“The Fabric of Freedom”—the theme of this year’s WorldPride event in Washington, DC—honors the diverse cultures, identities, and backgrounds that make up the fabric of the LGBTQ+ community. This Pride Month, we celebrate the vibrancy and strength of this fabric amid growing threats to LGBTQ+ rights. At the same time, we recognize the continued mental health disparities of LGBTQ+ people and the need to fill gaps in mental health support that addresses their unique concerns.
According to research by the Kaiser Family Foundation, for example, two-thirds of LGBT+ people (67%) reported needing mental health support over two years compared to just 39% of non-LGBT+ people. Yet, due to barriers such as wait times and limited insurance coverage, only about half of LGBTQ+ people with need for mental health support actually sought and received it.
Resources for supporting the mental health of LGBTQ+ employees
To support the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ employees and dependents, we’ve curated a selection of Calm Health resources created by and for members of the LGBTQ+ community. These programs focus on celebrating individuality, providing tools for self-care when struggling with stress, anxiety, or sleep; and fostering a sense of connection and belonging.
Clinical Programs
- Thrive with Pride: Self-Care for LGBTQ+ Folks
This 10-session program developed by Dr. S.H. Moon, an LGBTQ+ clinical psychology specialist, helps listeners create safety for themselves as part of the LGBTQ+ community. They’ll learn proven ways to work with stress, emotions and relationships, and to help them thrive in times of adversity.
Dr. S.H. Moon, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist, consultant, educator, and writer, specializing in BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ mental health, immigration, racial trauma, elite athlete mental health, and couples therapy. She currently serves as the Co-Director of the Multicultural Seminar and Lecturer of Psychology at Harvard Medical School at Cambridge Health Alliance, Consulting Psychologist at the Danielsen Institute at Boston University, and is the host of The Cut Fruit Podcast, a show focusing on Queer Asian experiences. - Inclusive Parenting for LGBTQ+ Youth
Also developed by Dr. Moon, this 5-episode program is about helping parents of LGBTQ+ youth take care of themselves as they care for their children. Listeners learn empowering ways to look after themselves, straightforward parenting strategies to help their kids feel secure and connected, and tips and resources to advocate for their children’s well-being. The program is narrated by Raymond Braun, a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ issues.
Wisdom and Meditations
- Coming Out, Lama Rod Owens
In this six-part series, Lama Rod Owens helps LGBTQ+ people learn how to navigate the challenges and celebrate the joys of moving through the world as their most authentic selves. Themes include identity, shame, self-love, community, compassion, joy, and the LGBTQ+ experience.
Lama Rod identifies as a Black, queer man and is one of the next generation of mindfulness leaders. His approach blends formal Buddhist training and life experience that gives him a unique ability to relate to and engage with those around him in a way that’s sincere and gives them space.
Sleep Stories
- Tales From the CB Radio, Orville Peck
Over a long haul to St. Louis, a trucker shares his thoughts on love, loss, and country music.
Born in South Africa, Orville Peck is a songwriter and country artist. Orville, who is openly gay, is never seen without his signature fringed mask. He’s known and celebrated for his baritone voice, strong musicianship and songs that are sincere yet bold in their storytelling. - To My Body and to Teenage Me, Edgar Gomez
In this lighthearted essay, author and narrator Edgar Gomez finds an inner-confidence in a space that created a lot of former insecurity.
Edgar Gomez is a Florida-born writer with roots in Nicaragua and Puerto Rico. His debut memoir, High-Risk Homosexual, was named a Best Book of 2022 by Publisher’s Weekly, Buzzfeed, and Electric Literature.
Supporting LGBTQ+ employees and families this Pride Month and beyond
Pride Month is a time to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities. It’s also a time to commit to supporting the mental and emotional health of LGBTQ+ employees and their families. As a part of creating a safe and accepting workplace culture, employers can provide mental and emotional health tools developed specifically to support members of the LGBTQ+ community.
*Calm Health is not intended to diagnose or treat depression, anxiety, or any other mental or physical health condition. Calm Health is not a substitute for care by a physician or other healthcare provider. Any questions that you may have regarding these results or the diagnosis, care, or treatment of a health condition should be directed to your physician or healthcare provider. Calm Health is a mental wellness product.
