A&C's Pride 2024 Theme:
"Slaying the Stigma"
LGBTQIA+ individuals disproportionately experience mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and other health disparities compared to their non-LGBTQIA+ peers.
That’s why, for the LGBTQIA+ community especially, it is crucial to break down the stigma surrounding these topics. A&C’s 2024 Pride theme encourages conversation, openness, and celebration of personal triumphs. We recognize that the intersectionality of queerness and mental health or substance use can amplify and complicate those journeys. We hold space for our struggles while practicing radical acceptance— with compassion for ourselves where we’re at and a willingness to meet others where they’re at.
We hope you will join us this Pride month (and beyond) in our goal of “slaying the stigma” to reduce discrimination and create more positive outcomes for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Slay the Stigma with A&C
A&C’s LGBTQIA+ Taskforce attended various local Pride events to share resources and information about our agency’s services. While there, we also invited attendees to help us Slay the Stigma by sharing aspects of their stories using our prompt signs.
All of the included content has been shared with the full consent of the participants.
Keep Slaying the Stigma
We want to give a platform to anyone who wants to share their reflections surrounding LGBTQIA+ identity and mental health. We invite everyone to continue sharing their stories beyond Pride month by being as open and authentic as they are comfortable being.
Your story could be as simple as:
“I am gay and sober.”
“I love someone who struggles with their mental health.”
“I’m proud to embrace my queer identity.”
Or it could be more in-depth:
“I’m gay and sober. Here’s how I’m navigating Pride celebrations with widespread consumption of alcohol and other substances…”
All of your feelings, struggles, successes, and diagnosis are valid. The testimonies you feel comfortable sharing deserve to be told. The way you show up in the world might just be the hope someone else needs to hear.
A&C Staff Slay the Stigma
- A&C Staff Member
- A&C Staff Member
- A&C Staff Member
Our Communities Slay the Stigma
If you are seeking support or resources on your mental health journey, please call Adult & Child Health at 317.882.5122. Learn more about our services here.
Show Your Support Loud & Proud
Check out our Bonfire fundraising store to purchase your own “Slaying the Stigma” apparel! Proceeds from each sale go to Adult & Child Health’s LGBTQIA+ Taskforce to help advance initiatives to support queer staff, clients, and the community.
