Let’s Talk About the Numbers

The reason Pride still matters isn’t just historical — it’s heartbreakingly present.
According to The Trevor Project’s 2023 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health:
41% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year.

LGBTQ+ youth who had access to affirming spaces — like homes, schools, and churches — reported significantly lower suicide risk.

Trans and nonbinary youth who felt supported in their identity were 36% less likely to attempt suicide.

Let that sink in: Just being supported — being told, “You’re loved as you are” — literally saves lives.

Source: The Trevor Project 2023 Survey

The Harm of Conversion Therapy

It’s also important to address something the church doesn’t like to acknowledge: the long-term damage of conversion therapy.
The American Psychological Association and American Medical Association have both condemned the practice as ineffective and harmful. Numerous studies show that LGBTQ people who underwent conversion therapy were more likely to experience:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• PTSD symptoms
• Suicidal ideation

In fact, a 2020 study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that LGBTQ youth who were subjected to conversion therapy were more than twice as likely to attempt suicide as those who were not.

This is why Pride matters. Because for so long, we’ve been taught that shame is holy. But when has shame ever saved anyone? It destroys.

Source: JAMA Pediatrics, 2020

Dear Queer Christians

If you’ve ever been told that God won’t love you unless you change — I’m here to tell you:
That’s a lie.

You are not a mistake. You are not disqualified from grace. You don’t have to earn love that’s already been offered.

Jesus never condemned LGBTQ people. In fact, Jesus spent most of His time with those pushed to the margins — tax collectors, lepers, women, foreigners. The people religious leaders ignored or excluded were the very ones Jesus called beloved. And I’m certain that if Jesus would have waited until now to come, he’d be spending a lot of time with queer folks.

What Can You Do?

If you’re not LGBTQ but you’re reading this: thank you. You might feel unsure of what to say or how to help. Here’s a simple action step:
Reach out to your queer friends and say: “Happy Pride. I’m glad you exist.”

Yes, it might feel awkward. You might not know the perfect words. But don’t underestimate how powerful that message can be.
Sometimes the difference between despair and hope is one person saying: “You matter.”

-David

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Why Pride Still Matters

Pride Still Matters. Pride isn’t about politics or parades — it’s about visibility, survival, and healing. For LGBTQ+ people of faith, Pride Month can be a lifeline. Here’s why it still matters.