Day of Pink Shines Light on LGBTQ2+ Challenges that Persist Today

In Canada, April 12 marks the International Day of Pink-Journée Rose Internationale , a day dedicated to raising awareness and promoting inclusivity and acceptance for LGBTQ2+ individuals around the world.

In 2007, students in Nova Scotia stood up against homophobic bullying by wearing pink. From there came International Day of Pink, a worldwide anti-bullying and anti-homophobia event, when we can all come together to assert our support and values for a safe and inclusive community.?

You are encouraged to wear pink all day on April 12 to show your support for the LGBTQ2+ community and to fight against all forms of bullying.

Bullying leads to poor mental health

Despite significant progress in LGBTQ2+ rights in our country, discrimination and stigma still persist, leading to negative impacts on the mental health and well-being of many LGBTQ2+ individuals.

In fact, members of the LGBTQ2+ community face additional mental health challenges and are more vulnerable than the general population as a result.

According to a report by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) from 2020, LGBTQ2+ individuals are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation compared to their heterosexual and cisgender counterparts. The discrimination, bullying, and social exclusion that many LGBTQ2+ individuals face can contribute to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, the experience of coming out, which often involves navigating societal and familial pressures, can further impact an individual's mental health and well-being.

According to a study by Egale Canada , national LGBTQ2+ human rights organization, in 2019, over half of LGBTQ2+ students in Canada reported experiencing verbal or physical harassment at school, and 70% reported feeling unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Bullying can have long-term effects on mental health, leading to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation or attempts. The impact of bullying can be particularly devastating for LGBTQ2+ youth, who may already be struggling with their identity and facing discrimination and rejection from various sources.

Another study by the Canadian Institute for Health Research in 2018 found that LGBTQ2+ individuals were more likely to have suicidal thoughts and engage in self-harm compared to heterosexual individuals.

Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are 5 times more likely than their straight peers to consider suicide and 7 times more likely to attempt suicide.

Why are LGBTQ2+ individuals more at risk? According to the Centre for Suicide Prevention , there are many factors that can put strain on an LBTQ2+ individual's mental health and potentially lead to thoughts of suicide, both in youth and adults:

• Discrimination manifesting as bullying, physical violence, rejection (leading to isolation)
• Lack of support from family members, which can also lead to isolation
• Predisposition to depression, anxiety and substance abuse
• Stigma of being different in sexual orientation
• Institutional prejudice (laws and public policies which create inequalities and/or fail to provide protection from sexual-orientation based discrimination)

These facts highlight the significant disparities in mental health outcomes for LGBTQ2+ individuals and the need for increased support and awareness.

So, what can we do to support the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ2+ individuals and address the issue of bullying? Here are some actionable steps:

1. Promote inclusivity and acceptance: It starts with creating a culture of inclusivity and acceptance in our workplaces, schools, and communities. This includes fostering a safe and supportive environment where LGBTQ2+ individuals can be themselves without fear of discrimination or harassment. Educate ourselves and others about LGBTQ2+ issues, use inclusive language, and stand up against homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic attitudes or behaviors whenever we encounter them. Celebrate diversity and embrace differences, recognizing that LGBTQ2+ individuals contribute positively to our communities and society as a whole.
2. Educate and empower allies: Allies play a crucial role in supporting the LGBTQ2+ community. It's important for allies to educate themselves about LGBTQ2+ issues, including the challenges faced by LGBTQ2+ individuals and the impact of discrimination and bullying on their mental health. Allies can also use their privilege and voice to advocate for LGBTQ2+ rights, challenge discriminatory practices, and create inclusive spaces.
3. Advocate for policy change: Advocacy at the policy level can have a significant impact on the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ2+ individuals and lead to systemic change. This can include advocating for anti-discrimination laws, inclusive school policies, and access to gender-affirming healthcare and insurance benefits.

As we celebrate the International Day of Pink, let's let it serve as an important reminder to raise awareness and support the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ2+ individuals. It's crucial that we create inclusive and accepting environments, educate and empower allies, and advocate for policy change to address these challenges and promote the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ2+ individuals.

By doing so, we are creating a society where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, can thrive and live a mentally healthy and fulfilling life.

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