June is Pride Month and we wanted to take this opportunity to discuss how Adverse Childhood Experiences disproportionately affect the LGBTQ community and offer some resources and insight on how to buffer the effects of ACEs and toxic stress.

According to ACEs Aware, “the original ACE study was conducted among a population that was largely White, middle class, college-educated, and privately insured. Subsequent studies have found a higher prevalence of ACEs among individuals who are racially marginalized (Black, Latinx, Native American, or multi-racial), experience a failing education system in their communities, lack access to quality health care, are pulled into the justice or child welfare systems, or are disregarded or harmed because of their gender and/or sexual identity.”

We’ve previously discussed how Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) can buffer the effects of ACEs. Some ways we as a community can encourage and promote Positive Childhood Experiences is through inclusivity.

Become An Ally

One way to do this is by taking some time to educate yourself on gender pronouns and why they matter. Using someone’s correct personal pronouns not only shows respect but also promotes inclusivity. A great way to start is by reading the Pronoun Guide from GLSEN.

Speak Up

Silence is one of the ways communities stay marginalized. Speak up against anti-gay jokes, slurs, crude comments, intolerance, and discriminatory policies. Advocate for the LGBTQ community within your professional field, whether it be in education, healthcare, social services, etc.

Support Local Organizations

Show support for local organizations that advocate for the LGBTQ community. A great place to start is the San Diego Equality Business Association, part of The LGBTQ & Ally Chamber of Commerce.

Resources

For more ways to get involved and for some local valuable resources, please visit the following:

• San Diego Ambassadors for The Trevor Project
• Our Safe Place Program at the YMCA of San Diego County
• 2-1-1 Community Support Groups listing
• Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) Support Groups
• Programs at The San Diego LGBT Community Center
  • The Center’s Food Resources
  • The Center’s Housing Services
  • The Families @ The Center
• San Diego Black LGBTQ Coalition
• San Diego LGBTQ Latinx Coalition
• San Diego Queer Asian Pacific Islander Middle Eastern Desi American Coalition Resource List
• San Diego Pride COVID-19 Community Resources and Support
• San Diego Pride Youth Power Hours Virtual Meetings
• Up2SD LGBTQ Resources