Examining the Knowledge, Skills, and Dispositions of 4-H Professionals Related to LGBTQ+ Youth

Abstract

Despite its status as the largest youth-serving organization in the United States, there is a dearth of empirical scholarship about LGBTQ+ youth within 4-H; research examining 4-H professionals’ competencies to effectively support LGBTQ+ youth is even more scarce. To address this gap in the literature, this quantitative study explored the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of 4-H professionals in North Carolina as they relate to working with LGBTQ+ youth. Seventy-five professionals responded to an online survey. Professionals displayed higher levels of knowledge than skills or dispositions, were more knowledgeable about how to support LGB youth compared to transgender and gender expansive youth, and expressed the need for and substantial interest in professional development. Rural professionals tended to report lower knowledge, skills, and dispositions compared to professionals working in urban/suburban settings. This article presents the study’s findings and explores implications for future research and practice.

Critical Consciousness for Connectivity: Decoding Social Isolation Experienced by Latinx and LGBTQ+ Youth Using a Multi-Stakeholder Approach to Health Equity

“…Staff should also be trained to recognize systemic oppression and be given the tools to actively improve the school’s institutional environment [ 75 ]. In the 4-H program, there is a need to add LGBTQ+ competencies within staff training [ 76 ]. 4-H staff in North Carolina reported low levels of knowledge or skills in how to serve transgender and gender non-binary youth or provide affirming resources for LGBTQ+ youth and families [ 76 ].…”

“…In the 4-H program, there is a need to add LGBTQ+ competencies within staff training [ 76 ]. 4-H staff in North Carolina reported low levels of knowledge or skills in how to serve transgender and gender non-binary youth or provide affirming resources for LGBTQ+ youth and families [ 76 ]. In addition, 50% of 4-H staff did not report using positive images of LGBTQ+ people in their programming, the majority did not share their own pronouns with clients (76%), and only 63% agreed that youth at 4-H events should be allowed to use a restroom that matches their gender identity [ 76 ].…”

“…4-H staff in North Carolina reported low levels of knowledge or skills in how to serve transgender and gender non-binary youth or provide affirming resources for LGBTQ+ youth and families [ 76 ]. In addition, 50% of 4-H staff did not report using positive images of LGBTQ+ people in their programming, the majority did not share their own pronouns with clients (76%), and only 63% agreed that youth at 4-H events should be allowed to use a restroom that matches their gender identity [ 76 ]. This study also highlighted that 4-H rural professionals scored lower in LGBTQ+ knowledge, skills, and disposition towards LGBTQ+ training and practices.…”