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Addiction doesn’t appear in a vacuum. For some people, substance use can emerge alongside deeper struggles as a way to manage overwhelming emotions or difficult memories. However, within LGBTQ+ communities, these struggles can show up more frequently and more intensely. For instance, queer and gender-diverse individuals can face higher levels of stress, discrimination, and rejection,Read more

The impact of family rejection on LGBTQ+ mental health and substance use can be huge. It’s no secret that deep emotional wounds can result when family members, who we rely on to be providers of acceptance and support, react negatively. This rejection can affect a lot more than just cause short-term emotional discomfort; it alsoRead more

Historically, the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) communities in America have been dismissed in the US Census, lumped into the category of “white.” This oversight has resulted in insufficient federal funding and a lack of acknowledgment as a marginalized group. In addition to these challenges, MENA communities face discrimination, fear of violence, language barriers,Read more

LGBTQ+ community centers across the nation serve as crucial lifelines, offering support to nearly 52,000 individuals every week, according to a survey by MAP and CenterLink. Amid a surge in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, these centers are more essential than ever, providing not just a safe haven but also a wide array of critical services such asRead more

Understanding the relationship between depression and LGBTQ+ individuals is essential for providing the necessary support and creating a more inclusive society. Members of LGBTQ+ communities often face unique challenges that can contribute to mental health conditions, including depression. We will explore these challenges, examine the prevalence of depression within LGBTQ+ communities, and discuss how toRead more

Exploring the connection between gender identity and mental health involves facing various ups and downs, both challenges and triumphs. Even when we consider the pressures certain sections of our society place on individuals and how they perceive gender (the US state of Tennessee, for instance, has banned gender-affirming care for minors) or their positive counterpartsRead more

Substance use and addiction impact individuals across all demographics; LGBTQ+ communities are no exception. Nonetheless, talking about the subject of substance abuse among LGBTQ+ communities requires a high level of sensitivity. That’s because the topic involves tackling complex intersections of identity, cultural norms, societal expectations, and health. However, we should embrace this intricacy since suchRead more

A couple of weeks ago, I came across an article about a laughable statement made by former U.S. ambassador and current Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley. At a college event, Haley pinned Dylan Mulvaney, TikTok’s infamous theater kid and transfemme phenomenon, as being solely responsible for “why a third of our teenage girls seriously contemplatedRead more

In an ever-evolving society, being a supportive friend to LGBTQ+ individuals goes beyond mere acceptance. It entails actively advocating for their rights, fostering understanding, and creating safe spaces. This blog post aims to guide you through transitioning from an ally to becoming an advocate for LGBTQ+ communities. By embracing these practical tips and insights, youRead more

Discrimination against LGBTQ+ communities has been an ongoing concern, with many individuals facing various forms of discrimination. The impact of LGBTQ+ discrimination is far-reaching, affecting many areas of life, including mental health. This article will focus on the impact of LGBTQ+ discrimination on mental health, providing insight into the prevalence of discrimination, its effects onRead more