Throughout COVID, I often received requests for online resources for LGBTQ+ individuals. The below tools are just a few online solutions developed specifically for the LGBTQ+ community:
imi, (pronounced eye-me) helps LGBTQ+ youth explore and affirm their identity and learn practical approaches to cope with sexual and gender minority stress in ways that are supportive, relevant, inclusive, and joyful. The web app provides affirming resources, activities, and stories of lived experiences from LGBTQ+ youth on important topics like stress, LGBTQ+ identity, internalized stigma, and gender identity and expression. The free, research-backed, mental health web app was developed by the innovation lab at Hopelab in partnership with CenterLink, It Gets Better Project, and hundreds of LGBTQ+ youth.
they2ze - they2ze is a digital approach to connect transgender-spectrum youth (TSY) and their providers to truly inclusive health services and peer support. This interactive mobile application (app) includes an extensive database of community vetted health and life resources, best practices, and connections to ensure that all trans-spectrum youth have access to inclusive services and care. This unique all-in-one digital tool provides users the opportunity to offer referrals to care, provide community feedback based on personal experiences, and includes a PrEP module with a trans specific PrEP self-assessment, education, and linkages to inclusive PrEP navigators. The app has received tremendous excitement and positive feedback from TSY users and their providers alike.
Q Chat Space - Q Chat Space provides online discussion groups for LGBTQ+ and questioning teens ages 13 to 19. It is not a forum. It is live and chat based; there is no video or audio. Everyone is chatting during the same pre-scheduled time. Conversations are facilitated by experienced staff who work at LGBTQ+ centers around the United States. Q Chat Space facilitators are NOT mental health professionals. If you are in crisis or need help immediately, please use the resources available here. Q Chat Space is a collaboration of the following organizations: CenterLink, PFLAG and Planned Parenthood.