Pride is a time to celebrate Colorado’s vibrant LGBTQ+ people, empower one another, and embrace the joy the month brings, but we must also acknowledge the anti-LGBTQ+ hate and violence that seeks to divide us and instill fear and despair in our communities, as well as the ongoing mental health struggles that many LGBTQ+ people face.
As the founder of Envision:You, an organization that aims to close health disparities for LGBTQ+ people in Colorado, I am deeply aware of the barriers that make it difficult for these people to live happy, healthy lives. LGBTQ+ people continue to face significant mental health challenges as a result of systemic discrimination, health care disparities, and the ongoing struggle for acceptance in the face of hate and violence.
Research consistently shows that LGBTQ+ people are at higher risk of experiencing mental health issues compared to their heterosexual counterparts. These disparities are even more severe among LGBTQ+ people of color, transgender people, and those from low-income backgrounds, highlighting the multiple intersecting factors that contribute to health disparities within our communities.
Envision: We surveyed nearly 600 LGBTQ+ residents about their health concerns and experiences, and the results were startling. Two in three said they had seriously considered self-harming at some point in their lives. One in three said their health needs were unmet. Additionally, we found that two in five respondents had experienced symptoms of a mood disorder, with transgender and non-binary respondents more likely to experience symptoms and less likely to seek medical care. It’s also important and sad to note that suicide rates are on the rise due to recent political attacks against our community.
In the face of great challenges, Pride Month lights a powerful beacon of resilience — a testament to the unwavering spirit of LGBTQ+ people and communities, a spirit that began with the Stonewall riots in 1969 and continues to burn brightly in the fight against discriminatory laws and speech. This month is a necessary reminder of the strength found in unity and the unwavering hope that will lead the LGBTQ+ movement towards a more equitable future.
Through my work at Envision:You, I am fortunate to see every day our people come together, facing many challenges and moving forward towards our common goal of living truly free, without fear of discrimination. When I look at what we’ve accomplished together since 1969, I see the possibility of a brighter future for us all. That alone is comforting to get us through dark times. Nothing is more powerful than realizing that you don’t have to do it all alone.
In April, Envision:You merged with Mental Health Colorado, the state’s largest advocacy group for people with mental health and substance use issues. We’re proud to join an organization that has long recognized that discrimination and oppression play a significant role in our well-being and regularly advocates for policies that support LGBTQ+ Coloradans, including gender-neutral restrooms in public buildings, protecting LGBTQ+ children in foster care from discrimination, and making mental health care more accessible to Medicaid youth.
This merger marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to build collective power and support for LGBTQ+ people in every corner of Colorado, and a testament to the fact that we can accomplish so much more when we work together. For example, this year Envision:You and Mental Health Colorado worked to improve care for people with eating disorders. Not only are eating disorders one of the deadliest mental illnesses, but LGBTQ+ people also experience them at disproportionate rates and are less likely to seek care. Colorado Senate Bill 117 included provisions to protect transgender and gender nonconforming patients to ensure eating disorder care is compassionate, inclusive, and gender-affirming.
In Colorado, LGBTQ+ people of all ages and walks of life struggle with mental health, but resources are available for those who need support: visit MentalHealthColorado.org/help or get the You Flourish app, which connects LGBTQ+ people with peer support and vetted mental health professionals.
This Pride Month, let us rely on hope. Recognizing how far we have come and what we have built and achieved together gives us hope for a better tomorrow, where love is love, acceptance is universal, and everyone has a chance at a healthy life. Love and hope are what sustain us even in the darkest of times.
Steven Hayden is a passionate advocate for mental health and social justice, with a special focus on the disproportionate challenges faced by marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ people. As Executive Vice President of Mental Health Colorado, he leads efforts to promote equitable access to mental health resources and services. Steven also founded Envision:You, a Colorado nonprofit that addresses behavioral health disparities among LGBTQ+ people. Having recently released You:Flourish, a pioneering wellness app for the LGBTQ+ community, Steven continues to drive innovation and positive change in mental health support systems for all people.
