The Stigma Role Playing Game (RPG) empowers LGBTQ+ youth to make informed decisions about their sexual health by using gameplay to facilitate discussions on sex, sexuality, and stigma—topics LGBTQ+ youth rarely can explore with safe adults.
the innovation
Stigma RPG is a role-playing game in which participants combat “Stigma,” and engage with concepts like discussing consent and boundaries with partners, exploring healthy relationship patterns, and preventing disease and pregnancy during sexual activity. With trusted and knowledgeable adults as facilitators, Stigma RPG bridges the gap between marginalized youth and vital sexual health information.
why is this important to your team?
LGBTQ+ youth face systemic barriers to sexual and reproductive health education, including a lack of LGBTQ+ topics in school-based education, limited access to supportive spaces, and societal stigma surrounding non-heteronormative identities and behaviors. Stigma RPG combats this by providing a safe, engaging space for LGBTQ+ youth to explore sexual health concepts through a cognitive behavioral health intervention presented as a role-playing game.
“Breakthrough Accelerator will support our 3–5-year vision for implementing RPG across our region as a tool for LGBTQ+ sexual health education and stigma reduction by helping us foster partnerships with community organizations and health care providers.”
the team
With backgrounds in public health, exercise science, and mental health, each Stigma RPG team member has a history of engaging youth with creative approaches and using evidence-based programming to help LGBTQ+ youth build skills, reach goals, and improve their lives.
- Coley Alston (they/them), Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation, Project Lead
- Madison Baxter (she/her), Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation, Team Member
- Jay Yoder (they/them), Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation, Team Member