This year, the Human Rights Campaign declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ rights for the first time in its 40 year history. In 2023 alone, more than 75 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been signed into law. This figure is more than double that of 2022, which was formerly the worst year on record.
Considering this environment, it’s no surprise that the HRC’s 2023 LGBTQ+ Youth Report (a survey of 13,000 young people from across the US) finds that almost half of LGBTQ+ youth feel unsafe in at least one place at school. Amidst increasing barriers and hostility, there are still ways that educators, community leaders, advocates, and others who work to support youth can create transformative spaces that celebrate diversity, foster belonging, and empower LGBTQ+ youth. Here are a few creative, unique, and impactful ideas for catalyzing and fortifying inclusive environments where all young individuals can thrive authentically.
Community Art Projects and Showcases
Organize an art showcase that celebrates LGBTQ+ culture and history. Encourage youth to create artwork that reflects their unique identities and experiences, highlighting the beauty of diversity. Initiate collaborative art projects that bring together students from diverse backgrounds to work on a common goal. Art has the power to bridge gaps and promote unity.
LGBTQ+ History Treasure Hunt
Create a treasure hunt activity that leads youth to discover significant moments and figures in LGBTQ+ history. This interactive learning experience helps youth connect with and learn about the resilience, resistance, creativity, and excellence of those in LGBTQ+ community who paved the way for them!
Mentorship Programs
Establish mentorship programs that pair LGBTQ+ youth with supportive mentors from the community. Mentors can offer guidance, share their own journeys, and provide a safe space for meaningful conversations.
Intersectionality Workshops
Organize workshops that explore intersectionality, helping LGBTQ+ youth unpack and discuss the interconnected facets of identity, including how they intersect with and manifest in varying experiences of privilege and oppression.
Clothing Swaps & Drives
LGBTQ+ friendly clothing swaps can help both wallets and sense of belonging as youths browse for clothes they feel comfortable in within a safe environment. Community drives for needed items like chest binders go a long way, too!
Inclusive Language Workshops
Hold interactive workshops that delve into the power of language and its impact on LGBTQ+ individuals. Encourage youth to explore creative ways to use language to build understanding and respect.
Allyship & Advocacy Roundtables
Organize sessions for youth, families and/or communities that coach and empower allies to actively support and advocate for their LGBTQ+ peers at school, at work, in their neighborhoods, and in all levels of policy-making, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collective responsibility.
Book Clubs and Watch Parties
Hosting sessions to discuss and engage with LGBTQ+ representation or themes in all forms of media can spark conversations about both difference and interconnection in the LGBTQ+ community, lessen stigma, and create solidarity.
Guest Speaker Series
Invite LGBTQ+ activists, artists, and community leaders as guest speakers in groups and organizations that work with youth. Their stories and insights can inspire youth to be agents of positive change and social justice.
Over the Rainbow Open Mic
Host open mic sessions where LGBTQ+ community can share their hopes, joys, triumphs, and dreams in the forms of poetry, music, or other forms of storytelling. This powerful exchange of narratives fosters empathy, visibility, hope, understanding, collaborative dreaming, and connection among students from different backgrounds and experiences.
Resource Lists
Compiling and sharing lists of contacts, organizations, and other resources for LGBTQ+ youth, allies, and families can raise awareness and remove barriers in accessing information or support. Facilitating events where local and regional groups and organizations that are available to support the LGBTQ+ community can connect youth to life-sustaining resources, care, friendships, affinity groups, mentorship, and other opportunities.
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