Healthy Lincoln County, in partnership with OUT Maine, and local organizations launched a virtual drop-in space, titled Removing Barriers Together, as a way to help LGBTQ+ youth have a safe place and voice in Lincoln County. All youth who identify as (LGBTQ+), Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer/Questioning, as well as allies, are welcome to attend.

Youth between the ages of 12 and 18 who identify as LGBTQ+ are at more significant risk or struggling with substance misuse and mental health. This is not to say that individuals who identify on the LGBTQ+ spectrum have not always faced adversity, but with the growing trends of social media and increased representation, youth are more “out” to their communities. With this increased visibility, youth are may find it challenging to connect to peers. To assist in this effort, Healthy Lincoln County decided to develop and launch a virtual safe space for LGBTQ+ youth to spend time together in a safe supportive environment.

According to the 2019 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS), 13.6% of Maine high school students identify as LGBTQ+. The nationwide analysis of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey completed by the Human Right Campaign and Project Thrive in 2020, revealed that LGBTQ+ youth generally felt less safe in both their homes and their schools and reported feelings of rejection. In addition, youth who identify as LGBTQ+ are more apt to experience traumatic events such as bullying, violence, and isolation from their peers, family and loved ones, and even their communities. The 2019 MIYHS showed that LGBTQ+ youth are 16% more likely to be bullied at school and 20% more likely to experience violence in their home. When asked, only 37% of LGBTQ+ youth in Maine said they felt like they mattered in their community. The launching of this new safe space aims to change this environment by providing support, mentorship, and meaningful opportunities.

Healthy Lincoln County and community partners are working together to support LGBTQ+ youth through increasing resources to help build resiliency. Beyond the virtual drop-in safe space, HLC is partnering with Skidompha Library to kick off an LGBTQ+ Book Club starting in April. To learn more about these offerings or to get involved, please contact Donna Lane at 207-563-1330 x256 or by email at dlane@healthylincolncounty.org.

About Healthy Lincoln County

Healthy Lincoln County (HLC) is a non-profit, community health organization that brings together partners to ensure the residents of Lincoln County have equitable access to health. HLC focuses on a number of strategies to support community health including substance use prevention, tobacco-free living, nutrition and food security, active living, and mental health.