Mapping the communities you’re a part of
Vanessa, she/her, 23, TX
Create a map of the communities that have supported your identities, putting yourself at the center. Use shapes or letters or drawings to note these different communities. Don’t worry if you don’t feel like a big part of this community, just add as many as you can think of!
Consider the ways in which these communities have helped you grow into yourself. Remember, being part of various communities can help us feel a sense of belonging, and also help protect us from stigma that we may experience. Mapping our communities’ strength is one way we can recognize the resilience that exists within us and those who support us.
Try is below, and then keep scrolling to see other LGBTQ+ teen’s maps:
Here are some maps made by queer teens:
Ivy, she/her/hers, 17, AZ — “Music has been such a huge part of my life, mainly piano and singing ever since I was around four years old. Next, I want to talk about the activist community. And I think definitely this part of me definitely became a bigger part since COVID 19 because I was able to explore more of my beliefs and who I am. The next two parts are my best friend and my family. These two things are so important to me because these are the people who I go to and who I trust the most. Next is the Mexican community. My whole family is Mexican, I am Mexican, and the community makes me feel bigger than who I am. And I am just so grateful to have that. Next, I want to talk about LGBTQ plus exploration. I don't completely know who I am or who I love. And I feel that the community is so open and so welcoming that I am able to explore that part of me.”
Maya, she/her, 17, MI — “I find community in a lot of the art spaces I’m a part of at school and online. My mom, grandma, and friends also play a big part in making me feel seen when I’m struggling with my queer identity.”
Rei, she/her/hers, 15, MD — “The background is actually the omnisexual flag, which is what sexuality I am. And the hearts, the my sister one, my sister really helped me out. She was one of the first people I told when I came out. And she really helped me gain my confidence in being queer. Same with my friends. They really helped me out. I probably would not have as much pride and confidence being queer as I would if they didn't help me. Queer Tik Tik Group. I have a bunch of friends on Tik Tok that I talk with, and they're really fun to be around. And they're also queer like me. Queer animes, ones that I've watched. They help me out a lot. Showing that it's acceptable to be queer. And there's topics like it. My Discord and friends on there, just like my normal friends and my sister really helped me out. And my Instagram. Everyone on there is really nice. The people I talk to. And some are queer just like me.”
Alexi, they/them, 16, CA — “A lot of the support I’ve gotten since I came out has been from my family in Hawaii. Since we moved to California, I try to FaceTime them as much as possible to talk through how I’m doing. I’m also obsessed with the lovely people I’ve met online who are queer and Asian! It helps me see that the world is so much bigger than my school and neighborhood.”
Marco, he/him/they, 17, NC — “I used the flowers as a symbol of just growth and blossoming and how little things helped me blossom into the person that I am today. And so I am Black. I am a musician. I love writing. I find joy and comfort with my family and my best friend. And I am very spiritual and in tune with spirit. I find serenity through creativity, and I find it to be another source of air for me.“
Gage, he/they/zem, 18, FL — “I'm part of a leftist Twitter, which is kind of known for being weird, but it's where I get a lot of my information. So it's useful. LGBT community. I'm bi and a trans man. So, yeah, mood disorders I have like Cyclothymia, which is kind of like a less extreme version of bipolar, but it still is very not good. Mexican community and indigenous community. I am Mexican and indigenous. So although I don't feel too connected to my indigenous side, I thought I should put it on here because I still feel a little bit connected. Guitarist. I am a guitarist or at least learning. So I thought that was sort of fun here. My friends being the last one. These are the communities I feel safe in.“
Glenn, he/they, 16, WA — “I feel that my communities intersect. The big three are the queer community, the disable community, and my friends. I have queer friends. I have queer disabled friends. The queer disabled community is an overlooked one, both in the solely queer community and the solely disabled community. You can see it in the lack of accessibility in queer spaces, the amount of homophobia in disabled spaced. Although it’s improving, it can be isolating.”
What to do next
Keep going
Join Q Chat Space
Are you an LGBTQ+ teen? Join one of our many moderated chats at Q Chat Space, where you can talk to other LGBTQ+ teens and trained facilitators.
