Each June, communities across the United States and many parts of the world come together to celebrate Pride Month, honoring the history, resilience, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. Pride is more than a celebration—it’s a recognition of the ongoing struggle for equality, visibility, and the right to live authentically and without fear. The month commemorates the Stonewall Uprising of June 1969, a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history that sparked a global movement for civil rights and liberation. What began as a protest against police violence at the Stonewall Inn in New York City became a rallying cry for justice. Today, Pride events serve as both celebrations of progress and calls to action, reminding us that true equity includes access to healthcare, support, and recovery.
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, the path to wellness involves navigating significant barriers—including disproportionately high rates of substance use and mental health challenges. According to SAMHSA’s 2020 data, LGB adults are more than twice as likely as their heterosexual peers to experience a substance use disorder, with over 3.9 million facing co-occurring mental health conditions. These disparities are often rooted in experiences such as social isolation, family rejection, discrimination, and trauma. As a result, LGBTQ+ individuals benefit greatly from specialized, affirming support. Yet many traditional treatment programs lack the cultural competence to address these realities—making access to inclusive, trauma-informed care not just helpful, but lifesaving.
At Social Model Recovery Systems, we believe recovery should honor the full identity of every person. That’s why Royal Palms, our premier LGBTQ+ residential treatment program, offers a structured, supportive, and inclusive environment where adults of all gender identities and sexual orientations can begin their recovery journey without fear of judgment. The program provides evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders, trauma-informed care, individual and group counseling, life skills development, and peer support—all within a setting that affirms and uplifts LGBTQ+ identities. Royal Palms is staffed by a diverse team—many of whom are members of the LGBTQ+ community themselves—who bring both clinical expertise and lived experience to their work. It has become a trusted space for healing, where individuals are not only accepted but celebrated for who they are.
This June, the Royal Palms team proudly brought that message to the 42nd Long Beach Pride Festival and the 2025 LA Pride Parade on Hollywood Boulevard.
Participating in events like Long Beach Pride and LA Pride is part of Royal Palms’ broader commitment to visibility, outreach, and community care. These celebrations offer more than joy and connection—they provide vital opportunities to reach individuals who may be struggling in silence. By showing up in LGBTQ+ spaces, the Royal Palms team raises awareness about affirming treatment options and builds trust with communities that have historically been underserved by traditional healthcare systems. Through compassionate conversations, sharing resources, and offering a message of hope, the team helps ensure that people know: you are not alone, and recovery is possible—exactly as you are.
If you or someone you care about is facing challenges with substance use and mental health, please call our CARE Center at 877-507-6242 for confidential support and treatment options.
