CMHA Celebrates Pride Month

30 May 2025

This June, we’re proud to stand with Ontario’s Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex and asexual (2SLGBTQIA+) communities. 

• 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Canada are twice as likely to experience mental health challenges. 

• 77 per cent of trans individuals in a recent survey reported feeling depressed in the past year. 

• Compared with their cisgender heterosexual peers, youth who are 2SLGBTQIA+ are at elevated risk for mental health difficulties and suicidality, with 56 per cent of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth meeting criteria for things like anxiety, depression, mania and substance use, compared with 29 per cent of cisgender heterosexual youth. 

• The social experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, including the impact of minority stress, access to social support and experiences of negative social interactions, may contribute to this disparity. 

• Rates of substance use are significantly higher in 2SLGBTQIA+ communities—frequently as a response to trauma and stigma. 

When we think about Pride, our focus is on visibility, access, equity and survival. 

So how can YOU be All In? 

• Learn about 2SLGBTQIA+ experiences, especially those at the intersection of other marginalized identities. Here are some great resources: 

• https://egale.ca/ 

• https://www.canada.ca/en/women-gender-equality/free-to-be-me.html 

• https://www.youthline.ca/ 

• https://pflagcanada.ca/ 

• Check in on your friends, family, coworkers and neighbours. Open conversations save lives. 

• Support queer-led organizations and donate if you’re able. Volunteer your time if you can’t. 

• Speak out against discrimination even when it’s uncomfortable. Especially when it’s uncomfortable. 

This Pride, and every day after, CMHA is committed to creating a mental health and addictions system that’s safe, inclusive, and responsive for all. 

At CMHA HPE, we are showing our support by:

• Hosting a Drag Bingo event on June 3

• Participating in the Belleville Pride Parade on June 7

• Sharing information at a table at Pride in the Park (following the parade), providing a safe and quiet space to connect with the community

Consider becoming involved during Pride Month 2025 by actively supporting the community. Check local listings for panels, opportunities for learning about 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, parades and festivals. Join marches and be a part of pride. 

We’re All In. Are you? 

For more on 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and mental health, visit the Rainbow Health Ontario website.