Jeff is a digital journalist with the Denver7 team.
DENVER — As Pride month celebrations wrap, there’s one statistic that weaves through the fabric of the LGBTQ+ community year round in Colorado.That number is drastically higher than that of 28% straight and cisgender adults in the state who reported poor mental health in the one month.
“We also know that LGBTQ+ Coloradans are much more likely to report that they are unable to get needed mental health care services when they're trying to seek them,” they said. “Another issue could be that they're unable to do it, because they're more likely to be uninsured, which makes it more difficult to access the care that you need.”
Compounding the mental health challenges and finding a place to belong are the charged political messages targeting the LGBTQ+ community seen blasted across the headlines. “To be clear, God hates no one — not those in the LGBTQ+ community and not Dave Williams. These hateful comments are despicable,” Gardner told Denver7. “The Republican Party, and specifically the Colorado GOP, no longer stands for the issues that I care about: individual rights, fiscal responsibility, restraint of government, limited foreign intervention, and encouraging economic mobility.”
Despite whatever happens to Williams’ position, anti-LGBTQ+ messages like these are likely to continue through a highly charged political season ahead of November’s election. And for many in the community, a few minutes scrolling through social media feeds make it clear that people are emboldened to attack their LGBTQ+ neighbors that they don’t even know.
At the time, Morgan was working through her Doctorate of Ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary in Colorado Springs. How LGBTQ+ Coloradans are finding hope amid constant assaults on mental health It was a painful, but necessary journey that formed the foundation of Morgan’s spiritual and personal life that has created hope for others today.
“I think Jesus adores us exactly the way we are, even when we're lying. So many of us have had to do that, either for religious reasons or otherwise,” she said. While It’s an affirming message that lifts up her congregation to live full lives, Morgan is ever aware of the hateful rhetoric her flock faces outside the walls of the church from people who have not walked in the shoes of an LGBTQ+ person.
Whittington’s heart is also burdened for LGBTQ+ people who face additional hate because of the color of their skin. The data show there are positive trends. The gay community is growing in Colorado. The Colorado Health Institute’s Access Survey, which since 2019 has captured LGBTQ+ insights, showed the community is young, educated and lives in every corner of the state, including the rural areas.
“It’s a huge deal. Most places give you around three to six free therapy sessions,” said Jaylin Goodloe, Director of Mental Health Services at the Center on Colfax. “No charge, referral or insurance needed whatsoever.” “I think that's what I'm left with. That there is so much negativity, but there's also so many great people doing amazing work across Colorado,” Whittington said. “It feels so valuable to get to see that happen and as a member of the community just being like yes, people care. I think that's what matters the most.”
“I follow Jesus, you follow Jesus, so let’s talk about Jesus,” she said. “What would he say if he were here listening to those phrases? If he were at Pride, would he be happy that you are condemning people and damaging their mental, physical, spiritual and sexual health?”
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