Corinne Bouthiller
 Pride is a fundamental self-evaluative emotion that focuses on affirming and empowering the self (Tracy et al., 2008; Tracy & Robins, 2007). It arises when individuals perceive that others are making a positive assessment about them. Indeed, traits or actions that are associated with positive evaluations by others are often associated to feelings of pride (Argaman et al., 2024). Thus, having and cultivating a sense of pride can strengthen one’s sense of self and lead to better self-esteem. (Tracy et al., 2008; Tracy & Robins, 2007).
In modern societies, when discussing the self, gender identity and sexual orientation are crucial dimensions to consider. Embracing pride in these aspects of one’s identity can foster improved self-esteem and a stronger sense of self-affirmation (Tracy et al., 2008; Tracy & Robins, 2007; MacInnes, 2006). Self-acceptance can be counted amongst the most critical factors to ensure well-being (MacInnes, 2006). This explains why pride-related festivities hold such significant meaning for many individuals. The sense of community along with the positive interpersonal interactions emerging from these events are known to be beneficial to the well-being of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual and 2 Spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) individuals (Tinlin-Dixon et al., 2024; Goetz et al., 2023). Pride festivities have been around for quite a long time. The Stonewall riots back in the 1960s acted as a turning point for the Pride movement, which advocated for the rights of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. These riots happened when customers of the Stonewall, a gay bar, fought back during a police intervention, igniting a broader movement for LGBTQIA2S+ rights. This event showed the LGBTQIA2S+ community that they could rise above the roles imposed on them by society (Andrus, 2010). Pride festivities provide a number of mental health benefits on LGBTQIA2S+ individuals. A study by R. Tinlin-Dixon et al. (2024) identified three core meanings attributed to pride and explored how these elements influence mental health. First, pride is not only a celebration of diversity, but most importantly a political movement and a place for creativity. Individuals find reassurance in knowing that activism is ongoing to protect their rights. They also value having a space to express themselves authentically. The second aspect identified was the sense of community. Pride offers a space where LGBTQIA2S+ individuals may feel they belong, emphasizing chosen families, meaningful connections, and the unlearning of internalized homophobia, which can otherwise result in self-stigma (Güleç et al., 2022). Finally, pride fosters self-acceptance, allowing individuals to embrace their authentic identities (Tinlin-Dixon et al., 2024). Unfortunately, stigmatization and homophobia remain significant barriers to identity affirmation in this community and contribute to elevated psychological distress among LGBTQIA2S+ individuals compared to their heterosexual counterparts (Semlyen & Rohleder, 2021). Pride combats these issues by challenging norms that should not exist, by educating the broader public about LGBTQIA2S+ experiences, and by emphasizing our shared humanity (Peterson et al., 2018). References Argaman, Y., Elishmereni, L., & Kron, A. (2024). Studies on the functions and mechanisms of shame and pride: A systematic examination of the relationship between shame/pride and concealment/exposure behaviors. Journal Of Personality And Social Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspa0000399 Goetz, T. G., Aghi, K., Anacker, C., Ehrensaft, D., Eshel, N., Marrocco, J., Young, J. W., & Roepke, T. A. (2023). Perspective on equitable translational studies and clinical support for an unbiased inclusion of the LGBTQIA2S+community. Neuropsychopharmacology, 48(6), 852‑856. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-023-01558-8 Güleç, S., Orak, O. S., Gülirmak, K., Tunç, E., Gümüş, K., Emi̇Rza, E., & Cengi̇Zhan, Y. T. (2022). LGBT people’s experiences of stigmatization: A phenomenologic study. Abant Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 22(1), 311–325. https://doi.org/10.11616/asbi.1026044 MacInnes, D. L. (2006). Self‐esteem and self‐acceptance: An examination into their relationship and their effect on psychological health. Journal Of Psychiatric And Mental Health Nursing, 13(5), 483‑489. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2850.2006.00959.x Peterson, A., Wahlström, M., & Wennerhag, M. (2018). Pride parades and LGBT movements: Political Participation in an International Comparative Perspective. Semlyen, J., & Rohleder, P. (2021). Critical psychology perspectives on LGBTQ+ mental health: Current issues and interventions. Psychology and Sexuality, 13(5), 1105–1108. https://doi.org/10.1080/19419899.2021.2019961 Tinlin-Dixon, R., Bechlem, B., Stevenson-Young, L., Hunter, R., & Falcon-Legaz, P. (2024). Community, belonging and acceptance; is this the antidote to shame and societal discrimination? An exploration of LGBTQ+ individuals’ attendance at pride and their mental health. Psychology and Sexuality, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/19419899.2024.2372047 Tracy, J. L., & Robins, R. W. (2007). Emerging insights into the nature and function of pride. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 16(3), 147–150. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8721.2007.00493.x Tracy, J. L., Robins, R. W., & Tangney, J. P. (2008). The self-conscious emotions: Theory and research. Choice Reviews Online, 45(09), 45–5271. https://doi.org/10.5860/choice.45-5271 Andrus, J. (2010). Finding pride: The development of the gay rights movement in a Pre- and Post-Stonewall United States. The Mirror - Undergraduate History Journal, 30(1), 125–148. Retrieved from https://ojs.lib.uwo.ca/index.php/westernumirror/article/view/15918
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