Supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ System-Involved Youth Through Self-Stigma & Isolation

Luke Pacha

Training Description

This training will help equip participants with a deeper understanding of the psychological challenges faced by 2SLGBTQIA+ system-involved youth (SIY) in today’s sociopolitical context, where 2SLGBTQIA+ youth are often targeted with negative myths and messaging. Through this training, participants will be able to define key concepts such as self-stigma, internalized homophobia, and internalized transphobia, and examine the significant mental health impacts that result from social rejection of LGBTQ identities. We will review recent research about the specific impacts political messaging has on queer & trans youth and practice recognizing how these messages are internalized by using a video example. This training explores four specific consequences of internalizing anti-LGBTQ messages and introduces three practical strategies to interrupt these patterns and reduce isolation. Participants are given the opportunity to actively engage with the material by applying one of these practices in a roleplay scenario, fostering skill development for…