This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of Tuned In! — A Mindfulness-Based Affirmative Program for LGBTQIA Youth (herein called Tuned In!) with sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY). This project will build upon the promising results from previous community-based research (a pilot feasibility study of the Tuned In! intervention) to test Tuned In! on a virtual platform (WebEX) and provide a rapid response to the needs of vulnerable SGMY in America. The results of the initial feasibility study indicated that Tuned In! significantly increased self-compassion, mindfulness, self-kindness, and common humanity, and significantly lowered self-judgment, all while enthusiastically engaging SGMY. Expanding upon this work, this current study will: (1) Implement Tuned In!, an online 8-session affirmative mindfulness-based group intervention for SGMY; (2) Tailor the Tuned In! intervention to provide services to SGMY virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., regional referrals to essential supports/resources); (3) Establish an LGBTQIA Youth Research Engagement Board, an interdisciplinary community-led advisory team, comprised of youth, community members/academics; (4) Generate knowledge regarding the effectiveness of mindfulness-based community-led intervention research; and (5) Utilize results to develop a national strategy to implement Tuned In! in a variety of communities across America to foster human flourishing and well-being among SGMY.
