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Pride, Mental Health, and the Power of Community in Ontario

June 13, 2025

Pride Month in Ontario is a time for celebration, reflection, and action. It is a time to honour the strength and diversity of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, while acknowledging the ongoing challenges that many still face, especially when it comes to mental health.

While 2SLGBTQIA+ people are as diverse as the wider population in their experiences of well-being, research consistently shows they face higher risks for certain mental health issues. That is not because of their identities, but because of the impacts of discrimination, exclusion, and inequity.

In Ontario, social determinants of health like income, safety, and access to services have a profound effect on mental wellness. 2SLGBTQIA+ people, particularly trans and bisexual individuals, are overrepresented among low-income Canadians. One Ontario study found that half of trans respondents were living on less than $15,000 a year. Many face additional barriers like housing insecurity, violence, and harassment, especially when accessing employment, healthcare, or basic support. 

For youth, the picture is especially urgent. LGBTQ+ youth face up to 14 times the risk of suicide and substance use compared to their heterosexual peers. In one Ontario survey, 77% of trans respondents had seriously considered suicide, and nearly half had attempted it.

Intersectionality makes these challenges even more complex. Many 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals also navigate racism, ableism, poverty, or other forms of marginalization — all of which compound mental health risks and create additional barriers to care. For example, a racialized queer person with a disability may face discrimination on multiple fronts when seeking support.

But amid these realities, there is also incredible resilience. Community-led organizations across Ontario work daily to build safer, more inclusive mental health support. When 2SLGBTQIA+ people have access to affirming care, supportive communities, and safe spaces to be themselves, their mental health outcomes improve dramatically.

As we celebrate Pride, we must remember it is not just about visibility, it is about action. That means advocating for accessible, culturally competent mental health care, challenging stigma, and supporting each other in meaningful ways.

If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out. You are not alone. There is help, there is hope, and there is a community that cares. Below, PeerWorks has compiled a list of resources for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Ontario: