Drops of Color Project aims to provide a space for support, self-expression, and community connection through free peer support groups for young adults who identify as LGBTQ+. The primary goal of these groups is to create a space where participants can offer mutual support while engaging in clay-based art activities to facilitate emotional expression and grounding.

The LGBTQ+ community is at an increased risk of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), adverse mental health outcomes, and increased mortality (Dentato, 2018; Hatzenbuehler et al., 2024; McDonald, 2018). This community also faces higher rates of substance use (McDonald, 2018; Williams et al., 2021; Xin et al., 2023) and show a greater risk of developingPTSD compared to cisgender and heterosexual individuals (Marchi et al., 2023).

Research indicates a strong association between health disparities and social constraints. Gender and sexual minorities often encounter limited community support (Marchi et al., 2023) and are more likely to experience rejection, isolation, and discrimination from their biological families, the healthcare system, and community organizations (Hailey et al., 2020). Additionally, this community is at a greater risk of victimization and traumatic events, including childhood abuse, hate crimes, harassment, domestic violence, and sexual assault (Belsher et al., 2017; Hailey et a., 2020; Marchi et al., 2023; Williams, 2021). 

Research suggests that family-like social support networks, such as chosen families, peer support, and inclusive community support programs, can mitigate the effects of discrimination, victimization, and many of the disparities faced by the LGBTQ+ community (Hailey et al., 2020; Kia et al., 2021). Such interventions are linked to improved self-esteem, better coping skills, increased resilience, and stronger community connections, reduced psychological distress, fewer depressive symptoms, lower rates of suicidality and mental health disorders, decreased substance use, and diminished feelings of isolation (Hailey et al., 2020; Kia et al., 2021; McDonald, 2018).

• 66% of LGBTQ+ young people reported experiencing recent symptoms of anxiety (Trevor Project, 2024).

• 53% of LGBTQ+ young people reported experiencing recent symptoms of depression (Trevor Project, 2024).

• 39% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year (Trevor Project, 2024).

• 46% of transgender and nonbinary young people considered attempting suicide in the past year
  (Trevor Project, 2024).

• 12% of LGBTQ+ young people attempted suicide in the past year (Trevor Project, 2024).

• 71% of the 31,800 estimated new HIV infections in the US in 2022 were among
  gay and bisexual men(CDC, 2024).

• 47% of LGBTQ youth under the age of 21 used alcohol in the last year (Trevor Project, 2022).

• 28% of transgender and nonbinary young people reported that they have been physically
  threatened or harmed in the past year due to their gender identity (Trevor Project, 2024).

• 60% of LGBTQ+ young people reported that they have felt discriminated against in the past year due to their sexual orientation or gender identity (Trevor Project, 2024).

• 13% of LGBTQ+ young people described the community where their currently live very
  unaccepting, and 23% described their community as somewhat unaccepting (Trevor Project, 2024).

Drops of Color is a six-week ceramic support group designed for LGBTQ+ young adults ages 18 to 34. Each 90-minute session provides participants with the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of hand-building, build meaningful relationships, and explore emotions through creative expression in an inclusive and affirming environment. All materials, tools, instruction, and kiln firings will be provided free of charge to participants. No prior ceramics experience required.