Below are some EBGTZ key pointers and examples of digital materials focused on uplifting and educating BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth, their families, or/and allies.
DO:
- Include enticing elements on your website that draw users in. For example, an interactive tutorial that navigates users where to click for specific information.
- Create an inviting atmosphere, like the Dream Youth Clinic website. Their homepage has the Founder and CEO of the organization, Dr. Aisha Mays, explaining who she is and what her organization does for the community.
- Make your site family oriented. Similar to the Brainpop website, an educational platform for youth, your webpage should be geared towards families as a whole, not specific groups.
- Include social media content or homemade videos (e.g., EBGTZ PrEP videos) on your site. These can put a spotlight on the line of work, credible influencers or politicians making a change/putting out information, or simply feel-good content.
- Share regularly updated stats/testing information from credible institutions like the CDC or other federal agencies. Sites should be collecting and updating research data, information on local/state/federal policies, budget changes, etc.
DO NOT:
- Don’t make your content solely educational. Your webpage shouldn’t be just headers with documents or data; there should be an emotional/humanizing appeal and feel to the site.
- Don’t offer just one point of view; information should cater to community members and families. Provide a webpage where the youth, family members, or community organizations are able to digest the information with ease.
Social media accounts
Educational /Inspirational: Gives youth fact-checked information they can use to defend themselves or/and evaluate their knowledge on certain topics.
- https://x.com/itsjoebro_/status/1786877709118849434?s=46 (blurb: A young black man with Autism speaking on his experience graduating from college)
- https://x.com/theconsciouslee/status/1781760302071390713?s=46 (discussing the black diaspora)
- https://x.com/theconsciouslee/status/1785301289062052199?s=46 (U=U, HIV criminalization)
- Feel Good: Highlights individuals who are unapologetically showcasing their authentic selves
- https://x.com/notcapnamerica/status/1786215343964225716?s=46 (gay couple dancing)
- https://x.com/b7album/status/1784576731283624220?s=46 (lesbian couple dancing)
- https://x.com/misssassbox/status/1782952460715192733?s=46 (older woman rollerskating)
Webpages/newsletters/online resources that have helpful information
- NMAC newsletter: great information and updates in real-time regarding HIV-related topics. Also, information about scholarships and abstract application links/forms can be included on-site specifically for youth 18-25.
- I want to get it right infographic differentiating various identities associated with the LGBQT+ community. This guide highlights the significant differences between particular “labels”, the pros, cons, and meanings.
- Language Matters – Substance disorder
Key phrases to use or not to use when discussing or talking with someone dealing with a substance use disorder.
- Act for Youth
Adult-facing website dedicated to the empowerment and development of youth. The site includes infographics that speak to the mental and emotional awareness of sexual health, help navigate a user on concepts to help youth gain an understanding of sexual health, and lastly activities focused on self-reflection, critical thinking, and problem-solving where adults are able to provide guidance.
- The Gender Moxie Project: A comic strip with two main goals 1.) understanding youth perspective on gender diversity through various cultures and 2.) utilizing and adapting qualitative research methodology to art/graphics.