Ahead of the International Trans Day of Visibility – an annual event dedicated to supporting trans people and raising awareness of discrimination — the Stigma Crusher reflects on ways of showing up and showing support.
Trying to find a therapist is a lot like dating but let me introduce a new variable – trying to find a therapist – or mental health services at all – as a 2SLGBTQIA+ person. It thins out the dating pool a little bit. But unlike online dating, where there are specialty apps for that, it is a bit more of an odyssey finding mental health services specifically catering to the 2SLGBTQIA+ population.
In a crunch economy, even butter—and therapy—feel unaffordable. You’re not alone; control starts with small steps.
Reducing stigma lets us speak, assess risk, and seek support.
A sudden pothole wrecked my car—and my night. That’s how mental illness feels: an abrupt derailment, unlike mental health’s routine “maintenance.” Self-care helps, but breakdowns need professional repair, time, and often money.
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Terrified to be seen, I slipped into my first peer-support meeting—and found coffee, clutter, and acceptance.
As a white woman, I once overlooked how race shapes care. My wife and son of colour face withheld trust, pain bias, harsher stigma, microaggressions, and scarce, overburdened services. I’ve learned mental health isn’t separate from skin colour; privilege cushions some, while systemic barriers bruise others—often across generations.
‘You’re so brave’ can feel diminishing to those living with mental illness. Courage lies not in existing but in choosing to share our stories against stigma.
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