For those in the LGBTQ+ community, embracing their identity can be a liberating journey. However, this process can be complicated by societal pressures, stigmas, and the ingrained beliefs that contribute to internalized homophobia.

In the wake of attacks targeting the LGBTQ+ community, you may be wondering whether safety will ever be possible. However, history shows that the LGBTQ+ community is extraordinarily resilient.

During childhood, we rely on our caregivers to meet our basic needs for love, safety, and security. When these needs go unfulfilled, it can lead to deep-seated emotional wounds that shape our beliefs about ourselves and others.

It’s hard to know ourselves. During childhood, some of us were only viewed through our flaws. Others weren’t encouraged to develop a deep sense of identity growing up.

While breakups are tough, they actually teach us a lot about ourselves. You learn what you want from relationships, how you communicate with others, and how to avoid making the same mistakes.

Many states in America are ramping up their anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric. All over the country, bills are being proposed and passed that limit the rights of non-straight, gender non-conforming people.

The political rhetoric around LGBTQ+ people has become increasingly hateful. There has been a rise in anti-trans bills proposed at state and local levels that unfairly target transgender people.

Even as society becomes more accepting, our laws seem to be moving backward. Anti-LGBTQ legislation is being passed across the country, from Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill to Texas denying trans youth vital healthcare.

Quarantine showed the world how important our environments are to our mental health. Even as we move toward more acceptance of those in the LGBTQIA+ communities, queer people were much more likely to isolate in damaging environments.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the LGBTQIA+ community has been experiencing unique struggles when it comes to healthcare and mental well-being.