Identity Safety and Relational Health in Youth Spaces: A Needs Assessment with LGBTQ Youth of Color

Abstract

This article focuses on the function of youth organizations for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) communities of color. LGBTQ young people (N = 29) participated in a series of focus groups, completed a brief demographic survey, and created individual community maps. The youth organization was described as providing LGBTQ youth with a home and sense of “we,” which provided support for developing a sense of authenticity, mutual engagement, conflict tolerance, and empowerment in the face of discrimination. This study documents current forms of intervention occurring within the organization, particularly in providing an identity-safe environment to promote relational health. Findings support recommendations to foster resilience and positive identity development for LGBTQ youth of color.