Safe Spaces for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual and/or Allied (LGBTQIA+)

The Safe Spaces for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and or questioning, intersex, asexual and/or allied (LGBTQIA+) program consists of community-based organizations currently working with LGBTQIA+ youth, to provide services that are trauma-informed, founded in Positive Youth Development, and are culturally appropriate and specific to LGBTQIA+ youth.

Services provided within Safe Spaces work to promote self-esteem, increase social connectedness and resilience, and decrease risk for suicidal behaviors (and self-harm). Services are housed within a setting that provides safety, support, and allows youth to be their whole-selves within the space; not having to compartmentalize their various identities in order to fit in or feel safe. These spaces, called “Sanctuary Programs”, provide social and emotional support for LGBTQIA+ youth who may be particularly vulnerable to or at elevated risk for violence, by connecting LGBTQIA+ youth to needed services identified through individual assessment. Self-esteem and resilience are promoted among participating youth through the development of leadership skills, event planning, and opportunities for community engagement.

Our programs provide services and programming that are trauma-informed, utilizing Positive Youth Development in design and implementation, and include suicidal behavior prevention activities. In addition to LGBTQ youth, priority populations for the Safe Spaces program include: LGBTQIA+ Youth of Color, Transgender Youth, Homeless/Unstably Housed/Unaccompanied LGBTQ Youth, LGBTQ Youth Aging Out of Services (DCF, DYS etc.), LGBTQIA+ Youth with Disabilities, and Immigrant and Refugee LGBTQIA+ youth.

For questions or comments please contact: Yves Singletary at: Yves.Singletary@MassMail.State.MA.US or (617) 624-5844.