Youth's Lives Every Day
Community has the power to save and change lives. In fact, LGBTQ+ young people who reported living in very accepting communities attempted suicide at less than half the rate of those who did not.
But finding your people can be easier said than done. If you’re wondering where to find a supportive group of young LGBTQ+ people like you, the answer is that they might be closer than you think.
From online communities dedicated to connecting young queer people — like TrevorSpace — to social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, more and more LGBTQ+ young people are finding each other online. We sat down with young queer people on our latest episode of “Sharing Space” to discuss where they found community, connection, and hope, both online and in real life.
Finding Communities In Person
For some, finding an in-person community simply takes time. For Jeremy, his predominantly white school was not a place where community came easily. It wasn’t until he discovered the arts by joining show choir that he began forming deeper connections with others.
“It was really cool through the arts finding other like-minded people and like, really feeling seen through that… I didn’t think then it was going to change my life the way that it did. And that was one of the first moments that taught me, okay, this is who I am.”
Others say that being involved in local organizations not only helps foster community for others, but can also be an uplifting personal experience.
When Jasper began working at a nonprofit, he was still early in his mental health recovery and transition. Being a role model for younger LGBTQ+ teens gave him motivation.
“I wasn’t recovering because I loved myself and I wanted to get better. I was pursuing recovery because I had these 14-year-old trans kids looking up to me,” says Jasper. “And then along the way, you learn that oh, it is actually really nice to love yourself.”
Community Can Be a Click Away
For those who are looking for supportive connections but not finding them in their schools, homes, or hometowns, online communities can be a powerful and safe space.
“I was really starting to find my community when COVID hit,” says Courtney. Stuck at home, she turned to the internet for support. “Online community is where I first found my community. They were the ones who definitely, in the long run, not only saved my life, but made it better.”
“I think about the queer young kids in the middle of nowhere who don’t have access to an LGBT center, an affirming space, or even a welcoming home, and just how powerful it can be to log online and say, wow, I see just one person who looks like me,” says Tommy Marzella, “Sharing Space” moderator and Trevor Project’s VP of Social Platform Development and Safety.
Make LGBTQ+ Friends Through TrevorSpace
Created by the Trevor Project, TrevorSpace is a safe, affirming community that connects LGBTQ+ young people ages 13 to 24 around the world — and it’s all online. It features discussion forums where you can talk about everything from the serious stuff to pop culture, as well as communities where you can connect with others who have similar interests, like writing or art.
Joining is free, and it’s just one of many ways to connect with other LGBTQ+ young people online.
To hear more stories about community building, tune into the full episode of “Sharing Space: Community Support.”
More Resources for LGBTQ+ Community Building
- Finding Support & Building Community Amid Political Uncertainty
- Guide: Does Your School Welcome LGBTQ+ Students?
- Suicide Prevention Isn’t Just About Answering Calls — It’s About Creating Safe Online Community
- Exploring Positive Youth Development In Online Spaces: 3 Key Insights To Create Thriving & Positive Outcomes For LGBTQ+ Young People
