As our community prepares to celebrate Pride at the annual Northern Nevada Pride Parade, I have been reflecting on the LGBTQA+ community with the pandemic in mind. Across the country, many people experienced social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. But did you know that isolation is more intense for LGBTQA+ members of the community? This is especially true for those whose family and/or friends have rejected them—or who feel like they can’t be their true selves around certain people in their lives. Isolation can further burden an already difficult situation and often results in significant physical and mental health impacts.
At United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierra (UWNNS), we LIVE United against hate, prejudice, and discrimination of all kinds. We recognize that there are even more challenges for our LGBTQA+ community. As we start to move out of the crisis of the pandemic and move toward recovery, it is even more important to come together as a community, celebrate unique experiences, and welcome diverse perspectives.
We encourage you to share messages of support with your LGBTQA+ family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors year-round. Not sure what to say? Here are a few ideas to get you started on a text message, email, social media post, or card.
- I love you and value you for who you are.
- Thanks for sharing your true self with me. I appreciate you.
- Your courage and resilience are inspiring.
- How can I support you during this difficult time? You deserve love and compassion.
- I am grateful to have you in my life.
- I support you and all other LGBTQA+ people around the world.
- Thank you for being you!
During this time, when we need connection more than ever, let’s embrace the diversity that makes our community strong. Let’s LIVE UNITED for hope, love, and pride in who we are.
UWNNS is committed to building stronger, more equitable communities and we all play a role. As we invest in recovery, we need to ensure every Nevadan is thriving, including LGBTQA+ individuals. We are stronger together! Find out more about how we are LIVING United at uwnns.org/LIVEUNITED.
Happy Pride!
- Michael Brazier, UWNNS CEO and President