Giving LGBTQ+ Young Adults a Third Space

Social support networks

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

LEA understands the importance of social support networks. As an LGBTQ-serving organization, we've witnessed firsthand the devastating impact on young people who lose their support systems upon coming out. This often results in the potential loss of family and support systems but can also lead to homelessness and a lack of safety. LGBTQ+ youth are disproportionately affected as they are 120% more likely to experience homelessness. In California, LGBTQ+ youth make up 40% of the homeless youth population. The absence of adequate support systems exacerbates mental health issues; in 2022, 44% of LGBTQ youth in California, including 54% of transgender and nonbinary youth, considered suicide. We believe that providing safe, inclusive spaces and robust support resources is critical for LGBTQ+ youth to thrive, enhancing their confidence, mental well-being, and self-determination.

LGBTQ+ transitional aged youth in Los Angeles County lack adequate support in areas of career readiness, mental health, and basic life skills. This deficiency hinders their ability to find community, pursue an education, or maintain economic stability. LGBTQ+ youth are already 120% more likely to experience homelessness and the institutions designed to protect them are failing. Our program will create a third space for these youth to find a network of support and equip them with important life skills. A third space is meant to be a trusted place of support outside of someone’s home, school/work. Through four activation events focused on harm reduction, leadership development, wellness, and professional development, our youth will feel empowered to create communities of change.
In the first activation, youth will receive harm reduction and substance use education with resources on COVID-19, HIV testing, and NARCAN. In the second activation event, youth will have workshops on financial literacy and budgeting. This program will equip youth with essential money management skills as they enter the workforce or begin planning their next steps. In the third activation event, youth will explore the intersection of art and activism and learn how to practice self-care. The fourth activation event will be a career fair where we will bring in local community colleges and workforce professionals to share information on community college classes, internships, and entry level jobs.

If our program is successful, Los Angeles County will transform into a more inclusive and supportive community for LGBTQ+ transitional aged youth. Through our four activation events, participants will gain the confidence and resources they need to thrive. Our program will provide a vital third space that is not centered around nightlife or substances. We aim to build a community dedicated to helping LGBTQ+ young people positively transition into adulthood. By providing support networks and safe spaces, our program helps prevent youth homelessness, substance use, and mental health issues. By fostering economic stability and promoting civic engagement, our initiative empowers LGBTQ+ young adults to become community leaders.
We plan to scale the program by partnering with more community organizations, securing further funding, and expanding our reach within the county. Our goal is to establish a sustainable nationwide model, ensuring LGBTQ+ youth everywhere have the support to succeed.

Success for our program will be defined by how effectively we can transform Los Angeles County into a more inclusive and supportive community for LGBTQ+ young people. Our key measurement indicators include: the number of youth participants who gain essential life skills through our four activation events, improvements in their confidence and resourcefulness, and the establishment of a supportive community space distinct from nightlife and substance-centered environments. Additional metrics will encompass reduced homelessness, improved mental health outcomes, and increased employment rates among the participants. We will send program participants a survey to track their satisfaction with the program, its effectiveness, and to gain critical feedback and testimonials. Long-term success will be assessed by our ability to scale the program, secure additional funding, and replicate the model regionally, thereby ensuring widespread access to critical support for LGBTQ+ youth.