Creating a Brighter Future: Project H.O.M.E. for LGBTQIA2S+ Youth

HCET’s Project H.O.M.E. (Honesty, Openness, Mindfulness, and Empathy) is making significant strides in supporting LGBTQIA2S+ youth in Wisconsin. Backed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services through the Title V Maternal and Child Health grant, this initiative is dedicated to creating safe, inclusive, and supportive environments for these young individuals through the development of free, online learning modules. This module series will include:
 
Modules specifically for LGBTQIA2S+ youth. These modules will focus on community, resilience, and empowerment, helping young people navigate their unique challenges and promoting self-acceptance.
Modules for allied adults. These modules aim to equip adults with the knowledge and skills to support LGBTQIA2S+ youth effectively, ensuring they can provide meaningful and empathetic support.
Collaborative modules for youth and their adult allies. These modules will promote open communication and mutual understanding, encouraging both groups to work together towards a supportive and inclusive environment.
 
In order to ensure that the modules reflected the needs and wants of Wisconsin LGBTQIA2S+ youth and their allied adults, HCET leveraged existing relationships with LGBTQIA2S+ youth-serving organizations in Wisconsin to host a series of listening sessions. In collaboration with Wisconsin-based Providers and Teens Communicating for Health (PATCH) and Diverse and Resilient, we conducted several sessions where young people shared their thoughts on what they need from the upcoming online learning modules. HCET also hosted listening sessions for allied adults and heard from a number of parents, caretakers, and professionals about their concerns and needs to best support LGBTQIA2S+ youth. All these insights have been instrumental in shaping the direction of our content. Additionally, we conducted a survey from February 28th to March 31st, 2024, which garnered 77 responses from both youth and adults.
 
From these interactions, we’ve learned that LGBTQIA2S+ youth are seeking more visibility and connection. They want to see their identities reflected in politics, media, and everyday life. They also expressed a strong need for access to crisis resources and opportunities to connect with others who share similar experiences. One youth participant poignantly noted, “I love the fact that I get to know there are people out there who are like me and who feel similar ways as me.”
 
Our goal is to launch these free modules by the beginning of 2025.
 
Follow HCET on social media to stay up-to-date on Project H.O.M.E. and other initiatives. For more information on supporting LGBTQIA2S+ youth, check out resources like The Trevor Project and Advocates for Youth.