By Ashley Barnes
What is Pride Month?
LGBTQ+ Pride Month is celebrated in the United States to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which transpired in New York at the end of June 1969. Resultantly, many pride events are held during this month to recognize the positive impact LGBTQ+ people have had on culture and society as well as accomplishments they have achieved. Further, Pride Month commemorates the ongoing pursuit of equal rights and justice for the greater community as well as sub communities within the LGBTQ+ sphere.
Messages from our team.
The Mental Health Center supports and appreciates the LGBTQ+ community, not only in the month of June but every day. Our company strives to make the treatment experience inclusive and sensitive to patient needs, honoring all identities.
Dino Gonzales, one of our valued administrative assistants, shared that “as an employee of the Mental Health Center, I appreciate our thoughtfulness to diversity and also the openness of our providers to welcome all with no judgments or prejudice.”
Speaking more on the Mental Health Center’s support of the LGBTQ+ community, Dr. Ellie Mizani noted that “supporting the LGBTQ+ community means supporting everyone’s right to love and be loved.” Dr. Mizani is one of our incredible child and adolescent psychiatrists as is a co-founder of the Mental Health Center.
Dr. Sarah Mourra, one of our cherished geriatric psychiatrists, shared that “it is an honor and privilege to work with our patients in a manner that respects their identities and experiences, particularly as they may often be confronting situations in which they have been invalidated and stigmatized. Understanding and respecting the experiences of our LGBTQ+ patients and understanding the social injustices that they often confront on a daily basis is a key part to providing sensitive and holistic care in their path to wellness.”
Jennifer Bieler, LMFT, one of our beloved psychotherapists, expressed her hope that readers attend Pride celebrations, noting that “it’s the best way to celebrate and support; you would brighten up the crowd!” Jennifer Bieler has prior experience working at the Los Angeles LGBT Center and provides a Transgender Support and Empowerment Group for Adults.
Resources.
- Library of Congress – LGBTQ+ educational resources, including in-depth information on LGBTQ+ individuals’ contributions to the arts and sciences throughout United States history.
- Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health – provides resources such as LGBTQ+ specific help lines.
- PFLAG – provides support, information, and resources for LGBTQ+ people, their parents and families, and for allies.