As LGBTQ+ youth across the U.S. continue to face higher rates of mental health challenges and substance use, community-based organizations (CBOs) are playing an increasingly vital role in providing safe, supportive spaces. Yet, despite their growing importance, these organizations remain largely understudied.

A new study published in the is helping to change that. The research “Community Efforts to Support LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health: Programs Objectives, Development, and Delivery,” was a collaboration among the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�, the University of Maryland School of Public Health and the University of Connecticut.

Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with staff from 16 CBOs across the nation that work with LGBTQ+ youth, identifying how these groups develop and deliver mental health services.

“At a time when LGBTQ+ youth face increased discrimination, stigma and health disparities compared to other groups, it is critical that they have access to supportive, affirming community spaces that celebrate their identities and foster inclusion, connection and well-being,” said co-author Danielle Phillips, assistant professor of social work at the at UH ����ԴDz�.

How community groups make a difference

The study found that CBOs support youth through four main strategies:

• Offering counseling and therapy
• Creating safe spaces and fostering community
• Providing case management services
• Delivering educational resources

Effective service delivery depended on strong planning and coordination, inclusive and intersectional practices, access to training and curriculum tools, and capacity-building resources.

Greater investment in CBOs needed

Despite their vital role, the study noted that many CBOs remain underfunded and overstretched. Researchers stress that with greater investment, these organizations could significantly expand their reach and impact.

“Community-based organizations that support LGBTQ+ youth consistently face a lack of funding, and it continues to be a serious concern that will directly impact the availability, delivery and quality of mental health services,” said Phillips. “We are at a pivotal moment in our collective experience, where it has never been more urgent to prioritize, support, and protect vulnerable youth. Securing sustainable funding is a crucial part of ensuring that communities can continue to offer safe and inclusive programs for youth who need it most.”

As director of the at the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�, Camaron Miyamoto has spent more than two decades uplifting and empowering LGBTQIA+ students—work that was recently recognized at the ’s Vision Without Limits gala on April 3.

…the true honor is to work for the success of LGBTQ+ students…
—Cameron Miyamoto

Miyamoto was one of three honorees recognized for their visionary leadership and commitment to creating a safer, more inclusive �鶹��ý. The other honorees were Gregory Dunn and Laurie Mizuno, both celebrated for their significant contributions to the LGBTQIA+ community.

“Words can’t express how meaningful this honor is to me,“ Miyamoto said. “It’s humbling to have my contributions to our students at UH and our larger LGBTQ+ community recognized. But for me, the true honor is to work for the success of LGBTQ+ students at UH ����ԴDz� on a daily basis.”

Lifelong commitment to inclusion

Miyamoto launched UH ����ԴDz�’s LGBTQ+ Center in 2002 and has led the center ever since. At the center, Miyamoto has created a supportive space for LGBTQIA+ students, offering programs, counseling and advocacy to promote inclusion and success on campus.

He began his advocacy as a graduate student at UH, drawn to the movement for marriage equality. The rise in harassment and lack of protections in schools at the time fueled his passion for making education safer for LGBTQ+ youth.

As a founding board member of the �鶹��ý LGBT Legacy Foundation, Miyamoto helped establish the LGBT Center Waikīkī and revitalize the Honolulu Pride Parade and Festival. Today, he supports the foundation’s expansion of programs that serve traditionally underserved groups, especially kūpuna and māhū.

Miyamoto’s efforts extend beyond campus. He has served on national and local boards, including the Japanese American Citizens League, and has shared his scholarship on queer people of color through publications and national conferences. He earned his MA in American studies from UH ����ԴDz� and his doctorate in educational and professional practice from Antioch University.

The Vision Without Limits gala supports the foundation’s PRIDE365 initiative, which promotes year-round programs like Rainbow Support Circle and Queer Women’s Initiative.

This week’s UH News Image of the Week is from Windward Community College’s Taurie Kinoshita and Nicole Tessier.

They shared: “Alten Keoki Ken Kiakona as Kaomi, Corin Kumakani Medeiros as Kauikeaouli (Kamehameha III) and Leleaʻe “Buffy” Kahalepuna-Wong as Queen Kaʻahumanu in Aloha Kaua at .

Aloha Kaua is a world premiere historical drama by Windward CC alumna Noalani Helelā about queer love, sacrifice and courage in a time of repression and uncertainty. As a young man, Kauikeaouli (Kamehameha III) fell in love with Kaomi, who rebelled against the values and laws being imposed by the missionaries. As their love deepened, Kauikeaouli was inspired to resist oppressive colonial morality. He brought back hula, free love, drinking, games and Makahiki. Kauikeaouli eventually made Kaomi his Mōʻī kuʻi (joint king). Outraged, Hawaiian Christian chiefs resorted to violence, turning their anger on Kaomi and demonizing him for leading the king down what they believed was a dangerous path. Hawaiian historian Adam Keawe Manalo-Camp calls this the first hate-crime in the history of �鶹��ý.”

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Photo by Brad Goda

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The severity of anxiety and depressive symptoms in the planetary science community is greater than in the general U.S. population, according to a study led by a University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa scientist and published in . The study also found that symptoms are more severe for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers than any other career stage.

“After reading about so much anxiety and depression in academia, and as someone who loves both planetary science and psychology, I felt like I needed to do something because there are so many people suffering,” said David Trang, an assistant researcher in the at the time of this research and graduate student in the at .

Prompted by growing recognition of a mental health crisis within the academic and research communities, Trang and co-authors from UH Mānoa , �鶹��ý Pacific University, Jet Propulsion Lab, NASA and U.S. Geological Survey, surveyed more than 300 members of the planetary science community. The survey requested demographic information and included commonly used assessments to measure the severity of anxiety, depression and stress symptoms.

Symptoms greater among marginalized groups

The authors found that anxiety, depressive or stress symptoms appear greater among marginalized groups, such as women, people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community. And further, when examining the correlation between marginalized communities and considering leaving planetary science, LGBTQ+ respondents were more likely to be unsure about staying in the field.

“Some of my colleagues have left the field of science because the academic workplace was hard on their well-being,” said Trang. “This is so unfortunate because science would benefit from each and every person who is passionate about research, as they could contribute so much to the field.”

The authors hope this work highlights issues that some suspected existed in planetary sciences.

“This work marks the beginning of the changes needed to improve mental health in planetary science,” said Trang. “I hope to continue to unravel what is driving these mental health issues and collectively develop solutions that will improve well-being, which will in turn enhance research quality and productivity.”

In the near future, Trang hopes to run psychoeducation workshops based on psychotherapy concepts to begin improving mental health in planetary science and potentially serve as a model to improve mental health in the rest of academia.

The University of �鶹��ý 10-campus system has been awarded a five-star rating and was recognized as one of the nation’s top 400 companies across 78 industries, according to Newsweek’s second annual ranking of America’s Greatest Workplaces for LGBTQ+ 2024.

Five stars is the highest rating in the rankings that were based on a five-part evaluation with interviews and research from more than 29,000 LGBTQ+ employees who provided more than 205,000 company reviews. Desk research and analysis from social media were also conducted to assess the performance of the company’s commitment to and inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community.

The only other �鶹��ý entity that made the list was L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, which received four stars. For the full list of rankings, visit

Successful businessman Tom Wellman, a University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� master of accounting alumnus, always wanted to make more of an impact, especially for students who identify as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community.

“The last couple jobs that I have had, I have been very out and open with my employers and with the community,” said Wellman. “I always was clear about that because there would be younger people in the organization who were very closeted about their lives, and they often would feel like they said anything about their personal life, it would hurt their career chances. I wanted people to know that it doesn’t. Being able to acknowledge your spouse by having their picture on your desk, simple little things like that are important.”

His gift of $100,000 creates the Wellman Endowed Scholarship in Accountancy for students enrolled in Shidler’s master in accounting program, with a preference for students who identify as LGBTQ+. It is the second endowed scholarship with a preference for LGBTQ+ students at any UH campus and the first for UH ����ԴDz�.

Wellman had been planning to make a major gift for some time, but after an anonymous donor endowed the Kruschel LGBTQ+ Endowed Scholarship at UH Hilo in 2022, he felt the time was right for a similar gift to Shidler.

“Kids from the LGBTQ community often are disadvantaged, often coming from families that don’t support them, financially or otherwise,” Wellman said. “This is a way to help acknowledge to the LGBTQ community and those kids that they’re OK. They’re good people.”

Career in �鶹��ý

Wellman arrived in Honolulu with a one-way ticket and a music scholarship to Brigham Young University–�鶹��ý, and transferred to BYU’s main campus in Utah to finish his accounting degree. After graduation, he married his college sweetheart, Donna, and the couple packed their suitcases and moved to Honolulu so Wellman could attend the UH ����ԴDz� Shidler College of Business master of accounting program.

Wellman enjoyed a long, successful finance career, starting in Honolulu at Deloitte before joining Alexander & Baldwin (A&B). After moving over to Matson, Wellman returned to A&B as the company’s corporate controller and rose to vice president, treasurer and comptroller before becoming CFO and CEO at The Gas Co., later known as �鶹��ý Gas. Wellman then returned to the continental U.S. because of Donna’s failing health, and she passed away in 2014.

He was offered a chance to return to �鶹��ý as CFO of Island Energy Services for a few years following its purchase of the Chevron �鶹��ý operations. By then, Wellman had remarried, this time to his best friend, Edward. The couple then settled in the Philadelphia area, where Wellman retired in 2020.

Wellman has been a strong supporter of the Shidler College of Business over the years. He and Edward have given for many years and are members of the Shidler Dean’s Circle and the School of Accountancy Director’s Circle. Wellman was inducted into the Shidler Hall of Honors in 1998, and served on Shidler’s School of Accountancy advisory board for nearly 30 years.

For more, .

October is LGBTQ+ Pride History Month and audiences are invited to at the University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa for a transformative journey celebrating the diversity of non-binary identities. The UH Mānoa presents , a provocative production that delves into an array of artistic expressions, such as monologues, contemporary dance, ritual, voguing, movement and acting improvisation.

• Related UH News story: UH Mānoa queer dance course among 1st in nation, October 11, 2022

The 27-member student cast is led by director and creator Pei-Ling Kao, an associate professor of dance. Kao’s intent is to creatively showcase the challenges that stem from conventional binary assumptions within society and education.

“Being a queer artist and educator of color, I question how the binary assumptions in society and linear education unconsciously impact our way of thinking and how we value ourselves and others,” said Kao. “I wanted to create an imaginary non-binary world on stage using aspects of contemporary dance, house ballroom, Indigenous dance and ritual, together with theatrical elements such as monologue, dialogue and chant.”

Special guests

Kao invited four queer/trans artists who brought in different aspects from their expertise to the production, such as multi-disciplinary artist and māhū (identity with male and female characteristics) Kalikopuanoheaokalani Aiu; Cuauhtémoc Peranda, a Mexika-Chichimeca/Cano (Indigenous people of Mexico) and cihuaiolo (women’s heart) drag queen; faʻafatama (non-binary) and activist Kiki Rivera and transgender, queer composer Ariel Wessendorf.

Markus Wessendorf, UH ����ԴDz� Theatre and Dance chair, also played a vital role in the conceptual development of the project and provided extensive dramaturgical research.

“I hope the audiences take away the sense of community we built in the performance, the power of body and the movement, the beauty of each individual, whatever their particular gender pronouns or sexual identities, and the visceral felt moments in the show that possibly lead to question binary assumptions,” Kao explained.

for the mainstage production set to continue on October 27 at 7:30 p.m. and October 29 at 2 p.m.

A thriving force

In 2019, Kao debuted her production of Integral Bodies on Kennedy Theatre’s mainstage, which centered on inclusive dance making and critical thinking about what it means to inhabit a human body.

The Taiwan native is classically trained in European-American trajectory and Asian dance forms. In 2022, Kao received the UH Board of Regents Medal for Excellence in Teaching Award. She is also the recipient of the UH Endowment for the Humanities Award (2023 and 2018) and Junior Faculty Research Award (2018).

October is LGBTQ+ Pride History Month and has been celebrated as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer + history month since 1994.

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz� will host a National Coming Out Day Fair in celebration of Honolulu Pride Month on October 10, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Campus Center courtyard. National Coming Out Day is an annual LGBTQ+ awareness day, to support anyone coming out of the closet.

First celebrated in the U.S. in 1988, the initial idea was grounded in the feminist and gay liberation spirit of the personal being political, and the emphasis on the most basic form of activism being coming out to family, friends and colleagues, and living life as an openly LGBTQ+ person.

“National Coming Out Day is important to me because it reminds me to be proud of my queer identity! I also think it is important because it celebrates those who have come out to themselves or others,” said Minami Cheever, a junior at UH ����ԴDz�.

The fair will feature more than 25 LGBTQ+ and ally organizations, churches, service agencies and sports associations. Music will be provided by DJ A.i.T. and drag performances will be spotlighted throughout the afternoon.

The LGBTQ+ Center spearheads the event in an effort to provide an opportunity for everyone to affirm and be proud of all aspects of who they are. The center has hosted an annual fair since 2002. More than 500 students attended the fair in 2022.

“Having the National Coming Out Day Fair on campus gives me a sense of place as a member of the LGBTQ+ community,” said sophomore Gabrielle Huliganga. “This is an event for everyone to hopefully connect with people like them and to find their community. Out of the closet or not, I hope everyone knows that they are supported and loved!”

The fair is co-sponsored by the �鶹��ý LGBT Legacy Foundation, Honolulu Pride and the �鶹��ý Health and Harm Reduction Center. Hawaiian Airlines is also an official participant in the fair and will share resources from Haʻaheo, its LGBTQ+ employee association.

“I was overjoyed to hear that there were events to celebrate pride proudly. I’m looking forward to meeting and connecting with other students this year,” said Lars Kaohu, a freshman at UH ����ԴDz�.

Pride month events

UH ����ԴDz�

Honolulu Pride: October 21
All members of the UH community are invited to march with the UH ����ԴDz� LGBTQ+ Center and UH Commission on LGBTQ+ Equality. �鶹��ý’s own Sasha Colby, winner of 2023 RuPaul’s Drag Race, will be this year’s Parade Grand Marshal and Festival Headliner. Meet at the Magic Island parking lot in Ala Moana Beach Park no later than 8 a.m.

Windward Community College

: October 10, 3–4:30 p.m.
A workshop geared toward gaining better awareness and understanding to foster a safe and inclusive community for LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff.

National Coming Out Day Fair: October 11
11 a.m.–1 p.m. Hale Laʻakea Breezeway

Kapʻiolani Community College

: October 11
Lama Library

Leeward Community College

E aha ʻia ana ʻo Mauna Kea: November 4

Leeward Community College Theatre, 7:30 p.m.
A groundbreaking performance that weaves together Hawaiian moʻolelo (stories), contemporary dance and music in a captivating portrayal of the snow goddess Poliʻahu.

Workshops and Podcasts

: Through November 2
This virtual series will address various facets of queer experience and allyship such as intersections with culture, neurodivergence and disability.

A podcast based on LGBTQ+ books that have been banned throughout the education system.

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This insightful podcast episode dives deep into controversy around the LGBTQ+ and drag queen community.

In recognition of Hawaiian History Month in September, and Filipino History and LGBTQ+ History months in October, the University of �鶹��ý Commission on LGBTQ+ Equality is showcasing free online presentations and talk story panels in an effort to promote connection and uplift diverse voices and experiences.

, a three-month long series on Zoom will address various facets of queer experience and allyship such as intersections with culture, neurodivergence and disability.

Discovery and healing

Kaleikūkamakani Ruiz, an assistant professor and counselor at , spearheaded the inaugural series.

Ruiz understands the power of internal acceptance, and has conducted extensive research on Indigenous perspectives on gender and sexuality, which has led to a great deal of healing in his own life.

“This healing of discovery and connection is what I want for our community as a whole. My hope is that this platform allows us to learn more about ourselves and others, and in those connections, find healing, enlightenment and empowerment.”

Ruiz’s research is one of QUEERIFY’s planned lectures. The series spotlights presenters and panelists from the UH System and professionals in the community.

QUEERIFY Sessions

• September 19 at 3 p.m.
• : September 21 at 3 p.m.
• : September 27 at p.m.
• : October 3 at 3 p.m.
• : October 10 at 3:15 p.m.
• : October 19 at 3 p.m.
• : October 24 at 3:15 p.m.
• : October 26 at p.m.
• : November 2 at 3 p.m.

Nourishing manaʻo (thought, perspective)

Kawena Lorenzo, a major at and UH Commission on LGBTQ Equality member, is grateful the series will amplify queer voices to share much needed manaʻo about challenging struggles and triumphs.

Last spring, Lorenzo graduated from Leeward CC and was one of 23 recipients chosen from among thousands of applicants for the Flagship Scholarship from , the largest LGBTQ scholarship-granting nonprofit in the nation.

• Related UH News story: National LGBTQ scholarship for Leeward CC grad, June 19, 2023

“As someone who identifies as māhū, I feel it is important for people to hear the stories of our LGBTQ+ community, to understand our perspective not just on a human level but also the cultural significance of what it means to be māhū in the Native Hawaiian community,” said Lorenzo. “Our existence played a vital role—as teachers, caregivers, advisors,and we still serve in these capacities today.”