As of 2019, 20% of Maine’s high school teens identify as LGBTQ+, according to the 2019 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey. This is just one example, says OUT Maine, that demonstrates there are more LGBTQ+ youth in the Pine Tree State than ever before, and these kids, like all kids, need to be accepted and supported for who they are.
And so the Rockland, Maine-based youth nonprofit has created a free guidebook called “Best practices for LGBTQ+ inclusive youth programming.” It’s a training resource with concrete action steps for ensuring inclusive and welcoming programming for LGBTQ+ young people, and it’s full of insights that transcend the boundaries of any one state.
Explains OUT Maine:
Nearly all of the youth programs surveyed indicated that helping youth find themselves and feel supported in their adolescence were essential program elements. It is important that day and residential programs for youth provide all participants with equal opportunity for this kind of growth, regardless of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity or expression. LGBTQ+ youth particularly need this kind of support.
We are very grateful to these youth-serving organizations who helped craft and refine these practices to ensure their usefulness for Maine’s many youth programs: Chewonki, Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership, Kieve-Wavus Education, PenBay YMCA, Tanglewood 4-H Camp and Learning and Trekkers. We offer special thanks to the Maine Community Foundation for supporting this project.
For more information, and to request a free copy the guidebook, go to www.outmaine.org/programs/professionals.
OUT Maine works toward a welcoming and affirming Maine for all rural young people of diverse sexual orientations, gender expressions and gender identities. In partnership with their allies and families, OUT Maine supports, educates and empowers these youth in their journey from adolescence to adulthood. For more information, or to support OUT’s critical work on behalf of LGBTQ+ youth, please visit their website, www.outmaine.org.
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