LGBTQIA+ Pride Month In June of 1969, police in New York raided the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar which set off the Stonewall Riots. The first celebrations of Pride began in June of 1970 to recognize the anniversary of the riots with protests and walks. Pride Month became a nationally recognized event in 1999 and celebrations have grown and spread over the years since. Pride Month is not only a time for celebrating the many identities in the community but also for remembrance and advocacy. Here are a few ways you can celebrate this month: - Volunteer with or donate to an LGBTQIA+ organization. There are many groups out there supporting and advocating for LGBTQIA+ folks. The Trevor Project, It Gets Better, and The Human Rights Campaign are just a few national organizations to consider supporting. There are also many local groups and organizations worth offering support. You can also support LGBTQIA+ run local businesses by patronizing them this month.
- Spread awareness and grow your own knowledge. Taking time to learn from and support members of the LGBTQIA+ community can be beneficial whether you are an ally or a member of the community yourself. When we take time to learn about the diverse experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community, we become better allies and can create spaces where everyone is welcome.
- Speak out against hate and discrimination. Whether it is by joining a march or protest during pride month, speaking out on social media platforms, or writing or calling your local representatives, take a moment to be an advocate.
- Attend a local pride event. There are many pride events hosted in every major city as well as many smaller ones throughout June. In addition to these larger celebrations, many cities and organizations also host smaller activities during Pride.
Check out this link for a list and interactive map of Pride events in Ohio!
https://thebuckeyeflame.com/2024/05/21/2024-ohio-lgbtq-pride-guide/ PTSD Awareness Day (6/27/2024) June 27th is PTSD Awareness Day which focuses on spreading knowledge of PTSD and removing the stigma associated with the diagnosis. There are many common myths and misconceptions around PTSD that can get in the way of those who may be experiencing symptoms from getting help. In recognition of PTSD Awareness Day, here are a few facts about PTSD:- PTSD is only for war veterans. While individuals exposed to war can develop PTSD, so can anyone who exposed to situations in which they have felt that their safety was seriously at risk or witnessed violence or a death. Experiences of abuse, car accidents, or loss of a loved one by suicide are just a few examples of events that can also cause PTSD.
- PTSD is just in your mind. There has been a lot of research done on PTSD and many other mental health conditions that has shown that it is more than just “in your head”. Experiencing trauma has the potentially to fundamentally change the way our nervous system and brain function.
- Experiencing a major traumatic event always causes PTSD. Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD symptoms. While we cannot account for every difference, have a positive support system or previous mental health history, do play a role in shaping whether PTSD will develop after a trauma.
- PTSD cannot be treated/will never go away. There are many treatments for PTSD that can be effective though every individual may respond differently. As we continue to research treatment options, new approaches such as EMDR or ketamine therapy are showing promise to make a significantly positive impact on individuals dealing with PTSD.
If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD or trauma, help is available. Mental health professionals can help you work through your experiences and find new ways of coping with your symptoms. | 
