This program, designed for youth and adult community members, aims to support LGBTQIA+ youth who face higher mental health challenges and suicide rates. It equips participants with the confidence, understanding, and skills to support these youth at home and in the community. The workshop focuses on best practices for promoting well-being.
The program addresses the fact that LGBTQIA+ youth face higher rates of mental health challenges and suicide ideation, not due to their sexual orientation or gender expression, but due to societal responses. The program aims to reduce youth distress and provide life-saving intervention by teaching adults to create a safe and inclusive environment. The urgency of this issue is highlighted by the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which reported that nearly 50% of LGBTQIA+ youth seriously consider suicide.