A queer room of one´s own: lgbtq youth creating activities and spaces for themselves

During the last decade international and Swedish research have showed the social disadvantages, reduced health and increased suicide risk of lgbtq (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer identity) youth.

In Swedish reports the importance of meeting points for lgbtq youth organized by municipalities or established organizations, is highlighted as a key factor to support these young people. This study focus on meeting points and activities organized by, young lgbtq people themselves.

Without ignoring the social, psychic and physical vulnerabilities of queer youth this study focus the creativity, competence and collaborations that lgbtq youths holds and takes part in.

This study explores the mechanisms behind lgbtq youth transforming vulnerability into agency when organizing meeting spaces and leisure time activities for themselves.

In focus for the study is to inquire how self-organisation could be empowering for lgbtq youth and favor meaningful leisure time and health.

Data collection will be participant observations and interviews with members from the three groups, Lesbisk Makt [Lesbian Power], Unga queernördar [young queer nerds] and Etown Queer Fest. Every group will be visited at least two times during 2022. With every group, I plan to do two group interviews and 8 individual interviews.

The total data collected will then be: transcriptions from 6 group interviews (3-5 participants) and 24 individual interviews, field notes from 6 meetings, activities or events.The results of the study will be published as two articles in scientific journals and a book chapter in Swedish.

The findings will also be communicated to participant of the study, professionals in school, social work and health care that meets lgbtq youth, as well as the Swedish Agency for Youth and Civil Society.