LGBTQIA+ Mental Health: Finding Hope and Help in Uncertain Times

Why Does This Year Feel Different for the LGBTQIA+ Community? 

Pride Month is always a time of celebration, but this year especially, it’s also a time of action. In the context of constant, rapid legislative changes directly impacting the rights and safety of the LGBTQIA+ community, it can feel especially challenging to find ways to remain hopeful, celebrate our identities, and act. 

So far [May 2025], this year has seen a slew of anti-LGBTQIA+ executive orders and proposed bills targeting the LGBTQIA+ community, and almost certainly things will change even more between when this is written, published, or read. 

How Can LGBTQIA+ Individuals Cope with Overwhelm? 

Now more than ever, the best way to work through these systemic issues is to rely on community connections and solidarity. And know that no matter what adversity arises, our community will persevere. There will always be resources available, ranging from formal services to local, word-of-mouth mutual aid. Mental health support and community connection are crucial tools for LGBTQIA+ resilience. 

What Are Some Helpful LGBTQIA+ Mental Health & Support Resources? 

• LGBT National Hotline: Call 1-888-843-4564 
• Trans Lifeline: Call 1-877-565-8860 
• LGBT Center of Raleigh: Now is an excellent time to check out programming offered by our friends at the LGBT Center of Raleigh—their services range from mental health support groups and HIV/STI testing, to social events like book clubs and yoga. 
• Staying Informed: You can keep up to date on bills being proposed in NC, and you can find out who your legislators are. 
• SouthLight Services: As always, if you need additional support, you can get connected to our services. 

How Does SouthLight Serve the LGBTQIA+ Community? 

Throughout both the good times and the tough times, SouthLight will always have its doors open to all members of our community. We offer inclusive recovery services for LGBTQIA+ individuals and strive to truly partner with and empower each of our participants.  

Our core values as an agency, which were chosen by all our staff, highlight the importance of inclusion, authenticity, and collaboration. Our hope is that all our participants will walk through our doors and feel safe, no matter what stage of recovery they’re in and no matter what is going on outside of those doors. 

Final Thoughts on Standing Strong with the LGBTQIA+ Community? 

The LGBTQIA+ community has always been here and will always be here—and we at SouthLight will always be committed to standing with the LGBTQIA+ community and improving our services to better partner with the people we serve and the people who need us. 

Jacki Agusta, LCSW, LCAS, CCS is the Director of Tailored Care Management for SouthLight.