@article{ref1,
title="Creating a virtual network to support LGBTQIA+ youth in rural settings: development of Colorado's Queer Youth Network",
journal="Health promotion practice",
year="2022",
author="Martinez, Daniel and Jansen, Noah and Royer, Garrett and Kennedy, Heather",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more) youth in rural communities have little to no access to gender or sexuality-affirming support, compared with their peers in the metro areas of Colorado. Without access to support and exposure to bullying or discrimination, many rural LGBTQIA+ youth struggle to find belonging. Staff from One Colorado and the Hub for Justice-centered Youth Engagement partnered to develop Colorado's Queer Youth Network (CQYN) to foster a virtual community to support rural LGBTQIA+ youth, enhance belonging and acceptance, and feel empowered to make a change in their community. CQYN is offered virtually, every other week during the academic year, to create a consistent safe space for rural LGBTQIA+ youth and to offer opportunities to grow their unique leadership skills and connect with affirming LGBTQIA+ adults. This article highlights the development of the partnership, design of the virtual network, and challenges in recruiting youth who have been pushed to the margins.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1524-8399",
doi="10.1177/15248399221142629",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/15248399221142629"
}