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Pride Month in Ontario: Supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ mental health and community care
Jun 2, 2026
This June, communities across Ontario will engage with Pride Month in different ways, with local events, celebrations, and critical conversations reflecting on the experiences of Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex, Asexual+ (“2SLGBTQIA+”) people across the province.
One of the largest Pride events in the world is Pride Toronto and because of that, let’s dive into their 2026 theme, We Won’t Stop, a reminder that while progress has been made, the work toward safety, inclusion, equity and liberation for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities continues.
Pride and mental health
For us, Pride Month is an opportunity to recognize the ongoing mental health impacts of stigma, discrimination, rejection and isolation experienced by many 2SLGBTQIA+ people while also celebrating joy, resilience, belonging and community care.
Research continues to show that 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Canada experience disproportionately high rates of mental health challenges, substance use and suicidality. These experiences are connected to discrimination, stigma, social exclusion and barriers to affirming care and support.
Compared to their cisgender and heterosexual peers, 2SLGBTQIA+ youth are significantly more likely to experience anxiety, depression, substance use challenges and suicidal thoughts. Trans and nonbinary people also continue to face high rates of discrimination, harassment and violence, all of which can have lasting impacts on mental health and well-being.
Pride is also about joy
It’s about the communities, relationships, creativity and safer spaces people have built in the face of stigma and discrimination. It’s about the chosen family we create along with the mutual support and advocacy that comes with that family. It’s also about art, culture, connection and like we said above, joy.
2SLGBTQIA+ communities have long played an important role in shaping conversations around mental health and addiction and all its surrounding layers, including harm reduction, peer support, community care and equity. Many approaches now recognized as essential in mental health and addictions care (including trauma-informed support, braver spaces, community-based care and meeting people where they are) were strengthened and championed by queer and trans advocates and communities.
Pride is also a celebration of leadership and resilience.
“We Won’t Stop”
This year’s Pride Toronto theme speaks to the ongoing work of creating communities and systems where people feel safe being their whole selves.
At CMHA, that means:
- We won’t stop advocating for mental health and addictions systems that are inclusive and affirming.
- We won’t stop challenging stigma and discrimination in care.
- We won’t stop creating spaces where people feel seen and supported.
- We won’t stop recognizing the strength, leadership and joy within 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
- We won’t stop having open conversations that save lives.
Ways to support 2SLGBTQIA+ communities year-round
Here are a few ways people can support 2SLGBTQIA+ communities beyond Pride Month:
- Learn about 2SLGBTQIA+ histories and experiences, especially those at the intersection of other marginalized identities.
- Check in on friends, family members, coworkers and neighbours. Open conversations can make a difference.
- Support queer- and trans-led organizations, businesses and community initiatives.
- Speak out against discrimination and harmful misinformation.
- Attend local Pride events, workshops, panels and community spaces.
Supporting mental health, safety and belonging
While 2SLGBTQIA+ communities continue to face disproportionately high rates of mental health challenges, substance use and suicidality, these experiences do not define the community.
There is also joy. Creativity. Leadership. Advocacy. Care for one another.
There are people building safer spaces, supporting one another through crisis, advocating for better systems and creating communities where others feel less alone.
At CMHA, we won’t stop working toward a mental health and addictions system where every person feels supported and safe being who they are.
Resources supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ communities
For more information and resources, visit: