Navigating the world is difficult as a teenager. There is pressure from all angles, stemming from the expectations of parents, the seemingly put-together lives of peers, and the pitfalls of social hierarchies at school. The anxiety of not achieving the ideals of others makes it easy to overlook the most important opinion of all—yours. Outside of extracurriculars, family functions, and social media profiles, it’s challenging to look in the mirror and feel confident in the reflection that stares back. The gap between who we feel we are and who we are perceived to be feels enormous.
The teenage identity crisis is lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. In the moment, the suffocating feeling of the unknown pushes away all other thoughts. It’s hard to imagine that anyone else is experiencing these same emotions, which is exactly why finding a supportive community amongst other teens can be extremely helpful in tackling the complex process of introspection. While finding a safe place for self-expression and self-exploration is crucial for all teens, it can be harder for some teens to find this space than others. In a 2022 survey by The Trevor Project, 73% of LGBTQ youth reported experiences of discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Additionally, nearly 2 in 5 LGBTQ youth described their living communities as somewhat or very unaccepting of LGBTQ members.
On top of juggling the widespread teenage struggle of trying to fit in, LGBTQIA+ teens are antagonized for expressing themselves in any way. The exploration of identity is a personal experience, one that should only be shared willingly. For many LGBTQIA+ youth, however, their sexual orientation and gender identity are attacked publicly by adults and teens alike, resulting in detrimental mental health struggles. For these teens, affirming spaces not only give them a reprieve from the onslaught of outside opinions found at school, online, and oftentimes even at home, but also give them an opportunity to find allies within their peers and supportive adults. These safe spaces build a community where teens can feel welcomed and accepted for who they are.
While LGBTQIA+ safe spaces have a focus on meeting the needs of teens who identify with the community, their benefits are incredibly widespread. By giving these teens the opportunity to find confidence in who they are, our community is rewarded with inspiring leaders who bring new perspectives and experiences to the table. These teens, who become resilient advocates, innovative engineers, compassionate teachers, and courageous medical workers, help us build toward a better future that is revolutionized by their discoveries, their bravery, and their dedication to inclusivity.
At The Launch Pad Teen Center, there is a safe space for everyone, regardless of any factor of personal identity. Programs such as One•N•Ten and Q-Prom encourage members of the LGBTQIA+ community to come together and create moments of joy and connection, whether this be by dancing the night away, potting plants together, or listening to guest speakers share their empowering stories. Within the bright walls of The Launch Pad Teen Center, these youth find a place where it’s not so scary to look in the mirror because people celebrate you for your entire identity, rather than making judgments about any of the many, many pieces that make you, you.
Within the inclusive community found at The Launch Pad, creativity flourishes. Art decorates the walls, music plays from the band room every afternoon, baristas assemble creamy macchiatos, and young gardeners harvest fresh produce. Youth support one another and find passion in the activities they love, without fear of meeting the expectations of anyone else. At The Launch Pad, we are all still figuring it out. It’s this simple understanding that allows teens to embrace their many identities without fear because they know that they are not alone. Rather, they are surrounded by the leaders of the future who are sometimes messy and sometimes loud, but always proud of who they are, even if they don’t know quite who that is just yet.
To learn more about One•N•Ten programming, reach out to Sandra Foisy, Satellite Program Manager, at sandra@onenten.org or call The Launch Pad at 928-227-0758.
To see the transformative impact of The Launch Pad Teen Center through your own eyes, join us at The Moon Cafe for a coffee, smoothie, or panini, hand-made by teens! To learn more about the many other programs and volunteer opportunities offered at The Launch Pad, check out our website!