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Last weekend, Toledo
celebrated Pride Weekend, a time when the LGBTQ community
comes together as well as individuals who support the
community. I attended my first Pride festival in
Washington, DC in 2005 with a female friend who was having a
difficult time “coming out” or sharing with her family and
friends that she was attracted to women and identified
sexually as a lesbian. It would be her first Pride
experience as well.
I had no idea what to
expect nor did I have any opinions of other’s sexual
orientation. I was a heterosexual woman attending a
festival of other sexual orientations different than my
own. I had a great time, it was a festival, we enjoyed
entertainment, food, drinks and I experienced the “pride” of
others and helped a friend become more engaged in a
community in which she wanted to become a part.
Over the years of
counseling other’s, I have had many client’s who were
experiencing mental and emotional distress due to being a
part of the LGBTQ community by other’s in our society not
willing to accept them especially their families. I’m a
black woman, I know what it’s like to be discriminated
against due to something I can’t change nor hide, not that I
would want to. Just as one’s skin color has a lot of
negativity associated by some in our society, so does one’s
sexuality. I believe as human beings we have the right to
express ourselves, to live and to love as we choose.
Take a mental health
moment to remember your freedoms and rights. Not being
heterosexual is not a mental health disorder but not having
your sexuality accepted may cause some mental and emotional
symptoms such as depression and/or anxiety. Seek out
professional providers whom may offer support in working
through issues of sexuality. While counseling may not be
able to change other’s opinions, it can help in providing
assistance living in a world with other’s who don’t always
understand or are strongly opinionated of various aspects of
life that is affecting yours in a negative manner. Be who
you are no matter what not just because its fair but because
it’s mentally and emotionally HEALTHY!
Bernadette Graham is
a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified
Counselor and Certified Grief Recovery Specialist. She is
available for presentations and speaking engagements on
mental health topics. Provide feedback or reach out at
graham.bernadette@gmail.com or visit her website at
www.bjgrahamcounseling.com. For appointment information
please call 419.409.4929
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