LGBTQ+ Youth Support
― PROGRAMS ―
LGBTQ+ kids face challenges in their lives that most non-LGBTQ+ don’t. That’s why HCCA created You Matter: LGBTQ+ Youth Support – a program to help connect youth and adult allies to LGBTQ+ specific resources.
Why HCCA focuses on LGBTQ+ youth and reducing tobacco use:
Any substance use replaces developing alternate strategies to manage challenges
LGBTQ+ youth use tobacco more than their peers
LGBTQ+ youth are specifically targeted by tobacco companies
LGBTQ+ youth face negative experiences because of others’ reaction to their identities
LGBTQ+ youth want to fit in and be liked and are more likely to try what they consider to be ‘harmless’ vaping, smoking, chewing, etc.
Nicotine is very addictive, and when people want to stop using nicotine products it is really hard and can sometimes take years
Want help now?
Below are three trusted options.
My Life-My Quit
DITCHVAPE at Truth Initiative
Teen-smokefree.gov
Youth Resources
You Matter. That’s why HCCA is dedicated to providing programming and resources to support you. Here’s a few trusted options.
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OutMaine
OutMaine is building the welcoming and affirming communities urgently needed for Maine’s LGBTQ+ youth.
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Trevor Project
Here you can reach out to a counselor if you’re struggling, find answers and information, and get the tools you need to help someone else.
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Maine Trans Net
Find support and empowerment: peer-to-peer support groups, social and community events, advocacy for the transgender community across Maine, and more!
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Equality Maine
The New Leaders Project works to improve the climate for LGBTQ+ youth by providing leadership skills, community building, and self-empowerment.
LGBTQ+ Youth Matter.
LGBTQ+ youth and young adults use all types of tobacco products at higher rates than their non-LGBTQ+ peers. Here’s how you can help.
Prevention Success: LGBTQ+ Youth Tobacco Prevention Project - Healthy Communities of the Capital Area
Want to be more inclusive of LGBTQ+ youth?
Update materials to be inclusive
Train your staff to be more welcoming, inclusive, and affirming
Provide help to promote to LGBTQ+ youth
Answer questions and provide brief 1-1 support and strategies
Micro grants available to get things started
What you can do.
Trainings
Workshops tailored to your needs
Become more welcoming, affirming, and inclusive
Tailor prevention to the LGBTQ+ audience
Find out how tobacco impacts mental health, and strategies to address the challenges
Learn about links between risk factors, minority stress, and substance use, and ways to address both.
Ally Resources
Below are a few trusted options for allies, geared toward helping LGBTQ+ youth.
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MIYHS
Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey monitors the health behaviors and attitudes of Maine youth (tobacco, alcohol, substance use, and more).
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Equality Maine
Equality Maine is creating an inclusive and intersectional movement through political action, community building, education, engagement and collaboration.
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GLAD
GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders work to create a just society free of discrimination based on gender identity and expression, HIV status, and sexual orientation.
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DOE
The Maine Department of Education supports all LGBTQ+ identifying, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender expansive and questioning students, families, and school staff.
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Tobacco Prevention Research Infographic
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Tobacco Prevention Results Infographic
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Tobacco Prevention Executive Summary
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Tobacco Prevention Needs Assessment
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Tobacco Prevention Project Report
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PCP & Tobacco Prevention of LGBTQ+ Youth & YA
Interested in learning more?
CONTACT
April Hughes
Associate Program Manager
Email: a.hughes@hccame.org
LGBTQ+ SUPPORT
Success Stories
HCCA Success Stories provide insight on how our resources and programs help people in the community everyday.
Make a Donation.
HCCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is funded through charitable donations from people like you. Thank you for your generous support as we work to better local communities in Maine.