Abstract
LGBTQ+ youth experience health disparities compared with heterosexual and cisgender youth. Community-based, positive youth development organizations are an important resource to support and affirm LGBTQ+ youth. This study aims to identify the opportunities and challenges in supporting LGBTQ+ youth within 4-H. Participants included 4-H staff, support staff, adult volunteers, and youth participants. The majority of participants were White and middle class with direct connections to the 4-H program. The study took place in one state in the U.S. within a 4-H program and employed qualitative, community-based methods using SWOT analyses and focus groups of 4-H staff, support staff, volunteers, and youth participants. Thematic analyses were conducted by multiple analysts until consensus was reached. Challenges and opportunities emerged in three themes: 1) organizational climate; 2) policies and procedures; and 3) training, education, and resources. Two additional themes included opportunities only: 1) community engagement, and; 2) youth-specific resources. This study has important implications for the 4-H program, rural community practice, and research including strategies to improve LGBTQ+ inclusivity through education, programs and policies, hiring, and community partnerships. Additionally, this study highlights the opportunity and unique positionality of the 4-H program to amplify youth voices in the creation of youth-specific resources.
Presenters
Joseph RandAssociate Professor/Extension Educator/Director of DEIA, Youth Development, 4-H, University of Minnesota - Extension, 4-H, Minnesota, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
LGBTQ, Inclusion, Diversity, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans, Youth
