LGBTQIA+ people are at a higher risk for dealing with shame, fear, discrimination, and adverse and traumatic events. There are health disparities linked to societal stigma, discrimination, and denial of  civil and human rights. Acceptance of sexual orientation and gender identity affects the mental health and safety of LGBTGIA+ people and all humanity. Queer folk experience emotional distress, stigmatization, victimization, discrimination and barriers to accessing healthcare.
​
The challenges of LGBTQIA+ people, although they are real and serious, cannot be allowed to overshadow joy. We celebrate queerness in our work, however that works for you! We do need to deal with the pain, and, we don't benefit from staying there forever. Celebrating queerness and queer culture is a key component of healing. 
​