LGBTQ+ Youth Safe Space Initiative

Programs

Click each tab below

In partnership with the Center for Family Services, The LGBTQ+ Youth Safe Space Initiative hosts monthly meetings in Atlantic City. These meetings, which are co-facilitated by Stockton faculty and student interns, provide an opportunity for LGBTQ+ youth to connect with one another in a safe, affirming, and fun environment. Games, crafts, music, and snacks are provided! Through these meetings, participants also receive referrals to additional support services (e.g., mental health support, housing), if needed.

The LGBTQ+ Youth Safe Space Initiative strives to educate the Stockton community and the public on issues of sex, gender, and sexuality and the unique challenges and opportunities faced by LGBTQ+ youth in our region. Faculty members and students associated with the initiative are available to provide educational programming at no cost and at the request of community members. Topics may include: LGBTQ+ 101, mental and physical health disparities in LGBTQ+ communities, LGBTQ+-affirming practices for community members, LGBTQ+-affirming practices for professionals, and LGBTQ+ history and rights.

The LGBTQ+ Youth Safe Space Initiative aims to provide support to Stockton faculty and students who are interested in engaging in research related to LGBTQ+ issues. We are particularly interested in supporting projects focused on the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ youth in South Jersey and community-based participatory projects. Depending on need, support may involve networking opportunities, mentorship by researchers with expertise in LGBTQ+ issues, and guidance around obtaining grant funding. Additionally, community organizations who are in need of research support can contact the Initiative to be connected with Stockton researchers who can assist with data collection and analysis, program evaluation, policy analysis, and other research projects.

Opportunities for students

Community engagement - Students are invited to serve as interns on the Kaleidoscope project and co-facilitate monthly meetings for LGBTQ+ youth. Students are also invited to develop and provide educational programming for the community.
Research - Students who are interested in doing research on LGBTQ+ issues can connect with faculty mentors and receive support.
Campus climate - The LGBTQ+ Youth Safe Space Initiative is a tangible sign of SOBL’s and Stockton University’s commitment to creating a campus environment that celebrates students of all sexual orientations and gender identities. The Initiative will interface with the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Center (WGSC), the student-run Pride Alliance, and the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) program at Stockton to foster an affirming climate for LGBTQ+ students on campus.