INclued
LGBTQ young people are disproportionately affected by unintended pregnancy and STDs, with LGB adolescents being more likely to become involved in a pregnancy than their heterosexual counterparts. LGBTQ youth also engage in unprotected sexual behaviors at higher rates than their heterosexual and cisgender peers, and are less likely to access sexual healthcare due to past or perceived negative or discriminatory treatment at healthcare facilities.
INclued is designed to be inclusive of all youth yet the curriculum centers the unique needs and experiences of LGBTQIA+ youth, who far too often do not feel represented in sexual and reproductive health programs. INclued is implemented as one 3-hour session or two 90-minute sessions with youth.
This program is rooted in best practices, with evaluation demonstrating that INclued youth have:
Lower likelihood of risky sexual behavior
Greater knowledge of sexual health
Greater confidence in their capacity to advocate for their health needs and greater likelihood of having visited a doctor to meet their health needs
INclued Sessions are designed to help young people answer four essential questions:
What unique sexual health risks do LGBTQ young people have?
How can LGBTQ young people protect themselves from STDs and/or unintended pregnancy?
How can I advocate for myself while accessing sexual healthcare?
What actions will I take to support my sexual healthcare?
