Help Make Our Community Stronger: Participate in a UMKC Study Supporting LGBTQ+ Mental Health
- Q Kansas City
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
At Q Kansas City, we talk a lot about connection, how it shapes us, strengthens us, and keeps our community alive. We’ve seen firsthand that when queer people have places to belong, everything changes. But we also know many young LGBTQ+ folks in Kansas City are navigating loneliness, depression, or feeling disconnected, even while surrounded by community.
That’s why we’re excited to share an opportunity from a member of our own community who is working to change that with LGBTQ+ Peace Project.
Jennifer Truitt, a queer PhD student at UMKC, is conducting a research project focused on reducing loneliness and depressive symptoms among LGBTQ+ young adults. The LGBTQ+ Peace Project study is designed not only to deepen understanding of what our community is facing, but also to offer real, direct support to those who participate.
This isn’t just research for the sake of research. It’s research designed to help people.
What the LGBTQ+ Peace Project Study Offers
Anyone aged 18–25 can complete the initial screening survey. It takes about 10–15 minutes, and everyone who completes it is entered for a chance to win a $50 electronic VISA gift card.
From there, LGBTQ+ participants who qualify for the treatment phase are offered:
Four weeks of free, affirming therapy focused on reducing loneliness and depression
Support from LGBTQ+ affirming clinicians trained in the treatment of depression and loneliness
An additional $100 in electronic VISA gift cards for participating in the therapy portion
A chance to help shape future mental-health programs and resources for queer folks in Kansas City
The screening survey is completely private and confidential.
Why This Matters
Loneliness and depression don’t always look dramatic. Sometimes they look like staying home more than you want to. Feeling invisible in a crowd. Struggling to make meaningful connections. Worrying you’re the only one feeling this way.
If you’re between 18 and 25 and any of this resonates, this study may be a chance to get real support.And if you’re doing well right now, participating still helps. Research like this builds the foundation for better services, more affirming care, and a deeper understanding of what our community needs.
This is how we take care of each other — not just on the dance floor, but in the parts of life we don’t always talk about.
How to Participate
Click the survey link below. The screener takes only a few minutes, and you’ll automatically be entered for the gift-card drawing.
If you qualify for the next phase, you’ll receive more information directly from the UMKC research team so you can decide if you’d like to continue.
Community Takes Care of Community
We’re grateful to folks like Jennifer, the LGBTQ+ Peace Project, and their research advisor at UMKC who are doing the work to understand and reduce LGBTQ+ loneliness here in Kansas City. Projects like this help build a stronger, healthier community for all of us.
If you’re 18–25, please consider taking the survey. And if you’re not in that age group, share this with someone who might benefit.
Here’s to a community where every person feels connected, supported, and seen.
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