Proof this Works
Data Overview
Age
Who is coming to Community through Theater events?
Race
Gender
Sexuality
*Statistics based on a sample of 56 participants. All surveys were completed anonymously, demographics were self-identified, and data is shared with consent.
Based on pre- and post-event validated questionaires,
young adults report a
statistically significantly increased Sense of Community Belonging
ater attending a Community through Theater event.
mean difference: +0.19
95% confidence interval: 0.06-0.32
Why This Matters
LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers (Trevor Project, 2023). Specifically, over 40% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year based on a 2023 survey of more than 28,000 LGBTQ+ youth ages 14 to 24 (Trevor Project). Intersectionality compounds suicide risk: LGBTQ+ youth of color report higher rates of suicide attempts (17%) than white peers (11%) (Trevor Project, 2023).
Community-based initiatives offer a proven, effective strategy for mental health disorder prevention and early intervention and LGBTQ+ youth agree– over 98% perceived value in safe-space social networking sites with similarly identifying youth (Trevor Project, 2023). Nonetheless, only 14% of LGBTQ+ young adults of the US identified access to affirming community events (Trevor Project, 2023). Improving mental health support for these vulnerable populations requires radical intervention and focused advocacy, outside of clinic and hospital walls.
Why Theater Works
Attending live theater performances has been proven to boost empathy, morale, and social connectedness, especially when casts and stories reflect the life experiences of the audience (McNamee, 2019). Live theater has also been proven to increase Sense of Community Belonging amongst young adults– a key protective factor against suicidality (Wille et al., 2008). Physically bringing teens together under a single roof additionally provides a prime opportunity for resource engagement and community outreach.
What Young Adults Are Saying
"super hilarious, emotional, amazing. loved it." --16 year old male
"The show was very eye opening and very important for those of all identities to see!" -- 22 year old female
"super hilarious, emotional, amazing. loved it." --16 year old male "The show was very eye opening and very important for those of all identities to see!" -- 22 year old female
"I came with a large group of friends and we were all deeply affected by the show in so many different ways!" --22 year old female
"I came with a large group of friends and we were all deeply affected by the show in so many different ways!" --22 year old female
"I think the combination of emotions were so truly represented in this play to the point I feel like I can also show my true self and find love where I belong." --18 year old nonbinary person
"I think the combination of emotions were so truly represented in this play to the point I feel like I can also show my true self and find love where I belong." --18 year old nonbinary person
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All proceeds will go directly towards Free Theater Nights, Community Rehearsal Nights, and young adult grants. We couldn’t do it without your generosity and support!
