Written by Amanda Tailleur-Marshall, Youth Employment Counsellor
This Pride season, you might hear questions like, “Why is there a Pride month?” or “Why does this matter?”
These questions often come from different places, curiosity, uncertainty, or simply not having had the chance to learn more yet. Wherever you are in your understanding, there is space to explore.
Pride exists to recognize and celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and to acknowledge the history, experiences, and ongoing realities that make this recognition important.
Part of that reality is the disproportionate impact on mental health. Members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community experience significantly higher rates of mental health challenges. In Canada, 2SLGBTQIA+ youth are at a much higher risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers (Statistics Canada, 2024; Public Health Agency of Canada, 2024).
These experiences are not felt equally because intersectionality matters, and those who are also racialized often face layered and compounding barriers.
Alongside these realities, there is also profound resilience. The 2SLGBTQIA+ community continues to show strength, creativity, and deep connection, building spaces of care, advocacy, and belonging, even in the face of adversity. Pride is, in many ways, a reflection of that resilience.
As a community, and as a service provider, our role is to support the mental health and well-being of all people and families. Allyship is part of that work.
Allyship isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about a willingness to listen, to learn, to reflect, and to take action in ways that help people feel safe, respected, and valued.
In Canada, approximately 1.3 million people identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community (Statistics Canada, 2024). Despite this, many individuals continue to face significant barriers:
-
- 77% report experiencing bullying in the past year (Statistics Canada, 2022)
-
- 13% have experienced homelessness
-
- 57% have been rejected or shunned by family
-
- 52% have been verbally harassed or threatened
-
- 49% have been physically assaulted or threatened
-
- 48% have experienced online hate
- 48% have experienced online hate
And these are only the experiences that are reported.
Research consistently shows that protective factors include access to welcoming spaces, representation in media and community, and the presence of affirming adults and allies. Inclusive, affirming mental and physical health care is also critical (Government of Canada, 2022).
At Wood’s Homes, we have been on a learning journey. Over the years, we have worked to better understand the experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ people and to intentionally create more inclusive, affirming spaces, both for the individuals we serve and for our staff.
This work is ongoing. It asks us to keep listening, to stay open, and to continue growing.
Pride exists because of a long history of exclusion and harm, but it endures because of the strength, courage, and resilience of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and the choice of allies to stand alongside them in meaningful ways.
At Wood’s Homes, our commitment is simple: to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued for who they are and who they love.
However you choose to engage this Pride season, whether you’re reflecting, learning, or celebrating, we’re glad you are part of this community.
Happy Pride.
