Queer youth struggle through a lot and, instead of there being one strict problem that the community is facing, there’s a multitude. Which is why The Strawberry Philosophy is fully equipped to be able to handle these issues. This platform allows for Queer teens to talk about issues that they have faced, whether it be bullying or discrimination, mental health issues, or just acceptance.
Of course, not everything that happens in the Queer community is negative, which is why stories would also be told that are positive. Stories that reflect interests such as LGBTQ+ cinema, setting boundaries for yourself, etc.
I want to address the mental health issues and disparities that Queer teens develop in particular. And what better way to do so than stories? In 2018, according to the Human Rights Campaign, it was reported that 70% of LGBTQ+ teens feel worthless and/or hopeless at some point during the week.
Queer youth go through multiple hardships and often, don’t have the support systems to cope or deal with the feelings that they are feeling. According to The Trevor Project’s report in 2019, 67% of Queer youth attempted to change their sexuality or gender identity to be CisHet: cisgender and heterosexual.
It’s important to note that no one’s experience is the same, but hearing stories from other Queer teens, teens who may have gone through similar or different events and experiences, helps create a bond. It sets a precedent of love and acceptance, one that helps equip others with the ability to be able to tell their own stories, too.