About The Queer Hope Institute

Queer and trans youth across the country–even here in the Bay Area–continue to experience violence and discrimination, leading to elevated risk of depression, suicidality, and negative academic and health outcomes. Research shows that sustained, affirming programming can counteract these harms by fostering hope, joy, and purpose. However, many existing initiatives face challenges due to a lack of institutional partners, logistical support, or expertise and time needed to document their impact. The Queer Hope Institute meets this vital need for resources and capacity by providing evaluation and strategy expertise, serving as a community-university bridge, and designing and implementing new programming—ensuring that every queer and trans youth in the Bay Area can access spaces that uplift, empower, and sustain them.

Our Vision:

Drawing on our expertise in youth development, community-engaged programming, and research, SJSU’s Queer Hope Institute (QHI) works to create a world that celebrates the inherent dignity of queer and trans youth, empowering them to imagine and pursue hopeful futures and live meaningful, fulfilling lives.

Our Mission:

QHI ensures that queer and trans youth have the bright, beautiful futures they deserve by documenting the impact of existing initiatives, enhancing collaborations among researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and community partners, and developing innovative solutions that foster queer- and trans-inclusive environments.

QHI accomplishes this mission in three primary ways: 

1. Measuring and amplifying the impact of existing queer-affirming community programming.
   QHI conducts research and program evaluation to document the effectiveness of existing initiatives, helping them secure funding, expand their reach, and ensure long-term sustainability. By highlighting successes and areas for growth, we amplify their impact and strengthen support for their work.
2. Enhancing and supporting existing queer-affirming community initiatives.
   QHI serves as a vital bridge between grassroots efforts, institutional partners, and academic research to strengthen queer-affirming initiatives. In this work, we uplift community partners and youth partners, offering strategic consultation and logistical support that helps them bring their dreams to fruition. By leveraging our networks and deep knowledge of program implementation, we assist initiatives in overcoming barriers and maximizing their impact on the lives of queer and trans youth.
3. Designing and implementing new solutions that foster affirming, equitable environments. QHI is more than a research and support hub—it is a space for innovation, collaboration, and bold visioning. QHI builds sustainable, youth-activated programs and initiatives that ensure queer and trans youth not only exist in their communities but thrive within them. Informed by community needs and youth’s passions, our programming takes many forms: leadership development programs, school-based interventions, resource distribution, mutual aid, and others.