Consider meeting a few people in person at Time Out Market’s LGBTQ+ speed-dating event. With many of us still emerging from pandemic-induced cocoons after a year of disconnect, meeting people can feel like a frustratingly new and persistent challenge. In that spirit, here are eight ways to celebrate your beautiful existence in the face of adversity. Let this serve as a reminder to us all that we observe Pride Month both to reflect and to rejoice. And, mind you, we’re only halfway through 2021. The Trevor Project reported this year that 94 percent of the nation’s LGBTQ+ youth say recent politics have a negative impact on their mental health. Their presence is overt, stressful, and leaves a lasting impact on communities. Sure, same-sex marriage was federally legalized six years ago, but anti-queer and anti-trans sentiments continue to pervade present-day policy. Similar laws have passed in Mississippi, South Dakota, and Idaho, potentially paving the way for more states to follow suit. And anti-trans legislation is nowhere near Florida-specific. The measure prevents transgender girls from middle school through college in Florida from participating in their school’s sports teams. Ron DeSantis signed Florida’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act into law. On the first day of Pride Month, Florida Gov. It’s already been a rough enough year for LGBTQ+ people.
