Preparing for Pride in a 2024 Political Climate
Pride is supposed to be a celebration—a space to show up as our full, unfiltered selves and find joy in community. But what happens when the world outside feels more hostile than ever? When headlines scream about anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, when protests against our existence feel louder, when safety at Pride events is no longer a given? For many, this isn’t just a hypothetical question—it’s a real concern impacting mental health and the way we navigate the world.
If you’re feeling the weight of it all as Pride season approaches, you’re not alone. It’s okay to hold both the joy and the grief, the resilience and the exhaustion. Let’s talk about what it means to care for ourselves in this moment and show up in ways that honor our mental health.
Acknowledging the Emotional Toll
Existing as an LGBTQ+ person in a hostile political climate can be mentally and emotionally exhausting. Pride is meant to be liberating, but when laws and rhetoric attack our rights, it can also be a reminder of just how much we’re still fighting for. That’s valid. If you’ve been feeling anxious, angry, or even disconnected from the idea of celebrating, take a moment to check in with yourself:
How has the political climate been affecting my mental health lately?
What emotions come up when I think about Pride this year?
What do I need to feel supported and safe right now?
Defining What Pride Means to You
Pride doesn’t have to look like marching in a parade or attending a big festival. Sometimes, resistance looks like finding joy in the quiet moments—having a meal with chosen family, reading queer literature, or simply existing in your truth. You get to define what Pride means for you, especially in difficult times.
Consider asking yourself:
What feels affirming and healing for me this Pride season?
Are there alternative ways I can celebrate if large gatherings don’t feel safe or comfortable?
How can I make space for both celebration and rest?
Community as a Source of Strength
One of the most powerful ways to protect our mental health is by leaning into community. Whether it’s close friends, a support group, or online spaces, finding people who understand what you’re going through can make a huge difference. Pride was born from collective resistance, and that collective strength still holds us today.
Who in my life makes me feel safe and seen?
How can I strengthen those connections leading up to Pride?
If I don’t have that support system yet, where can I start looking for it?
Setting Boundaries for Safety & Well-Being
It’s okay to step back from conversations, events, or even social media when they become overwhelming. Prioritizing your mental health isn’t disengagement—it’s self-preservation.
Ask yourself:
Do I feel safe attending Pride events in my area?
What boundaries do I need to set around news and social media consumption?
What steps can I take to ground myself if I start feeling overwhelmed?
Holding Both the Joy and the Fight
Pride has always existed at the intersection of joy and resistance. We carry the weight of what’s happening in the world, but we also deserve to celebrate our existence, our love, and our community. Taking care of your mental health during Pride—especially in a difficult political climate—is not just important, it’s essential.
That’s where trauma-informed therapy can help. It offers a supportive space to process your experiences without judgment—centering safety, empowerment, and your lived truth.
So as you navigate this season, remember: Your Pride is valid, no matter how you choose to express it. Your safety and well-being matter. And you are not alone in this fight.