and the progress that’s been made by LGBTIQ+ people, and to lift up their stories about how mental health affects them.
But even with all that progress, LGBTIQ+ people are still more likely to face discrimination. Abuse. Stigma. And even today hate crimes against LGBTIQ+ people have been on the rise.
LGBT history month – mental health stats
We know that LGBTIQ+ people are around two or three times more likely to experience a mental health problem than straight people who identify with the gender given to them at birth. Homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, difficult experiences of coming out – these are just a few of the things that might contribute.
- In 2018, report by Stonewall found that over half the LGBTIQ+ people they spoke to had experienced depression in the past year, with another 10% saying they think they’d experienced it too.
- Things are still difficult for bisexual people too. Research from Stonewall has found people who are bi are 13% more likely to experience depression than gay and lesbian people. The same report found that they’re more likely to face discrimination from within the community – all because of their identity.
- Rates of depression were higher for trans people – 67% said they’d experienced depression in the same past year. For non-binary people it was higher still, with 70% saying that they’d also experienced depression too.
- And in a climate where hate crimes are on the rise, that same research shows that LGBTIQ+ people who’ve had that experience are more likely (69%) to experience depression.
- The impact that discrimination and isolation has on the mental health of LGBTIQ+ people is clear, and completely avoidable. That’s why we all need to do more to make sure things change – for the better.
If you need support…
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
Switchboard provides a one-stop listening service for LGBT+ people on the phone, by email and through Instant Messaging. For information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men and bisexual and trans people—and anyone considering issues around their sexuality and/or gender identity.
Helpline: 0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day)
Website
Mind
Mind has lots of information and advice about mental health support for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer or questioning (LGBTIQ+).
Community Living Well
For people registered with a GP in Kensington & Chelsea, Queen’s Park or Paddington, Community Living Well provides mental health and wellbeing services, including Peer Support, Talking Therapies (IAPT), Self-Care, Employment support and more.
You can refer yourself without needing to see your GP first.
Author: Stewart Gillespie
Posted on: 1st February 2022
