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"We Have Always Been Here": A Multi-method, Multi-informant Study Documenting Challenges and Strengths of Lakota LGBTQ2S+ Youth

Research Team

Principal Investigator: Katie M. Edwards

Co-Principal Investigators: Ramona Herrington

Funding Information

Funding Agency: Office of Research and Innovation—Layman Award

Award Date: Aug 1, 2021

End Date: Jul 31, 2022

Abstract

Native American LGBTQ and Two-Spirit (LGBTQ2S) youth experience high rates of violence, including bias-based victimization, dating and sexual violence victimization and perpetration, and self-directed violence, which leads to numerous potentially harmful outcomes, such as mental heal problems, substance abuse). While there is a critical need to identify effective solutions to prevent violence against and among Native American LGBTQ2S youth, there is a lack of understanding of culturally grounded prevention methods. 

Researchers aim to develop and evaluate a comprehensive, community-wide, culturally grounded initiative to prevent violence and reduce health disparities among Native American LGBTQ2S youth.

Researchers will collaborate with community partners to recruit participants — 20 Native American LGBTQ2S youth (ages 14-17) and 20 adults (age 18 and older) with connections to LGBTQ2S youth, all living on a South Dakota reservation.

Pilot data will be collected from participants to demonstrate feasibility and acceptability of a comprehensive, community-wide, culturally grounded initiative to prevent violence and other health disparities against and among Native American LGBTQ2S youth. Data will be collected through art-based activities with LGBTQ2S Native American youth, and via talking circles with the youth and adults. 

Social, Emotional and Behavioral Well-being

According to a recent study, although Indigenous LGBTQ2S youth experience a wide range of challenges, they also possess moderate to high levels of strength and resilience.
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