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. 2020 Sep;67(3):450-452.
doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.06.002. Epub 2020 Jun 23.

"I'm Kinda Stuck at Home With Unsupportive Parents Right Now": LGBTQ Youths' Experiences With COVID-19 and the Importance of Online Support

Jessica N Fish  1 , Lauren B McInroy  2 , Megan S Paceley  3 , Natasha D Williams  4 , Sara Henderson  5 , Deborah S Levine  6 , Rachel N Edsall  7
Affiliations

"I'm Kinda Stuck at Home With Unsupportive Parents Right Now": LGBTQ Youths' Experiences With COVID-19 and the Importance of Online Support

Jessica N Fish et al. J Adolesc Health. 2020 Sep.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Adolescents; COVID-19; Coronavirus; Cybercounseling; LGBTQ; LGBTQ youth; Online programs; Sexual and gender minority.

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References

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