Journal
JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT HEALTH
Volume 67, Issue 3, Pages 450-452Publisher
ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC
DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.06.002
Keywords
LGBTQ; Sexual and gender minority; COVID-19; Coronavirus; LGBTQ youth; Adolescents; Online programs; Cybercounseling
Funding
- University of Maryland Prevention Research Center [U48DP006382]
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Center for Child Health and Human Development grant, Maryland Population Research Center [P2CHD041041]
- Southern Regional Education Board
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Purpose: LGBTQ youth are a population who experience unique stressors. This study investigated their experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic via Q Chat Space-a national online chat-based support program. Methods: Transcript data from 31 synchronous, text-based chats collected during the onset of state-based social distancing ordinances in Spring 2020 were analyzed. Results: While encountering COVID-19-related stressors likely to be experienced by youth generally, participants' experiences were concomitantly imbued with LGBTQ-specific intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural challenges. Difficulties included maintaining mental health, being isolated with unsupportive families, and loss of in-person identity-based socialization and support. Conclusions: Findings highlight the importance of synchronous, text-based online platforms to enable LGBTQ youth to feel safe to seek support while at home. Given the potential for long-term physical distancing, concerted efforts are required to provide necessary resources and support for LGBTQ youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. (C) 2020 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. All rights reserved.
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