Funded Projects

Library Linkup for NOLA QT Youth

Project Year

2024

City & State

New Orleans, Louisiana

Program Name

CATCH Implementation

Topic

LGBTQ Health

Program Description

Problem: Youth who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) are disproportionately affected by health issues such as depression, suicidality, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections [Ref: 1,2,3] These youth are also more likely to report experiences of bullying and violence victimization [1,4].  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends creating safe and supportive school environments where LGBTQ+ youth feel connected to caring individuals as a proven way to promote the health and wellbeing of these youth [5]. Furthermore, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that transgender and gender diverse youth have access to comprehensive, gender-affirming, and developmentally appropriate health care [6]. The AAP encourages pediatricians to advocate for and develop relationships with school districts and other community organizations to foster inclusion of all children regardless gender expression [6]. Studies have shown that social support contributes to positive wellbeing for youth [7].  In recent years, there has been legislation, especially in the Deep South, targeting queer and trans youth, limiting access to health care services and presenting barriers to expression of their identity in schools. Specifically in Louisiana, a legal ban took effect on January 1, 2024, prohibiting gender affirming care (i.e., puberty blockers, hormone treatment, and gender-reaffirming surgery) for minors [8]. Additional bills which would ban the discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity in schools and would force school officials to use the name and pronouns that correlate with students’ birth certificates were vetoed by the Governor in 2023 [8]. It is anticipated that these bills will be reintroduced in the 2024 legislative session [9]. This legal landscape has placed added strain on the wellbeing for queer and trans youth, making the need for social support even greater.    Primary Setting: This project is set in New Orleans, Louisiana (NOLA), the most populous city in the state, with a population of approximately 370,000 [10].   Number of Children Affected: Nearly 20% of New Orleans residents are adolescents [10]. While we do not know the exact percentage of New Orleans youth who identify as LGBTQ, nationally 20% of youth identify as LGBQ according to the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey [11].    Project Goal: The goal of Library Linkup for NOLA QT Youth is to improve wellbeing by increasing social support for queer and trans identifying youth in New Orleans.   Proposed Intervention: Library Linkup is a partnership between Tulane University Section of Adolescent Medicine, New Orleans Public Library, and Tubby & Coo’s, a local, queer-owned traveling independent book shop. Through monthly 3-hour meetings for queer and trans youth (Linkups), we will provide edutainment (fun activities, health education on topics relevant to QT youth, and opportunities for community building).   Anticipated Outcomes: Attendance at Library Linkups will improve perceived social support for QT Youth as measured by the Multidimensional Survey of Perceived Social Support [12]. 

Project Goal

The goal of Library Linkup for NOLA QT Youth is to improve wellbeing by increasing social support for queer and trans identifying youth in New Orleans.

Project Objective 1

Conduct 10 monthly 3-hour Library Linkup sessions that foster community building for queer and trans youth. 

Project Objective 2

Recruit and retain at least 25 queer and trans youth for monthly Library Linkup sessions. 

Project Objective 3

Using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, show an increase over time in perceived social support for queer and trans youth regularly attending the Library Linkup sessions. 

AAP District

District VII

Institutional Name

Tulane University

Contact 1

Tina Simpson. MD. MPH