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5 Self-care Tips and Resources for Pride Month and Beyond

5 Self-care Tips and Resources for Pride Month and Beyond

I believe that a practice of self-care is essential for all hours of the day, not just the occasional one or two hours per week. By practicing self-care as a way of life, we are sustaining a practice so that you don’t need the red light of stress or anxiety to turn on in order for us to put a halt on everything in life and potentially over indulge or go into a practice on autopilot.

Things like daily mindfulness practice, expressing an art form, participating in your favorite type of exercise or movement, something laughter-provoking and most importantly, undisturbed rest.

There is a way to incorporate self-care practices daily by setting an intention around this and connecting with a value that most aligns with that. If I value peace, I know that I need to add in something daily that represents that peace and what that means on an individual level. The same goes for the value of adventure, creativity or solitude. This is all especially important when we are in the process of exploring or nurturing our sexual orientation or gender identity.

Below are a few self-care practices to consider:

  1. We are allowed to love who we want to love and who we don’t want to love. While offering love to everyone is a great practice, a romantic type of love is sacred and one that we need to honor in ways that align with us specifically. Self-love will lead to all other love. When we vow to accept ourselves for who we are, we connect further with others. We open ourselves up and realize that while the future may be unpredictable at times, we value our needs and desires to explore the unknown. Explore and experiment with yourself and others. Grow in your understanding of yourself and what you enjoy.

  2. Reduce the urge to explain yourself. Avoid the people who aren’t on board with your true self. The discouragement of having people in your circle that may not accept you for exactly who you are can be detrimental to your health. We can learn to say how we feel and/or set boundaries in those relationships. While establishing any part of the self, it’s important to be surrounded by proper support that creates the right energy to navigate transitions and life shifts. Seek out communities that are in this same space of exploration, in order to find the safety to open up and be you. The ultimate goal is to be fully comfortable with all that you identify with in all circumstances. By connecting with others who are learning to accept themselves as well, you see a clearer path toward full acceptance.

  3. Seek happiness by creating a more positive lens of life. One way to do this is by starting a gratitude journal. 10 years ago, I began writing 3 things I was grateful for everyday. I am so human and this tool lends to that because I have fallen off and gotten back on numerous times, but my willingness to begin again has never faltered. You could write one thing you are grateful for and elaborate on it, or instead 3 or 5 things you’re grateful for. Whatever feels right for you. I especially recommend doing this on the more challenging days when it’s harder to connect with gratitude. On those days, I typically write down gratitude for my comfy bed, roof over my head, the sunny sky or the sound of rain drops. You can do this first thing in the morning, right before bed or whenever you find it most effective.

  4. I often find the most connection to myself and the planet through art. Whether it be singing, writing or dancing for me personally. Art therapy connects to the nervous system by telling it that we are safe and in control in order to regulate.
  • What is your artistic outlet and how can you find time to regularly connect with that? 
  • If you haven’t found an art form that excites you, what sparks joy within you?

      5. You are never alone in a world full of humans trying to find their place and  belonging. We are also never alone if we stay connected to our passions,                our authenticity and humanity. Additionally, stay connected to your body and your breath.

  • How can you find some time each day just to move, even slightly to remind your body that you are still here and choose to be here?
  • How can you incorporate intentional deep breathing so you are always allowing new energy to flow in and stale energy to exit?

Let’s vow to honor all parts of ourselves by practicing self-care daily, even just for a few minutes to remind the head, heart and soul that they are still all connected.

LGBTQIA+ Resources 

YouTube Videos

Community and Nonprofit pages

Books

  • The Stonewall Reader by Jason Baumann
  • Fun Home by Alison Bechdel
  • Exile and Pride by Alison Bechdel
  • Failure to Communicate by Kaia Sonderby 
  • "You're in the Wrong Bathroom!" by Laura A. Jacobs and Laura Erickson-Schroth
  • A History of Women in Men's Clothes by Norena Shopland
  • A House for Everyone by Jo Hirst

Podcasts

  • History Is Gay
  • I’m From Driftwood
  • LGBTQ&A
  • Queer Movie Podcast
  • Queerology: A Podcast on Belief and Being
  • Getting Curious With Jonathan Van Ness
  • TransLash Podcast With Imara Jones

 Films

  • Moonlight
  • Carol
  • Portrait of a Lady on Fire
  • The Handmaiden

LGBTQ+ Crisis/Suicide Prevention Hotlines
*Not LGBTQ+ specific but LGBTQ+ inclusive

Transgender Community:

LGBTQ+ Youth:

LGBTQ+ Adults:

All Ages:

LGBT National Hotline - 1-888-843-4564

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Macy Cassera is a mental health coach, ambassador and freelance blog writer. She has prior experience as a model in New York City for fashion, commercial and parts modeling. Macy combines these passions with mental health awareness to underpin our sense of self and strive for a world of inclusivity and equitable representation. To get in touch with Macy, please send her an email or send a message through her official website or Instagram. 

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