This Pride Month, I’ve found myself reflecting on what it means to live with authenticity and purpose—core values we talk about every day at The Happy Hour. As a therapist, I feel incredibly privileged to hold space for people as they navigate identity, relationships, transitions, grief, joy, and the quest for meaning. And while these themes show up in every corner of my work, they feel especially vivid during Pride Month.

At The Happy Hour, we don’t just “celebrate” Pride in June—we live it all year long. Affirming LGBTQ+ identities isn’t a seasonal gesture or a rainbow-themed marketing strategy. It’s embedded in our culture, our clinical framework, and our relationships with the guests who trust us with their stories.

I’m continually struck by the depth, insight, and bravery our LGBTQ+ guests bring into the therapy space. Living authentically in a world that often invalidates or politicizes queer identities takes tremendous courage. And while I am in awe of the resilience I see, I also wish it weren’t necessary. The emotional labor of constantly advocating for your own humanity—whether in your family, your workplace, or society at large—can be exhausting.

That’s why, at The Happy Hour, we don’t aim for mere tolerance or even passive acceptance. We affirm. We celebrate. We champion LGBTQ+ folks as whole, dynamic people full of strength, complexity, humor, tenderness, and power. We name and honor the many strengths we see in our LGBTQ+ guests—things like emotional insight, empathy, creativity, self-awareness, boundary-setting, community-building, and the fierce commitment to living truthfully.

We also understand that identity work is rarely a one-time event. Coming out, coming into oneself, grieving past versions, dreaming of future possibilities—these are ongoing processes. They deserve time, care, and support. We’re here for all of it.

Personally, being part of someone’s journey toward alignment and purpose is one of the most meaningful parts of this work. There is nothing more sacred than witnessing someone reconnect with their voice, their values, and their vision for the future. That’s where healing lives.

To our LGBTQ+ guests, friends, colleagues, and community: we see you, we stand with you, and we celebrate you—every single day of the year.

With pride and gratitude,
Brooke Rappaport, PhD

pronouns: she, her, hers (What’s this?)
Licensed Psychologist at The Happy Hour