The emergence of digital interventions indicates the potential for evidence-based programming for LGBTQ youth delivered via Internet-enabled technologies (McInroy et al., 2019a). Thus, Internet-based prevention and intervention programs may be particularly feasible for LGBTQ youth (Craig et al., 2015b McInroy, 2020 Paceley et al., 2020). They are informally accessing resources and building community in Internet-based contexts-particularly if they are unable to access such opportunities in their day-to-day lives (GLSEN, 2013). In contrast, LGBTQ youth are active users of Internet-enabled devices (e.g., smartphones).
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LGBTQ youth also experience barriers to community-based care (e.g., safety concerns, lack of competent providers). Unfortunately, evidence-based programs supporting LGBTQ youths’ health, wellbeing, and positive development are limited and biased towards individual therapeutic and pharmacological treatment (Coulter et al., 2019 Fish, 2020). Together, findings support the feasibility and acceptability of synchronous, adult-facilitated, chat-based Internet programs to connect and support LGBTQ youth, which encourage future research and innovation in service delivery. Overall, users were very satisfied with the platform, and participants accurately reflect the program’s desired populations for engagement (e.g., LGBTQ youth of color, LGBTQ youth in the South). Youth also used the platform to explore facets of sexual and gender identity/expression and self-acceptance. Qualitative data analysis demonstrated the degree to which LGBTQ youth were comfortable disclosing difficult and challenging situations with family, friends, and in their community and in seeking support from peers and facilitators online. A separate user satisfaction survey was collected to assess the personal (e.g., sexual orientation, gender identity, age) and contextual (e.g., geography, family environment) characteristics of youth engaging in the platform, their preferred topics of discussion, and their satisfaction with the program focus and facilitators.
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Chat transcripts were analyzed to examine how LGBTQ youth used the chat-based platform to connect with peers and trusted adults. The current study assessed the utility, feasibility, and acceptability of a synchronous, adult-facilitated, chat-based Internet community support program for LGBTQ youth aged 13–19. Even when available, many youth face significant barriers to accessing LGBTQ-specific services for fear of being “outed” to parents, peers, and community members. There are few psychosocial support programs specifically designed to meet the unique developmental and health needs of LGBTQ youth.