Discussion Summary: Jan 23, 2025
Digital Solutions for Mental Health
LGBTQ+ communities have historically been early adopters of new technologies, using them to share knowledge, build connections, and find joy. From the Gay Switchboard in the 1970s to early internet message boards, LGBTQ+ individuals have turned to digital spaces to support one another and access resources in ways that traditional systems often couldn’t provide. Today, this legacy continues with the rise of digital tools like apps, AI chatbots, and online platforms aimed at making mental health support more accessible and affirming.
Despite these advancements, LGBTQ+ individuals still face significant health disparities, including poorer mental health outcomes and barriers to care. Digital solutions have become a vital resource in addressing these challenges, offering increased safety, anonymity, and accessibility—especially for marginalized communities. This panel brought together experts from research, mental health advocacy, and tech innovation to explore how digital tools can improve LGBTQ+ mental health and create more equitable support systems for the community.
Recording of panel held Jan 23, 2025.
About the Panelists
- Dr. Jose Bauermeister (he/him) is the Founding Faculty Director of the Eidos LGBTQ+ Health Initiative at University of Pennsylvania. His work focuses on digital strategies and community engagement in LGBTQ+ health research.
- Dr. Derrick Matthews (he/him) is the Director of Research Science at The Trevor Project. He is a social and behavioral public health scientist whose work focuses on integrating lived experiences into mental health research, especially as it relates to intersectionality and its consequences for health.
- Jonathan McKay (he/him) is co-founder and President of SameSame, a non-profit leveraging digital technologies to support LGBTQI+ youth mental health in challenging environments. He specializes in using technology to address systemic inequalities faced by marginalized youth.
Discussion Highlights
Dr. Derrick Matthews:
Derrick spoke about how the shifting political landscape in the U.S. is shaping LGBTQ+ health and the research that supports it. He emphasized that policy changes have direct consequences on access to care, mental health outcomes, and LGBTQ+ well-being. In response to these evolving challenges, The Trevor Project is expanding its research efforts beyond quantitative data to incorporate qualitative insights that capture the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ youth more fully.
One striking finding from The Trevor Project’s 2024 report revealed that young people are more likely to find affirming spaces online than in real life. While these digital communities can provide essential connection, Derrick urged a nuanced approach—balancing the benefits of self-curated online spaces with the risks of echo chambers. He stressed the need for continuous iteration, ensuring that interventions are not just well-intended but truly aligned with community needs. By prioritizing people’s lived experiences, we can build more effective and inclusive support systems—ones that shift the power into the hands of the communities they are meant to serve.
Jono McKay:
Jono shared the story behind his founding of SameSame, a WhatsApp-based chatbot providing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for LGBTQ+ youth in South Africa and Zimbabwe. He described how growing up queer in South Africa, he found solace in online forums and blogs, but recognized that across the continent most young people in Africa today lack the same access to desktop computers, high-speed internet, or culturally relevant resources. Faced with a shortage of LGBTQ-affirming mental health professionals and the risks of state targeting, he felt compelled to create digital solutions that meet young people where they are.
Since launching during COVID, SameSame has reached over 220,000 users, with 86% showing improvements in depression symptoms. Notably, half of those interviewed preferred speaking to a chatbot over a human due to fears of judgment or discrimination. Jono emphasized that digital mental health solutions are not just a stopgap but a necessity, as overwhelmed in-person services struggle to meet demand.
Dr. José Bauermeister:
José emphasized the critical role of youth voices in designing effective digital interventions for LGBTQ+ mental health. He stressed the importance of human-centered design—engaging the community at every stage, actively listening to their feedback (even when it’s tough), and compensating them for their valuable input. To ensure lasting impact, he urged creators to thoughtfully map out their program’s goals and user experience, considering how to keep people engaged in an era of overwhelming digital noise.
Beyond design, José highlighted two essential pillars: data privacy and accessibility. Protecting user information must be a top priority, with clear standards around data collection and security. Additionally, interventions should be built with minimal technological barriers to ensure that those with limited internet access or outdated devices can still benefit.
Takeaways:
Digital tools have the potential to transform LGBTQ+ mental health support, but their effectiveness depends on thoughtful design, ethical implementation, and continuous refinement. Panelists highlighted key areas for improvement and innovation:
- Expanding Access & Equity – Many LGBTQ+ individuals, especially in marginalized communities, face geographic, economic, and legal barriers to mental health support. Digital platforms can help bridge these gaps, but they must be designed with accessibility in mind, including low-bandwidth options and culturally relevant resources.
- Balancing AI & Human Support – AI-driven chatbots and online platforms offer anonymity and reduce stigma, but human oversight remains essential. Ethical AI development must prioritize user safety, transparency, and culturally competent care.
- Community-Centered Design – Effective digital interventions require direct input from LGBTQ+ individuals. By involving the community at every stage—from concept to testing—developers can ensure tools are relevant, affirming, and truly meet users’ needs.
- Strengthening Data Privacy & Security – Protecting user data is critical, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals in hostile environments. Platforms must implement clear privacy policies, secure data storage, and transparent communication about user protections.
- Ensuring Engagement & Sustainability – Digital interventions must evolve with user needs. Continuous feedback loops, iterative development, and strong community partnerships help keep resources effective, engaging, and widely adopted.
Ultimately, the discussion reinforced that technology alone isn’t a solution—it’s a tool. When thoughtfully designed and continuously refined, digital mental health interventions have the power to bridge gaps in mental health care and create meaningful change for LGBTQ+ communities.