Q Chat Space is an HMI program offered in partnership with CenterLink: the Community of LGBT Centers. Youth ages 13-19 are welcomed to join live chat groups through a digital community for LGBTQ+ teens. Find and give support, have fun, connect around shared interests and get good information. Chat with like-minded peers in live chats facilitated by staff from LGBT centers across the country, including HMI.
HMI STAFF-LED Q CHAT SESSIONS
SEPTEMBER 2023
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30
6:30-8:00 pm – Q Chat Writes: Share Your Writing Chat!
Facilitators: Camille Gaji & Pearl McAndrews
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
6:30-8:00 pm – Q Chatter Chat: Different Types of Polyamorous Relationships! – (facilitated by Q Chat Interns)
Facilitators: Camille Gaji & Pearl McAndrews
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
6:30-8:00 pm – Back to School Trivia / Scavenger Hunt
Facilitators: Crimson Porco & Camille Gaji
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
6:30-8:00 pm – Musical Mayhem (Share Your Music Chat)
Facilitators: Pearl McAndrews & Theo Lumpkins
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
6:30-8:00 pm – Open Chat
Facilitators: Theo Lumpkins & Crimson Porco
UPCOMING Q CHAT GROUP SCHEDULE
Some Groups Offered in Spanish
WHAT THE YOUTH ARE SAYING …
JULY 2023
“I would like to say that I’ve been searching for other people like me to talk to, and this was honestly amazing. This was my first time doing this and I definitely think it was a good idea and I’ll totally be going to some of the other chats. I’ve only ever had my sibling to talk to about this kind of stuff, so these chats are a game changer for me.”
“I feel a lot less lonely. Being queer in my country is isolating, but I’m happy I found you guys!” – from an International Chatter
“I like Q Chat Space because it’s safe and has a good accepting vibe. I come here when I feel alone, dysphoric, or need advice on things only LGBT people can help me with.”
“I’ve been doing this for about a month and I think this is the most happy we’ve been in a while.”
(Content Warning: Mentions Suicidal Thoughts)
“I only found out about Q Chat Space 3 days ago and it has really helped me overcome the loneliness that often led to suicidal thoughts.”
“Alegre porque pude conocer a personas que no me critican por lo que siento y pienso.”
[Translation: “I feel happy because I got to meet people that don’t criticize me for what I feel and how I think and for who I am.”]
The following data was compiled by CenterLink: The Community of LGBTQ Centers and presented by YouthLink Manager, Euan Hwang (he/him/his) at the It Gets Better’s Digital Youth Summit. Both the attendance and website numbers were down in July. This was expected because of the slow summer season, when many of the youth are out for their summer break. The numbers are expected to bounce back as youth settle down with their new school schedules.
