Building Awareness Through Conversation and Community

At QNEST, our mission is to create safe, affirming homes and supportive networks for LGBTQ+ youth who are experiencing homelessness. While our long-term goal is to open our first group home, we are also focused on immediate steps that build awareness, reduce stigma, and provide support for both youth and families.

Parent Panels: Opening Dialogue, Building Understanding

One of our most impactful initiatives is hosting Parent Panels—events where parents of LGBTQ+ youth share their journeys of learning, listening, and loving their children. These panels create a space for honest dialogue, where families can hear real experiences and find guidance on how to support their kids. We also invite voices from the community who can share what it’s like to face rejection and homelessness, highlighting the urgent need for compassion and acceptance.

These conversations don’t just educate parents, they ripple outward, fostering empathy and strengthening the broader community. When parents and allies hear stories firsthand, stigma begins to break down.

Peer Support Groups: A Safe Space for LGBTQ+ Youth

In addition to our panels, we are preparing to launch Peer Support Groups for LGBTQ+ youth ages 16 and older. These groups will provide a safe and affirming place where young people can connect with peers who understand their experiences. Led by trained facilitators, the groups will focus on building resilience, sharing resources, and creating a sense of belonging.

Too often, LGBTQ+ youth feel isolated or unsafe in their daily environments. By creating these groups, we aim to offer both immediate support and a stepping stone toward greater stability.

Why This Matters

Creating awareness is the first step toward change. Through parent panels and peer support groups, we are tackling the root causes of LGBTQ+ youth homelessness—family rejection, stigma, and lack of support. Every story shared, every conversation sparked, brings us closer to a world where no young person has to fear losing their home simply for being who they are.

We invite you to join us in this work whether by attending a panel, helping spread the word, or supporting QNEST’s mission. Together, we can create communities where LGBTQ+ youth are not just accepted, but celebrated.