LGBTQ+ Inclusion and Support: An Analysis of Challenges and Opportunities Within 4-H

The importance of community engagement in experimental stress and substance use research with marginalized groups: Lessons from research with sexual and gender minority populations

There is a growing need for experimental stress paradigms tailored for use with marginalized groups to better understand the impact of experiencing minoritized stress on substance use outcome. Experimental stress research that examines the role of minority stress in substance use is not only innovative, but also has the potential to improve health equity. However, this research also has anticipated risks. As a result, community-engaged research (CEnR) is critical. CEnR can improve experimental stress and substance use research by engaging applicable communities in research design, recruitment, data interpretation, and dissemination. When conducting CEnR, there are also unique challenges and considerations that need to be taken into account. Recommendations are provided based on prior experiences in experimental stress induction and alcohol research with SGM (sexual and gender minority) groups.

Understanding the Health and Health-Related Social Needs of Youth Experiencing Homelessness: A Photovoice Study

PURPOSE

Homelessness is a major public health problem facing millions of youths across the United States (U.S.), with lesbian gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning (LGBTQ+) youths and youths of color being disproportionately at higher risk. This study obtains an understanding of the health and health-related social needs of youths experiencing homelessness during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

METHODS

A total of 14 youths between the ages of 14 and 24 who (a) lived, worked, or attended school in New Britain, Connecticut (CT) and (b) had at least one experience of homelessness or housing insecurity worked with the research team to conduct a needs assessment regarding youth homelessness. Using photovoice, a community-based participatory research method, participants created photo narratives to share their stories and recommendations for community change. The main goals of photovoice are to enable participants to (1) record and represent their everyday realities; (2) promote critical dialogue and knowledge about person and community strengths and concerns; and (3) reach policy makers.

RESULTS

Most of the participants identified as youths of color, and half of the participants identified as members of the LGBTQ+ community. Three major themes that appeared in the youths' narratives include the following: mental health and substance use challenges, trouble accessing basic human needs, and lack of a social support system.

CONCLUSION

This study uplifts and empowers a vulnerable population to increase visibility around a major public health challenge from their own lived experiences. Despite the challenges that were voiced, many participants shared a sense of hope and resiliency. The major themes endorsed by the youths has the potential of informing practitioners and policy makers of how to better address the needs of youths experiencing homelessness, particularly those most at risk.