Assessing Queer, Trans, and Non-monogamous Youths' Experiences in a Community-based Research Project on Gender Equity

Area of Science:

• Health Research
• Sociology
• Community Engagement

Background:

• Youth participatory action research (YPAR) prioritizes youth lived experiences in health research.
• A YPAR project engaged queer, trans, and non-monogamous young women and non-binary individuals (19-29) in British Columbia, Canada.
• The study explored perceptions of gender equity in relationships among this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a YPAR approach on youth study members.
• To evaluate how youth participants felt heard, valued, and prepared.
• To provide insights for implementing inclusive YPAR projects.

Main Methods:

• Engaged youth from May 2022 to March 2023.
• Three youth research associates provided qualitative reflections.
• Ten youth advisory committee members completed mixed-methods questionnaires.

Main Results:

• Youth research associates felt valued and supported, emphasizing ongoing training.
• Youth advisory committee members felt prepared and found meetings safe and productive.
• Participants cited research experience, honoraria, curiosity, and community building as motivations.

Conclusions:

• The YPAR approach was successfully implemented with diverse young participants.
• The study offers a roadmap for health researchers to create inclusive YPAR projects.
• Ensuring youth feel valued and supported is key to successful YPAR implementation.