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Queens Affirming Youth and Family Alliance offers free mental‑health supports for LGBTQ+ young people and caregivers
Summary
Representatives of the Queens Affirming Youth and Family Alliance described free, borough‑focused services for LGBTQ+ youth and their families including peer support groups, short‑term counseling, caregiver interventions and professional learning for schools.
Representatives of the Queens Affirming Youth and Family Alliance, a Vibrant Emotional Health program, presented their services to Community Education Council 28, describing free mental‑health supports for LGBTQ+ young people and caregivers in Queens.
Tierney Bertrami, identified as the program director, said the program supports youth ages 12–25 and their caregivers through peer‑led youth support groups, short‑term counseling, family interventions and referrals to affirming medical and community providers. Bertrami said the program offers interpretation and virtual services and that services are free and do not require insurance.
Bertrami highlighted data on risk and protective factors, noting that LGBTQ+ youth who report high family support show substantially lower rates of suicide attempts and that an accepting adult can reduce the risk of a suicide attempt by roughly 40 percent, citing research commonly used by youth‑mental‑health organizations. The program’s goals are to decrease suicide and attempted suicide among LGBTQ+ youth by increasing family and caregiver support.
The program described a simple referral process (QR code, Google form or email) and said it provides professional learning for school staff on affirming practices, community consultations and linkages to affirming medical care and gender‑affirming resources. The presenters said they are based in Long Island City but provide services throughout the borough and offer interpretation for Spanish and other languages via interpretation services.
Council members thanked the presenters and asked them to post contact information in the meeting chat for families and schools who wish to refer youth or request trainings. No formal action was taken; the presentation was informational.
