A recent story from Channel Kindness highlights the inspiring work of young LGBTQ+ leaders championing peer-driven mental health support. Cynthia Germanotta, president and co-founder of Born This Way Foundation, shared why it’s so important to listen to youth advocates, noting that their real-life experiences and creative ideas are helping shape the foundation’s efforts.
Earlier this month, the Born This Way Foundation and the Being Initiative brought together LGBTQ+ mental health advocates from around the world to share how they’re building support systems in their communities—finding funding, making mental health services easier to access, and sharing essential resources in ways that work for their peers.
The article highlights this global roundtable featuring Being Youth Advisors Puspita and David. Together, they shared insights on the importance of diverse perspectives in shaping inclusive mental health solutions.
One of the speakers, Trevor, from SiyaFanaFana—an innovation supported by Grand Challenges Canada which hosts the Being Initiative—shared how they are using tools like WhatsApp chatbots to provide mental health support to communities in Zimbabwe. It’s a powerful example of how technology can help close mental health gaps and reach LGBTQ+ youth around the world.
