Mental health, Pride, and the healing power of LGBTQIA2+ joy

May 19

By Jay Mason (he/him), advocacy intern at Inside Out Youth Services

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to speak up and break down stigma surrounding mental health challenges. Data from the Trevor Project shows that in 2025, 84% of all LGBTQAI2+ young people wanted mental health care, but 44% of them were not able to get it due to systemic barriers. We know that in addition to affordability, destigmatization is key when it comes to making this care more accessible.

That’s why Inside Out Youth Services (IOYS) exists: to reduce stigma, foster community, and build a shared sense of belonging. With the increase in hostility and discrimination towards LGBTQIA2+ people in this current climate, it’s important to have a safe place to gather and lean into joy.

We’re excited to host two upcoming events that call joy to center stage:

Queer Prom: Queers in Space: This galactic-themed dance party for LGBTQIA2+ young people ages 13-24 is a fun, sober event that invites celebration and authenticity into a shared space. We will have dresses, suits, makeup artists, and hairstylists available before the event so young people can feel as fabulous as they deserve for their prom!
→ $ FREE
→ Ages 13-24
→ Saturday, May 30, 2026
→ 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
→ Hillside Community Center, Colorado Springs
Queer Pride: Inside & Out: A sober, family-friendly Pride event for all ages. Join us for live entertainment, food, vendors, and fun activities!
→ $ FREE
→ All ages & open to the public
→ Saturday, June 6, 2026
→ 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
→ Hillside Community Center, Colorado Springs

These events were mindfully planned for the intersection of Mental Health Awareness Month and Pride Month. But no matter the time of year, having safe and affirming places where LGBTQIA2+ young people can freely express themselves is of utmost importance.

I’ve never seen queer joy like I’ve seen it at Queer Prom or Pride: Inside & Out, and it makes me so proud to be a part of this community and do this work to continue to support our young people. They are not inherently at a higher risk for mental health challenges because of their identity, but because of how they’re mistreated and stigmatized for it. This is apparent at IOYS, where every day I see young people thriving in queer joy and being themselves without barriers.

Recognizing that LGBTQIA2+ young people have a higher risk of experiencing mental health challenges and continuing to spread awareness about it can truly save lives. Pride Month and Mental Health Awareness Month are put close together for a reason, so we can continue to work towards helping young people feel safer, more affirmed, and in a better mental space.