How can you innovate community engagement with LGBTQ+ youth?

1 Understand their needs

Before you plan any community engagement activities, you need to understand the needs, challenges, and aspirations of LGBTQ+ youth in your context. This means doing research, listening, and asking questions. You can use surveys, interviews, focus groups, or online platforms to collect data and feedback from LGBTQ+ youth and their allies. You can also consult with existing LGBTQ+ organizations, networks, and leaders to learn from their experiences and insights. The goal is to identify the gaps, barriers, and opportunities for community engagement that are relevant and meaningful for LGBTQ+ youth.

2 Co-create solutions

One of the best ways to innovate community engagement with LGBTQ+ youth is to involve them in the design and implementation of solutions. This means inviting them to participate in brainstorming, planning, testing, and evaluating community engagement initiatives. You can use methods such as design thinking, participatory action research, or human-centered design to facilitate co-creation processes. By co-creating solutions, you can foster a sense of ownership, agency, and collaboration among LGBTQ+ youth and ensure that the outcomes are responsive and adaptable to their needs and preferences.

3 Leverage technology

Technology can be a powerful tool for community engagement with LGBTQ+ youth, especially in times of social distancing and isolation. You can use technology to create online platforms, forums, or groups that enable LGBTQ+ youth to connect, communicate, and share information and resources. You can also use technology to deliver online workshops, webinars, or courses that provide LGBTQ+ youth with skills, knowledge, and opportunities for personal and professional development. You can also use technology to showcase and celebrate the achievements, stories, and voices of LGBTQ+ youth through podcasts, videos, blogs, or social media.

4 Build partnerships

Another way to innovate community engagement with LGBTQ+ youth is to build partnerships with other stakeholders who share your vision and values. You can partner with schools, colleges, employers, health care providers, or media outlets to create more awareness, acceptance, and support for LGBTQ+ youth in your community. You can also partner with other LGBTQ+ organizations, groups, or movements to amplify your impact, reach, and advocacy. By building partnerships, you can create a network of allies and resources that can enhance your community engagement efforts and outcomes.

5 Foster diversity and inclusion

Finally, you need to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion in your community engagement with LGBTQ+ youth. This means recognizing and respecting the diversity of identities, expressions, and experiences within the LGBTQ+ community and creating spaces that are welcoming, affirming, and accessible for all. This also means challenging and addressing the discrimination, stigma, and violence that LGBTQ+ youth face in your community and advocating for their rights and dignity. By fostering diversity and inclusion, you can promote a sense of belonging, solidarity, and empowerment among LGBTQ+ youth and their allies.