Affirmative Supportive Safe and Empowering Talk (ASSET): Leveraging the Strengths and Resiliencies of Sexual Minority Youth in School-Based Groups

Abstract

School settings are often fraught with risks for sexual minority youth, yet the presence of targeted and supportive services within educational contexts is surprisingly rare. This article (a) describes the development of Affirmative Supportive Safe and Empowering Talk (ASSET), a gay-affirmative, school-based group counseling intervention created specifically to promote the resiliency of multiethnic sexual minority youth; (b) suggests group themes and approaches; and (c) discusses critical considerations for implementation. ASSET may be considered a promising intervention that provides opportunities to bridge the unique gaps in service for this vulnerable population.

KEYWORDS:

• adolescents
• gay-affirmative
• gay men
• gay youth
• group counseling
• intervention
• lesbians
• resiliency
• schools
• strengths

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The author would like to acknowledge the group facilitators that delivered services in schools, the counselors, teachers, social workers, school administrators and funders that supported the project, and most importantly, the resilient and courageous youth that participated in ASSET.