Pride is more than a party

June is an important time for the well-being of the LGBTQ+ community

IN a nutshell Hello again, friends! As your pals in all things health and wellness, we're going to try to answer a question we've been seeing around the web lately: How does celebrating Pride month help LGBTQ+ folks live safer, healthier lives? To help us make sense of this debate, we enlisted the help of Dolly Ferraiuolo, a licensed therapist specializing in LGBTQ+ affirmative care. Get the rest of the story below. Also in store today: • A common feature of unhappy relationships • Embracing your authentic self: LGBTQIA+ health hub • Putting your money to good use during Pride month • New evidence that obesity may change the brain Stay sharp, Ginger Wojcik Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Ginger Wojcik June 21, 2023 • 5 min read

what's got us buzzing How does Pride month benefit the health of LGBTQ+ folks? With its colorful costumes and street parades, it might be easy to see Pride as just a month-long, rainbow-themed party. But according to Ferraiuolo, Pride month plays a special role in the health and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community. "Pride celebrations offer a space for individuals to embrace their authentic selves, fostering self-acceptance and self-esteem," she says. In the 54 years since the Stonewall riots sparked the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement, there's been undeniable progress for queer communities. But there are more mountains to climb, especially for young people. According to a 2021 Trevor Project survey of LGBTQ youth: 72% reported symptoms of anxiety in the past 2 weeks 62% reported symptoms of depression in the past 2 weeks 42% had seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year One benefit of Pride month is that it can reduce the feelings of isolation that can lead to poor mental health. "The visibility of diverse LGBTQ+ identities promotes a sense of belonging and validation," Ferraiuolo says. At a time when states are reducing access to transgender healthcare, the increased visibility of LGBTQ+ issues can also help connect community members with culturally competent professionals, which according to Ferraiuolo "is essential for promoting mental, emotional, and physical well-being." Read more about the health benefits of celebrating Pride. More on LGBTQ+ and health: How to find a healthcare professional who's an LGBTQIA+ ally 8 LGBTQIA+ owned skin care brands to support during Pride and beyond Why monkeypox messaging matters to reduce LGBTQ+ stigma How living loud and proud benefits your health as a queer person

great finds Editor faves with health perks       Williams Sonoma Rainbow Stripe Towels One way you can support LGBTQ+ folks during Pride (or any time of the year) is by shopping! When you buy this set of Turkish cotton towels from Williams Sonoma, 50% of the proceeds go to supporting The Trevor Project, a leading crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth. High quality, functional, and vibrant, these Pride-themed towels would also make a great gift for anyone who gets a kick out of nice home products. Shop now Every product we recommend has gone through Healthline's vetting process. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline is owned by RVO Health.

An expert weighs in   An expert weighs in Q: "What are some signs of a healthy relationship?" A:Healthy signs include non-defensive reactions when an issue is raised, an openness to apologize and hear the other person's perspective, and a commitment to repair hurt feelings when they occur. We become wise when we expand our thoughts to integrate new ideas and alternate ways of approaching the world. Healthy relationships embrace differences with curiosity rather than fear. – Laura Silverstein, LCSW

Wednesday Kick Start Want your relationship to last? Don't avoid conflict As hyper-social creatures, our well-being depends on the quality of our closest relationships. And romantic partners are often the relationships we value — and invest in — most. So why is it that so many relationships fail? And what are all the happy couples doing differently? According to Laura Silverstein, LCSW, it comes down to one critical habit: "Couples in healthy relationships are not afraid to talk about differences. Since they aren't frightened, it is easier to approach conversations with more confidence and generosity." In fact, research suggests that how satisfied you are with your relationship may largely depend on how willing you both are to address conflict. "Conflict avoidance can lead to passive aggression, decreased trust, and a lack of transparency," says Silverstein. Ready to get started on the road toward healthy conflict resolution? According to Silverstein, you can start by: Talking about your feelings early on so that you can express yourself clearly, directly, and respectfully. Getting curious about your partner's thoughts, feelings, and opinions, even if they differ from yours. Get more tips on how to resolve conflicts in your relationships. We want to know: What's the secret to your happy relationship? Let us know at wellnesswire@healthline.com. (Please note that we may use your name and response in an upcoming edition!) More on healthy relationships: LGBTQIA+ safer sex guide Signs that stress may be affecting your relationship What are the different types of attraction? 10 pointers for ending a toxic relationship

health stories you need What we're reading next 🍆 FDA OKs new erectile dysfunction treatment. Learn why one expert is "pumped" about the release of this new over-the-counter ED medicine. 🧠 How obesity can change your brain and make it harder to lose weight. A new study finds that obesity can interfere with your brain's ability to signal when you're full. 💉 We're one step closer to developing a breast cancer vaccine. Meet Jennifer Davis, a woman participating in the first ever human clinical trial for a BC vaccine. 🦠 Gut bacteria may help protect against heart disease and gout. Researchers have identified a specific type of gut bacteria that may protect against disease (in mice).

Thanks for reading, everyone! We hope each and every one of you gets the chance to be your true selves this week. Morgan will be back in your inbox on Friday. 💖

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