Pride, Self-Harm and Connection

Pride is often a time of celebration, visibility and community. It can be a chance to connect with others, celebrate identity and feel part of something bigger.

But Pride can also bring up more complicated feelings.

For some of our LGBTQIA+ community it may be a reminder of experiences of rejection, discrimination or not feeling understood. For others, it can highlight questions about identity, or the challenges of navigating a world that does not always feel accepting or safe.

There are countless stories, identities and journeys, and no single experience that captures them all. Alongside the joy, strength and connection that many people find in their communities, there are also inequalities that continue to affect wellbeing and mental health.

Recent research helps us understand the scale of those inequalities. In April 2025, the Office for National Statistics published the first large-scale analysis of self-harm and suicide by sexual orientation in England and Wales. The study found that people identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual or another minority sexual orientation were around 2.5 times more likely to experience intentional self-harm than heterosexual people, with particularly high rates among younger adults aged 16-24.

These figures matter, but they do not tell us why people self-harm. At Sift, we know that people self-harm for many different reasons. We also know that feeling listened to, understood and accepted can make a meaningful difference. Again and again, people tell us that what helped was not being judged, having to explain themselves, or being told what they should do. What helped was finding a space where they could simply be heard.

That is why accessible, compassionate support matters.

Support from Sift

We are proud to support and stand with the LGBTQIA+ community and ensure people feel safe, respected and supported all year round. We welcome people of all ages, genders and backgrounds to access our free national Listening Support services.

Through our helpline, text and email services, we offer a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space for people affected by self-harm.

You do not need to be in crisis. You do not need to have the right words. Whether you are struggling yourself, worried about someone you care about, or simply trying to make sense of how you are feeling, we are here to listen.

Organisations Supporting LGBTQIA+ People

There are also many organisations providing dedicated support, information and community for LGBTQIA+ people, including:

• Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline– a national LGBTQIA+ support line offering listening, information and signposting across the UK.
• MindOut– an LGBTQ mental health service offering online support, advocacy and peer-based services.
• Galop– support for LGBT+ people affected by abuse, violence, hate crime, sexual violence or so-called conversion practices.
• akt– support for LGBTQ+ young people aged 16 to 25 who are homeless or living in a hostile environment.
• Mermaids– support for trans, non-binary and gender-diverse children, young people and their families.

Finding Support That Feels Right for You

Support does not always come from a specialist service. For some people, it comes from a trusted friend. For others, it might be a community group, a therapist, an LGBTQIA+ organisation, a university wellbeing team, a GP, or an online peer network.

There is no right way to seek support and no single path that works for everyone. What matters is finding people and spaces where you feel respected, accepted and able to be yourself.

Reaching out can feel difficult, especially if previous experiences have left you feeling misunderstood. If that is true for you, please know that you are not alone in feeling that way.

Share Your Story

Lived experience is at the heart of everything we do.

Many of the people who find our services tell us that hearing someone else’s story helped them feel less isolated and more understood. If you would like to share your experiences in a way that might help others, we would love to hear from you. Contributions can be anonymous if you prefer.

To find out more, please contact us at [email protected].

Beyond Pride

Pride reminds us of the importance of visibility, community and belonging. It also reminds us that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion and respect.

Whether Pride feels joyful, challenging, affirming or complicated, your experiences are valid.

And if what you need right now is simply for someone to listen, we are here for you.