Abstract

Existing research suggests that LGBTQ+ identifying youth are at a substantially higher risk of experiencing bullying, harassment, and rejection than their straight peers, both within the school setting and at home. This frequent mistreatment has been shown to result in mental health disturbances, including but not limited to depression, post- traumatic stress disorder, and self-harm behaviors. Research has also shown that one of the most essential factors in combatting the negative effects of such victimization is the presence of an accepting peer support system. As a way of forming and cultivating such peer support systems among LGBTQ+ youth, non-profit social organizations have formed to offer resources and community to this marginalized population. This paper aims to shed light on the substantial variation in operation, services offered, and social and cultural context of LGBTQ+ youth-oriented organizations across the U.S. by way of a content analysis of the websites of these LGBTQ+ youth-oriented organizations. Including over 120 organizations from 48 states, data was collected on services and programs provided, annual budget and expenses, and partnerships with other organizations. Analysis revealed a large amount of variation in the services provided by LGBTQ+ youth organizations. Several organizations offer free health services to LGBTQ+ youth, including mental health counselling and HIV/STI testing and prevention workshops. Many organizations also provide legal assistance, with 7 of the organizations analyzed identifying their primary focus as providing shelter and legal services for homeless LGBTQ+ youth. The findings of this study highlight the practices of organizations that cater to one of the most overlooked groups in the LGBTQ+ community. It is hoped that these findings can be used to inform similar organizations on how to better provide for LGBTQ+ youth in the future.

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