We talk a lot about individual wellness: what to eat, how to move, which supplements to take. But wellness doesn’t happen in a vacuum. One of the most underrated ways to support your health is also one of the most human — being part of a community.
Since it’s Pride Month, it’s a good time to remember just how essential connection is.
For LGBTQ+ individuals, community has always been a source of resilience, identity, and care. But this goes beyond any one group: across ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles, research continues to show that people who feel connected live longer, healthier lives.
Here’s why community matters—and what it actually does for your body and mind.
It buffers stress.
When you feel supported, your nervous system responds accordingly. Strong social ties have been shown to lower cortisol levels and reduce inflammation. In other words: people who have people tend to handle stress better. Community helps your body return to baseline more quickly—whether that’s after a tough day or a bigger life transition.
It supports mental health.
Loneliness and social isolation are linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline. Meanwhile, a sense of belonging—whether it’s with your closest friends or just feeling part of something larger than yourself—can offer real psychological protection.
You don’t need to be the most extroverted person in the room. Just knowing you're not alone is enough to shift your mental state.
It reinforces healthy behaviors.
Community tends to make good habits stick. Think: cooking meals with someone instead of ordering out, going on a walk with a friend instead of skipping it, or staying accountable to a goal because someone else is showing up too.
Health is easier (and often more enjoyable) when it’s shared.
It adds meaning.
Purpose is a wellness pillar that doesn’t get talked about as much—but it’s just as important. And often, purpose comes from showing up for others, contributing to something outside of yourself, or simply feeling seen. Whether that’s through identity, culture, friendship, or shared interests, being part of a community gives context to your efforts.
Pride Month reminds us how powerful and necessary community can be—especially when the world feels uncertain. But that reminder applies more broadly, too.
So yes, drink your adaptogens. Take your vitamins. But also: call your friend. Join the group. Show up. Because some of the best wellness practices aren’t just personal—they’re shared.
This month, we're supporting our LGBTQ+ community members with our limited edition True Blue Lemonade. We’ll be donating 100% of the proceeds from True Blue to the LGBTQ+ centers in our home cities of LA, SF, and NYC. If you're not near an Earthbar but still want to get involved, consider donating to our partners at the links below.
