June is Pride Month! This month, and all year round, AFSP is dedicated to promoting the well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people.

In a recent article for AFSP's Real Stories blog, The Reverend Charles Lane Cowen shared his experience presenting at AFSP’s Stronger Communities: LGBTQ Suicide Prevention conference sponsored by our local Maryland and Delaware chapters:

"I left the conference with a reminder that the forces of hope and love are far more powerful and numerous than the forces of despair and division that exist in our country. Yes, LGBTQ folks face discrimination that can exacerbate the many other risk factors that contribute to suicide. However, there are intelligent, loving people working to end that discrimination."

Charles is one of many AFSP volunteers taking action to prevent suicide in the LGBTQ community. The good news is that we can all play a role in supporting the mental health of LGBTQ people. Here are just a few ways you can help:

• Visit AFSP's LGBTQ Resource Guide for ways to help suicide prevention in LGBTQ communities, connect to LGBTQ crisis and support resources, and learn more about LGBTQ suicide research
• Read about AFSP's position on policies that affect LGBTQ people by visiting our LGBTQ Individuals & Populations page. For even more details and data, take a look at our LGBTQ Individuals & Populations issue brief.
• Learn more about how to help prevent suicide among LGBTQ people by participating in AFSP's newly updated education program, Talk Saves Lives™: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention in the LGBTQ Community. 
• Register to attend our policy webinar, taking place on Monday, June 5, from 3:00pm to 3:30pm ET. Join AFSP and SAMHSA as they review the recent report, Moving Beyond Change Efforts: Evidence and Action to Support and Affirm LGBTQI+ Youth, published by the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
• Get loud about your support for the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ people! Visit afsp.org/lgbtq for Pride Month graphics to share on social media.

Together, we have the power to help prevent suicide in the LGBTQ community. We hope you'll join our efforts to promote LGBTQ mental health, this June and beyond.