The Intersection of Blackness, Queerness, and Mental Health: Finding Wholeness in Every Part of You
Unique Challenges
Living at the intersection of Blackness and queerness comes with a unique set of joys, strengths, and challenges. On one hand, we carry rich layers of culture, creativity, resilience, and authenticity. On the other, it can sometimes feel like the world isn’t built to hold all of you at once. You may find yourself navigating spaces where you are hyper-visible in some ways and invisible in others. You can feel the burden of carrying the weight of systemic racism, heteronormativity, and the subtle pressures of trying to “fit in” everywhere.
These experiences can leave a mark on your mental health. Unfortunately, anxiety, self-doubt, and feelings of disconnection are common companions for many Black queer individuals. You might feel pressure to overperform, overcompensate, or hide parts of yourself in order to feel safe or accepted. Yet, acknowledging these challenges doesn’t mean you are weak. It means you are human, navigating a world that often asks too much of those who exist at multiple intersections of identity.
The Importance of Mental Health
Prioritizing your mental health in this context is a radical act of self-care. For many people navigating multiple intersecting identities, the messages they receive can sound like: “You come last,” “Your pain doesn’t really matter,” or “Put others first and make them comfortable.” As a licensed therapist, I want you to know that your mental health and stability do matter—they are a vital part of your overall well-being. Taking the step to prioritize your mental health is a brave act that stands up to a world that often minimizes or invisibilizes your pain. Honoring your mental health can mean creating space to care for your full self—without apology. Healing might look like therapy that understands your cultural and identity-based experiences, connecting with communities that truly see and affirm you, or exploring practices that help you reconnect with your body, mind, and heart—so you can release and make space for the pain of the past.
Embracing Wholeness
We live in a world—especially in today’s political climate in the United States—that often doesn’t honor or celebrate the experiences of those who exist outside of white, cis, heteronormative norms. Because of this, the idea of embracing your whole self can feel scary, intimidating, or even indulgent. I want you to know that you can move at your own pace; it doesn’t have to happen all at once or in any particular way. What if you allowed yourself to embrace your wholeness on your own terms, at a pace that feels right, and without shame or guilt?
As a psychotherapist, I work with Black queer folks who have spent their lives powering through until anxiety or overwhelm stops them in their tracks. I support people who have spent years cutting off parts of themselves—their emotions, parts of their queer identity, their Blackness, or even pieces of who and what they love. Here are some small, actionable steps that can help you begin the journey back to wholeness:
Allow yourself to feel your feelings deeply, without judgment.
Slowly reject the internalized messages that tell you to shrink or hide.
Lean into support—whether through friends, mentors, or a therapist who understands the nuances of your experience.
Allow yourself to express your desires fully and exist authentically, without shame.
Each step toward self-acceptance and care is a step toward reclaiming your power and embracing every part of yourself.
Moving Forward
Your mental health journey is not just about surviving—it’s about thriving. It’s about learning to honor your experiences, and create a life that feels aligned with your truth. When you give yourself permission to exist fully as a Black queer person, you open the door to a deeper sense of wholeness, resilience, and freedom.
