Join Us March 21st In-Person for Pride Speaks: Queer Mental Health

Join us for a special event as we host the first-ever in-person Pride Speaks Presented by Puget Sound Energy at the Unexpected Productions Market Theater, March 21 from 7-8:30pm. This quarter’s discussion will focus on the mental health and wellness of those in the LGBTQIA+ community and is designed to provide information and discuss the impacts of discrimination, rejection from family and friends, and social isolation.

Date: Monday, March 21, 2022
Time: 7PM - 8:30PM PST
Cost: FREE with suggested donation

Located at Unexpected Productions Improv Theater at the Market Theater in Pike Place Market

Register HERE (Advanced registration is required)

COVID-19 Requirements: In an effort to protect members of the LGBTQIA+ community who are disproportionately affected by health risks and a lack of access to healthcare, Seattle Out and Proud is requiring attendees to wear masks and provide proof of vaccination to participate in the in-person Pride Speaks.

For those unable to attend in-person, the event will also be available to livestream on Seattle Pride’s Facebook page and YouTube page .

The LGBTQIA+ community is disproportionately affected by mental health challenges

There are several mental health and wellness disparities experienced by the LGBTQIA+ community. According to the Centers for Disease Control, LGBTQIA+ youth, compared to their heterosexual and cisgender peers, are more likely to have been bullied at school, seriously considered suicide, felt sad or hopeless, used illicit drugs, been forced to have sex, and misused prescription opioids. Research provided by SAMHSA also shows that mental health discrepancies exist in LGBTQIA+ adults. Compared to heterosexual cis men and women, gay and bisexual adults have higher chances of having major depression, bipolar disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.

About The Event

This FREE event serves as an opportunity to talk with peers and allies about the struggles that may affect the mental health of members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The COVID-19 Pandemic, current events and daily life can put a toll on the mental health of our community. Pride Speaks panelists will address these issues and provide support through this quarter’s discussion.

Panelists include Dr. Peter Shalit, a gay general physician who has cared for members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Seattle since 1990; Ruth Soto AKA LatinRose, a Seattle-based singer and songwriter; and Kince de Vera, a multi-disciplinary artist, community catalyst and head of Seattle Gaymers. This Pride Speaks is hosted by Aleksa Manila, community leader and activist, and former Miss Gay Filipino. Manila will pose questions to panelists, as well as to the audience in a Q&A session. CLICK HERE to learn more about the panelists.