Welcome to the Orange County Mental Health & Wellbeing for Diverse Communities monthly newsletter! In the upcoming months, we will continue our exploration of mental wellness and wellbeing, touching on various topics to support your holistic health journey. | |
June marks the beginning of summer, and it's the perfect time to focus on maintaining health and wellness. Consider how physical, spiritual, emotional, and psychological aspects contribute to your overall well-being. Embrace a holistic approach to wellness for a harmonious and balanced life. | |
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Summer Solstice, Preventative Wellness
and Pride Celebrations
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For June, we are celebrating LGBTQQIP2SAA+ Pride Month to cultivate a community of acceptance, highlight some inspiring stories, show LGBTQQIP2SAA+ excellence, and affirm some positive encouragement. We want to remind you that you are perfect just the way you are. Show yourself some love and remember to treasure the people that have shown you love and support. We want to challenge you today to tell that person that’s stood by your side how much you appreciate them for that love and support. | |
As queer people, our communities may look different, but there’s a level of acceptance and understanding that is undeniable and makes those relationships feel closer than ever. And speaking of relationships, love is love! Queer love is unique, vibrant, and beautiful. Queer love, like any form of love, is diverse and rich, encompassing a wide range of emotions and experiences. | |
We admire your resilience and strength to be your true authentic self, and this is a month to take care of yourself and the people in the LGBTQQIP2SAA+ community. This is a month to recognize the bravery of coming out. Despite the fear, anxiety, and stress that comes with coming out, it takes courage to show the world that you are a person full of complex identity. | |
It’s also important to recognize the intersectionality that comes with being queer. Intersecting identities like being both queer and black are essential to embrace in the LGBTQQIP2SAA+ community. We see the diversity in your extraordinary perspective that makes you the person you are today. | |
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Let’s take some time to recognize some pioneers for the LGBTQQIP2SAA+ community. Here are just a few advocates that show LGBTQQIP2SAA+ excellence:
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Marsha P. Johnson & Sylvia Rivera co-founded the STAR house that became a shelter for homeless and struggling queer kids in 1972.
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Phyll Opoku-Gyimah (also known as Lady Phyll) co-founded UK Black Pride in the early 2000s which has pioneered the inclusivity of black identity in the LGBTQ+ community.
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Laverne Cox is a black and transgender-woman icon who has paved the way for the trans community through her advocacy and is the first trans person to be nominated for an Emmy for her role in Orange is the New Black.
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June marks a season of summer enjoyment and the celebration of our diverse identities.
Pride Month specifically honors the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other identities) community, emphasizing mutual respect and support. Demonstrating such support can be as straightforward as recognizing and using someone's preferred pronouns. Further insights into gender identity and pronouns can be explored at The Trevor Project.
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According to a 2021 national survey, LGBTQIA+ youth in affirming environments tend to exhibit higher self-esteem and experience more positive mental health outcomes. As a compassionate figure in someone's life—whether a teacher, parent, family member, friend, or ally—there are numerous local resources in Orange County that can aid in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community.
APAIT in Orange County, one of our valued partners, offers various educational, collaborative, and community support opportunities. Additionally, the OC Student Mental Health Resource Directory LGBTQ Youth Resources. | |
Recognizing that LGBTQIA+ individuals face an increased risk of mental health challenges, it becomes crucial for caring adults to prioritize mental health support. Research indicates that LGBTQIA+ adults are over twice as likely as their heterosexual counterparts to experience mental health conditions, and this community faces a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and attempts. If you or someone you know identifies as LGBTQ and is grappling with mental health concerns, seeking assistance becomes a paramount consideration. | |
Here are some helpful resources: | |
To talk with someone about your mental health right now, visit OC Links | |
We encourage you to check out the upcoming wellness events in Orange County for each month, ensuring you stay connected with the community and discover valuable resources. Follow us on our social media platforms for regular updates: | |
Here are a few of the no cost public mental health and wellness events taking place in Orange County. | |
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Tuesday, June 4, 2024
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
In-person
LGBTQ Center OC
1605 N Spurgeon Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701
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Wednesday, June 5, 2024
5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
In-person
Delhi Center
505 E Central Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92707
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“Laugh Rx” Comedy Training Workshop:
General Mental Health
Saturday, June 22, 2024
10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
In-person
Norma Hertzog Community Center
1845 Park Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92627
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Do you need to find and connect with local resources to support your health and wellbeing? You can find those and more on the OC Navigator. These resources can help you get started on your journey to wellness. | |
Interested in wellness events happening in Orange County? Be sure to visit the ‘Upcoming Events’ section on our website! | |
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As always, events are open to all OC community members. We can’t wait to see you there! To make sure you stay up to date on events in the area, be sure to check out our website.
Follow us on our social media!
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Contact Us!
Do you have questions about this initiative and its content? Please reach out to the CARS team at OCMH@cars-rp.org with any questions.
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