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_Athletes' Minds Matter Presentation

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Q” is for Queer, which has a lot of different me

Q” is for Queer, which has a lot of different meanings. First and foremost, it’s important to name that the word Queer was historically used as a slur. In the last few decades, it has been reclaimed by many in the LGBTQ+ community, but some folks, especially older folks, may still not like the term being used to describe them. This is a great example of how we should always follow the lead of the person who is sharing their identity with us; so if someone tells you they identify as Queer, then you can honor that! But if they don’t, then it’s best to not assume and steer clear of using that term to describe them until they tell you otherwise. But what does Queer even mean? It’s really a big umbrella term to describe individuals who don’t identify as straight and/or cisgender. So someone may identify as gay and Queer, or bi and Queer, or trans and Queer, or just Queer! And let’s not forget about that plus sign! The Q+ is included in the LGBT acronym because there are so many various identities that aren’t encompassed in the first four letters. Some of these identities that are represented by the flags in the above graphic are: Nonbinary, Pansexual, Asexual, Aromantic, and Intersex. All LGBTQ+ identities are beautiful and deserve to be celebrated! Want to learn more about some of these lesser known identities? Check out the link in bio now! #LGBTQMindsMatter #LGBTQMentalHealth #OurMindsMatter #pride2022 #queerpride #nonbinarypride #pansexualpride #asexualpride #aromanticpride #intersexpride

On Mon. 6/27 & Tues. 6/28 at 9:00/8:00C, tune in f

On Mon. 6/27 & Tues. 6/28 at 9:00/8:00C, tune in for “Hiding in Plain Sight,” a Ken Burns documentary about youth mental illness. The film focuses on the stories of 20 young people, and aims to bring the mental health conversation into homes, schools, workplaces, and organizations across the country. We’re glad that this two-part documentary will bring attention to the issue that drives us every day. #plainsightPBS #mentalhealth

From Edison Minds Matter to The White House…❤️ @mtv’s Youth Mental Health Action Forum was one of the most life changing experiences to forever cherish. Click the link in our bio to read about Kheira’s journey. To anyone reading this, know that whatever you’re going through will pass and has only came into your life to make you stronger. Trust the process and believe in yourself a little bit more - you are so capable. Forever remember the wise words of @brenebrown: “One day you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through and it will be someone else’s survival guide.” Sending love and peace to everyone ❤️

The news right now may trigger many emotions and t

The news right now may trigger many emotions and traumatic experiences. If you need support, text MIND to 741741 to talk to a volunteer @crisistextline counselor for free 24/7. #youmatter #youarenotalone #ourmindsmatter

LGBTQ+ young people face struggles that others do

LGBTQ+ young people face struggles that others do not. While we shouldn’t assume that someone is struggling with their mental health just because they are LGBTQ+, we should always listen, believe, and validate when someone opens up about their gender and sexuality, especially when it comes to their mental health. We may not be able to relate to or understand their experience, but we can show up and listen with love and affirmation. Once we Listen Up, we also need to be ready to Speak Up. If we hear someone saying something hurtful or offensive, call them in and explain why language matters. If an LGBTQ+ person raises concerns about a school policy or attitude, ask how you can support them in working toward change. Speak Up to support your LGBTQ+ peers this June and always. #LGBTQMindsMatter #OurMindsMatter #pride🌈 #pride2022

The “T” in LGBTQ+ stands for Trans. 🏳️‍

The “T” in LGBTQ+ stands for Trans. 🏳️‍⚧️
Trans, or Transgender, is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity and/or expression is different from cultural expectations based on the sex they were assigned at birth. Remember: Being Trans does not imply any specific sexual orientation. Therefore, Trans people may identify as straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, etc. It’s so important that we show love to our Trans friends, family, and peers because Trans folks have the highest rate of suicide attempts of all LGBTQ+ youth–which are already higher than straight, cisgender young people. But there is good news too: Trans youth who have their pronouns respected attempt suicide at half the rate of those who do not have their pronouns respected. Something as simple as respecting pronouns, or validating someone’s identity, can literally save lives. Need a refresher on pronouns? Take a look back at our post from a few days ago to learn all about it! If you are Trans and looking for mental health resources, check out the Trans Lifeline at the link in bio. #LGBTQMindsMatter #LGBTQMentalHealth #OurMindsMatter #pride2022 #transpride #protecttranskids

Language matters, and it’s important that we tak

Language matters, and it’s important that we take it seriously. Using inclusive language is another step you can take to make a space more welcoming for LGBTQ+ folks. How can you do this? Let’s look at a couple examples: Instead of saying “Ladies and Gentlemen” or “Boys and Girls,” try using “Folks,” “Friends,” or “Y’all.” Even if you know how everyone in your space identifies, try not to assume that you know the gender of their significant other. Follow their lead and refer to that person how they do. Do your best to use diverse examples when sharing scenarios or hypotheticals, like this: “She and her girlfriend want to make responsible decisions at prom,” and “Their partner is in therapy for anxiety.” You won’t always get it right every time, and that’s ok. When we mess up, we own it and we learn. Once we know better, we can do better. #LanguageMatters #LGBTQMindsMatter #LGBTQMentalHealth #OurMindsMatter #pride #pride2022

Today let’s talk about the the “B” in LGBTQ+

Today let’s talk about the the “B” in LGBTQ+, which stands for Bisexual, or Bi. This identity refers to a person who experiences attraction to more than one gender–sometimes used interchangeably with Pansexual. Bisexuality is sometimes invalidated, especially when someone is in a heterosexual presenting relationship. For example, if a Bi man is in a relationship with a woman, many people might assume that he is straight, and no longer Bisexual. This is not true! A person who identifies as Bi is Bi if they’re dating a man, a woman, a nonbinary person, or if they’re single. Let’s make sure we’re all Respecting the “B” by celebrating and including Bisexual folks in LGBTQ+ converstions. #LGBTQMindsMatter #LGBTQMentalHealth #OurMindsMatter #bisexualpride #pridemonth #pride🌈

Sharing your pronouns, especially if you are a cis

Sharing your pronouns, especially if you are a cisgender person, can be another easy way to make any space you’re in a more comfortable one. Why is this so important? Recent research shows that when pronouns are respected, trans and nonbinary folks are less likely to experience depression or attempt suicide. So let’s practice! When doing introductions, encourage everyone to share their pronouns along with their name if they’re comfortable doing so. Then, go ahead and model it for them by introducing yourself first! Here’s a couple examples of how this might look: “Hi, I’m Maddie and I use they/them pronouns. Who wants to go next?” “Hi, I’m Jake and I use he/him pronouns. Let’s go in a circle.” “Hi, I’m J and I use she/they pronouns. What about you?” Keep in mind that some people’s pronouns may change over time, and some people may choose to change which pronouns they introduce themselves with based on what setting they’re in. The best thing to do is always refer to them with the pronouns they just introduced themselves with. For more info on using correct pronouns, check out the link in bio. #LGBTQMindsMatter #LGBTQMentalHealth #OurMindsMatter #RespectPronouns #pride🌈 #pride2022

Through simple things like cooking or listening to

Through simple things like cooking or listening to music, to cosplay or extreme sports – prioritizing joy despite feelings of hopelessness or sadness is an act of resiliency. This Pride Month, join us on Monday, June 27th at 7pm for a conversation with OMM’s Mo and educator, cosplayer, and performer Lauren Bullock for This Matters: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Joy – a virtual space to inspire and celebrate queer joy! How and where do you find joy? Let us know in the comments below!
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#PrideMonth #LGBTQMentalHealth #LGBTQ+MindsMatter #OurMindsMatter #Pride2022 #GayPride

Next up, we have “G” which stands for “Gay.” The term gay often refers to a person who is emotionally, romantically, or sexually attracted to members of the same gender. While some people may associate the term gay as pertaining to only men, anyone under the LGBTQ+ umbrella may refer to themselves as gay. That’s why the rainbow flag above is the most commonly used Pride flag, and may be used as a symbol of unity, pride, and community amongst all LGBTQ+ folks. If this sounds confusing to you at all, here’s a good rule of thumb: Instead of assuming or guessing, always listen to how folks identify themselves. #LGBTQMentalHealth #LGBTQMindsMatter #OurMindsMatter #pride2022 #gaypride #pridemonth

Club Feature: School-Wide Resource Scavenger Hunt

Club Feature: School-Wide Resource Scavenger Hunt 📝🤝🕵️ @colonelmindsmatter turned an OMM activity into an extended school-wide campaign so that students could get to know trusted adults in their school building. Link in bio for the full details of their campaign! #mentalhealth #teenmentalhealth #resourceawareness #ourmindsmatter

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