Q is for Questioning
About the Program
Q is for Questioning is a free series of two interactive workshops (virtual and in-person) led by licensed clinicians and LGBTQ+ community members. These workshops provide adults in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth education on LGBTQ+ identity and mental health. Participants receive tools and resources to better support and affirm the LGBTQ+ youth in their lives.
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If you are an adult in the life of an LGBTQ+ young person, please know that you can make a world of difference. Join us for an upcoming workshop, in-person or virtually. To learn more or bring Q is for Questioning to your region, contact the Program Manager, Finley Van Fossen (they/them) at fvanfossen@mentalhealthcolorado.org​
Why Q is for Questioning?
Due to stigma, discrimination, bullying, and other factors, LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to experience mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. However, you can make all the difference. Research shows that the prevalence of suicide for LGBTQ+ youth who have at least one affirming adult in their life is reduced by 40%. Well-supported youth are also more likely to thrive in school, work, and their relationships.
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By working towards being an affirming adult, you can provide a safe space for young LGBTQ+ people to talk about their thoughts and feelings which can help the young person develop a positive self-image. You can also help LGBTQ+ youth navigate the challenges of coming out and living authentically. Supporting you in navigating the ins and outs of how to do this is where we come in.
What to Expect
In these sessions we will:
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discuss terminology and concepts relevant to the LGBTQ+ people in our lives
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discover strategies, skills, and approaches to be an affirming adult
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explore the role and importance of support in LGBTQ+ youths' lives
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gain a community of other trusted adults and resources to utilize past the workshop
Upcoming Workshops
FAQ’s
Who are these workshops for?
These workshops are designed for any adult with an LGBTQ+ youth in their lives. Parents, caregivers, coaches, teachers, counselors and others can benefit from the content.
Do these workshops cost anything to attend?
There is no cost to attend these workshops. You can email Leor Feldman at lfeldman@mentalhealthcolorado to plan a workshop for your community for 2025.
How can I attend these workshops? What is the format of the workshops?
Envision:You offers workshops in community based cohorts throughout Colorado. There are a series of three workshops available via Zoom and in-person/hybrid in each specific community. By having community based cohorts, the curriculum and discussions will be richer and participants will be able to build strong relationships with one another. To strengthen this community bond, we recommend that only people within the community in which these workshops are offered participate.
Who facilitates these workshops?
These workshops are facilitated by a licensed clinician, a co-facilitator from the community with lived experience, and an Envision:You team member.
Who developed the curriculum?
The Q is for Questioning curriculum was developed by Envision:You in partnership with researchers at the Butler Institute for Families at the University of Denver. Moreover, the curriculum is currently being revamped and workshops will continue in 2025.
What can I expect to learn from these workshops?
Each 120-minute guided presentation contains a psychoeducational presentation on LGBTQ+ identity and LGBTQ+ youth experiences; breakout sessions; Q&A; and a reception. The workshop’s materials and resources will be shared with participants. Participants can expect to learn what challenges LGBTQ+ youth face and develop tools to affirm and support their development.
If there are no workshops offered in my area, how can I attend?
Please contact the program coordinator, Leor Feldman (they/them) at lfeldman@mentalhealthcolorado to request workshops in your area.
If I need accommodations, who should I contact?
Please contact lfeldman@mentalhealthcolorado.org to request accommodations.
Q is for Questioning Media Toolkit
Resources for sharing Q is for Questioning and promotional materials
To learn more, please contact Finley Van Fossen (they/them) at fvanfossen@mentalhealthcolorado.org​
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To understand the importance and urgency of this program, please read the following report from the Trevor Project. Accepting Adults Reduce Suicide Attempts.
Past Workshops
Salida School District
January 2025
Broomfield
September 2024
Arapahoe County
June 2024
Denver Public Schools
February 2024
Greeley
September 2023
Longmont & Loveland
May 2023
El Paso County
Nov. to Dec. 2022
Denver
Oct. to Nov. 2024
Adams County
August 2024
Girl Scouts of Colorado
January 2024
Boulder County
Nov. to Dec. 2023
Denver County
June to July 2023
Eagle County
April 2023
Mesa County
Oct. to Nov. 2022
Denver
Sep. to Oct. 2024
Aurora
July 2024
Foster Source
March 2024
Summit County
October 2023
Larimer County
June 2023
Boulder County
Jan. to Feb. 2023