PRIDE: 2SLGBTQIA+ mental health in Hamilton requires action, not words

Growing hostility is taking a toll and we must be vigilant and proactive at multiple levels to ensure everyone is safe and welcomed in our city.

As a psychotherapist, I see firsthand how the growing hostility toward 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, both here and abroad, is taking a toll on mental health. Across the U.S., trans healthcare is being banned in multiple states, same-sex marriage protections are being challenged, and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) initiatives that safeguard workplace protections are being abolished. While Canada has long been seen as a progressive country, we’re not immune to these shifts. Hate-motivated incidents are rising in Hamilton, and for many 2SLGBTQIA+ folks, this isn’t just a political issue, it’s a deeply personal one.

So let’s pay attention. 

Mental health challenges in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community aren’t due to identity but rather to discrimination, isolation, and systemic barriers. Studies consistently show that queer and trans individuals experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. When your ability to access healthcare, find affirming workplaces, or even exist safely in public spaces is under debate, the emotional burden is immense. Hamilton prides itself on being inclusive, but are we truly providing the support our 2SLGBTQIA+ community needs to thrive?

How this affects Hamilton as a city

Discrimination doesn’t just harm individuals, it weakens our entire city. A Hamilton that fails to create safe, inclusive spaces will see increased mental health crises, higher demands on emergency services, and community disengagement. When people feel unsafe, they withdraw from public life, workplaces lose valuable talent, and businesses miss out on diverse perspectives that drive innovation. If Hamilton truly wants to be a welcoming and progressive city, it must take real steps toward inclusion, not just offer statements of support.

How we can stop the hate in 2025

So, what can we actually do? Here are some meaningful steps Hamilton can take to support 2SLGBTQIA+ mental health and inclusion:

1. Increase access to affirming mental health care: Right now, much of the responsibility for 2SLGBTQIA+ mental health services falls on the non-profit sector, which is underfunded and overstretched. Many private therapists and clinics want to help but need greater visibility, funding, and city collaboration to make their services accessible. Mental health care must be expanded beyond non-profits to create a sustainable, long-term support system. Therapists can be found on Psychology Today, through referrals from trusted individuals, and by seeking 2SLGBTQIA+-affirming mental health providers.
2. Stronger leadership from the City: Official statements of support are not enough. Hamilton needs stronger anti-discrimination policies, increased funding for 2SLGBTQIA+ resources, and concrete legal measures to hold hate groups accountable.
3. Education that creates safe spaces: Schools, workplaces, and community organizations need to actively foster 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion. That means mandating diversity and inclusion training, ensuring 2SLGBTQIA+ history is taught in schools, and enforcing protections for queer and trans students. Our education should not stop at placing a flag in front of our public areas. 
4. Community action & visibility: Stopping hate takes collective effort. Support 2SLGBTQIA+ businesses, attend inclusive events, and challenge discrimination when you see it. These small, everyday actions create lasting change.
5. Legal protections that matter: Hate crimes must be taken seriously, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals need stronger protections in housing, employment, and public spaces. Public policy should reflect the needs of all residents, not just the loudest voices in opposition.

If you are struggling, you are not alone

If you are part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and struggling with your mental health, know that there is help available. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Hamilton has a number of 2SLGBTQIA+-affirming therapists, community groups, and crisis lines that can provide guidance and care. Organizations such as The 2SLGBTQ+ Wellness Centre, Speqtrum Hamilton, and Rainbow Health Ontario offer resources and support for queer and trans individuals. 

Additionally, reaching out to trusted friends, family members, or chosen family can make a difference. Building a support network of people who affirm and celebrate your identity is key to mental well-being.

How to protect your mental health while staying engaged

There are ways to protect your mental health while still engaging with the world around you. Consider these strategies:

• Evaluate the evidence of distress: Not all stress is created equal. Assess how different types of media and conversations impact your mental state. Does scrolling through social media leave you feeling hopeless? Does reading full policy documents help you feel informed rather than reactive? Understanding which sources trigger stress and which help you feel empowered can guide you toward healthier engagement.
• Choose your media wisely: Algorithms thrive on outrage. Social media is designed to amplify the most divisive content, meaning you’re more likely to see anger-inducing headlines than solution-based discussions. Follow reputable journalists, seek out 2SLGBTQIA+-affirming spaces, and engage with content that prioritizes facts over fear.
• Take breaks from media when needed: Setting boundaries around news consumption isn’t avoidance, it’s self-preservation. Instead of doom scrolling, consider setting designated times to check updates and unfollow accounts that leave you feeling drained.
• Find spaces that replenish you: Surround yourself with people and communities that affirm your identity and experiences. Whether it’s a 2SLGBTQIA+ support group, a close circle of friends, or even online spaces that foster connection, having a support system is crucial. Check in with yourself regularly, are these spaces adding to your stress or to your joy?
• Engage in advocacy from a place of love, not hate: Fighting against discrimination is exhausting, but it doesn’t have to come from a place of anger alone. Instead of responding to hate with more hate, create opportunities for meaningful conversations, education, and systemic change.
• Invite others to the conversation: Not everyone understands 2SLGBTQIA+ issues, and some may be willing to learn if given the chance. Educate with patience and invite allies into the movement.

A call to Hamilton’s leaders

As a registered psychotherapist, I know that creating a truly inclusive city isn’t just about offering crisis intervention when things go wrong, it’s about preventing harm in the first place. Hamilton has an opportunity to be a leader in 2SLGBTQIA+ mental health and inclusion, but it requires action. We can’t wait until hate escalates further. The time to invest in mental health resources, education, and policy change is now.

Let’s move beyond performative support. Let’s ensure that 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Hamilton aren’t just tolerated, they’re truly seen, valued, and protected.