engaging and retaining lgbtq youth through social media

Engaging and Retaining LGBTQ Youth

through Social Media

Sergio Luna and Nico Storrow

From the Vista Community Clinic

April 6-8, 2014 San Francisco, CA

Annual Conference on Youth + Tech + Health  

•  Social Determinants of Health o  Community Networks (Layer 2) o  Living Conditions and Health Care Access (Layer 3) o  Socio-Economics and Environment (Layer 4)

•  Strategic Posting Tools o  Examples

Overview

Social Determinants of Health - Layers

Figure  courtesy  of  the  SYPP  Center  at  Children’s  Hospital  of  LA  

Ameliorate Effects

• Layer 2 - Community Network o  Building supportive online community o  Connect online network with in person events o  Share stories from blogs/articles to make students feel less

alone o  Workshops with students that help build community and foster

affirming spaces

Creating an Affirming Space

AVOID: • Heterosexist assumptions or stereotypes • Calling someone out • Asking someone to speak on behalf of their community • Broad generalizations about individuals or communities, • Delegitimize someone’s experience • Personal questions about someone’s body

DO: • Use Inclusive Language • Respect preferences, ask when unsure • Validate individuals speaking from their experiences • Listen • Be comfortable with the terms • Appeal to a diverse LGBTQ audience • Create posts that are culturally appropriate, and recognize multiple ages, races, abilities etc

Local Resources and Events in Community

Connecting Social Media to Events

Involve Local Youth on Your Page

Ameliorate Effects

• Layer 3 -Living Conditions and Health Care Access o  Refer youth to your clinic/CHAT line o  Building off online safe space you’ve created to

direct youth to other LGBTQ sensitive resources

Ameliorate Effects

• Layer 4 – Socio-Economic and Environment o  Know your rights o  Up to date information on policies laws affecting

students, bullying etc o  Resources

Know Your Rights!

Figure  courtesy  of  ACLU  of  California  

Relevant Resources

Strategic Posting Tools

• Relevant & up to date • Culturally appropriate • Tailored to the experiences of your audience, ie- bullying, legal rights, health concerns, stigma, discrimination, entertainment •  Funny/Inspiring/Engaging • Collaborate with other organizations • Campaigns

Pop Culture

Up to Date Information

Humor

Inspire

Sharing From Other Organizations

Relatable Campaigns

Contact Us:

Sergio Luna

Email: sluna@vistacommunityclinic.org

Phone: 760-631-5000 x7188

Program Page: www.facebook.com/ncsdconnect

Nico Storrow

Email: nstorrow@vistacommunityclinic.org

Phone: 760-631-5000 x7163

Program Page: www.facebook.com/CHATncsd