Join Us for our Second Mental Health & Wellness Panel

Join us for a series of Mental Health and Wellness panels this fall!

Our second panel session, Pride In Practice: LGBTQ+ Library Workers Perspectives on Mental Health, will be on Tuesday September 10, 2024, at 1 PM MT.

Registration is required.

This discussion panel delves into the lived experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) identity and mental health within the context of library work. LGBTQ+ library workers face unique challenges stemming from societal stigma, discrimination, and workplace environments. Many individuals still face prejudice and discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity, both within and outside of the workplace. This can manifest in various ways, from microaggressions and exclusion to overt acts of discrimination. Such experiences can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression, impacting job performance and job satisfaction.

Despite these challenges, LGBTQ+ library professionals demonstrate resilience and resourcefulness in navigating their work environments. Sharing coping strategies, fostering supportive networks, and promoting dialogue around LGBTQ+ identity and mental health are crucial steps toward creating more inclusive and supportive library workplaces. By acknowledging the unique experiences and needs of LGBTQ+ library workers, we can work towards building environments where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported in their professional roles. This session aims to shed light on these challenges, explore coping strategies, and foster a supportive dialogue to promote mental health and resilience among LGBTQ library professionals.

Additional Panel Sessions: Follow the links below to learn more about each panel session, the panelists, and to register.

• Balancing Act: Navigating Mental Health as Parental Caregivers in the Library Profession – October 16, 2024, at 1 PM MT
• Leading from Within: Cultivating Managerial Self-Care for Resilient Organizations – November 20, 2024, at 1 PM MT
• Bridging the Divide: A Panel Discussion on Library Workers Loneliness – December 18, 2024, at 1 PM MT