Assessing Community Needs of Sexual Minority Youths: Modeling Concept Mapping for Service Planning

Abstract

Research devoted to interventions and other attempts to buffer the negative experiences of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (GLBTQ) youths is lacking. This study used Concept Mapping to explore the psychosocial support needs of diverse sexual minority youths served in a GLBTQ youth-focused center and brings youth voice to currently limited literature on GLBTQ service planning. Conceptual maps generated represent the types of supports youths believe are needed to meet their needs. Three primary areas for service planning—developing protective supports, mental health-related supports, and culturally relevant services—were identified from the 58 statements and 5 clusters generated.

KEYWORDS:

• gay
• lesbian
• and bisexual youths
• community supports
• service planning
• Concept Mapping

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors express their gratitude to the youths and youth center administrator who contributed their time and effort to the assessment and for their genuine interest in developing culturally responsive communities.