Each country and region of the world has different barriers for individuals who might identify (or are assumed to be) gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer (g/l/b/t/q). Even though there are cultural differences, one thing is clear, no matter where they live and how they identify they face major societal and legal discrimination and need specific prevention efforts when it comes to HIV/AIDS.

Unfortunately during the main presentations at the workshop “LGBT Prevention Efforts in the Developing World” there was no specific mention of youth. When asked why, the panelists were generally willing to talk openly about why that was. They indicated that there is already so much stigma around working on LGBT issues that adding youth to the equation makes the situation that much more vulnerable. There are also legal and cultural barriers to talking to youth about sex and sexuality.

I would like to challenge more groups working on LGBT issues to include more youth in their work. Although major challenges may make this difficult; involving more young people is critical to make real social changes on these issues. The queer youth movement can be very powerful, if it is provided a seat at the table.

Also, there is a huge lack of information on youth, g/l/b/t/q, HIV/AIDS, internationally. At Advocates for Youth (www.advocatesforyouth.org) we have a lot of information and support for these issues both within the United Sates and internationally; we have a g/l/b/t/q youth website www.youthresrouce.com with information and online peer education. Our resources domestically are much more extensive and we would love to receive more information about g/l/b/t/q internationally. Does anyone have resources they would like to share that address these issues?