Ohio LGBTQ+ Intersectionality Listing Sessions

The Greater Mahoning Valley LGBTQ+ Community Needs Assessment invites you to participate in an intersectionality listening session as part of a local LGBTQ+ research study. This research is important because it helps us understand the needs of the LGBTQ+ community in our area and find ways to support them better. There are six different sessions scheduled to run from October 7 through November 13.

Who can join? Anyone aged eighteen (18) or older who identifies as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or Questioning who lives in certain counties in Ohio, including Trumbull, Mahoning, Columbiana, or Ashtabula, or those living in the surrounding areas who depend on the Greater Mahoning Valley to meet their needs. One session is scheduled for LGBTQ+ youth ages twelve to seventeen (12-17).

Please note that each participant is eligible to attend a maximum of two (2) intersectionality listening sessions. Please choose the session(s) that best align with your identity and availability, as attending more than two (2) sessions is not permitted. Click 'Sign-Up' for your selected session.

During the listening session, a facilitator will guide the group through a series of activities where you can share your experiences, perceptions, concerns, and needs as a member of the LGBTQ+ community of the Greater Mahoning Valley. It will take about 90 minutes, and as a thank-you, you will receive a $30 gift card. Gift cards must be claimed in person to avoid scams and artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots from falsely obtaining incentives.

Your privacy is important! We won't use your name or personal info in any reports. If you're under 18, your parent or guardian needs to sign a permission form for you to participate and receive your gift card.

We don't expect any big risks, but you can choose not to answer any questions you don't want to. If you have any concerns or questions, contact Andrew M. Snyder at asnyde20@kent.edu or call 216.672.7330. This research has been approved by Kent State University Institutional Review Board and is being facilitated by The Center for Community Solutions.