Who am I?

Hi there, my name is Hope Dehnert (she/her) and I will be conducting all interviews and and taking portraits. Learn more about me here.

Why do LGBTQIA+ youth need our support?

Did you know that LGBTQIA+ youth are more likely to experience bullying at school, feel sad or hopeless, and seriously consider suicide? 

Research shows that LGBTQIA+ youth may experience many types of victimization, including but not limited to bullying, sexual and verbal harassment, physical assault, sexual violence, and cyberbullying. LGBTQIA+ youth who report having at least one accepting adult were 40% less likely to report a suicide attempt in the past year.  

With increased legislative scrutiny on issues targeting LGBTQIA+ youth, fostering empathy and understanding for the LGBTQIA+ community is more important than ever. By building this awareness, we strengthen our advocacy for inclusive policies that protect the rights and well-being of LGBTQIA+ individuals. 

One way to increase empathy and understanding for the LGBTQIA+ community is by humanizing their experiences through a portrait and essay series that highlights their experiences.

What do you hope to learn from the interviews you are conducting?

The goal is to understand the bullying and victimization experiences of LGBTQIA+ students in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

Who should sign up to be interviewed?

If you identify as LGBTQIA+ and attended middle or high school between 2009-2024 in Central Pennsylvania or Massachusetts, I want to talk to you about your experience of bullying and violence in school settings and how that experience impacted your mental health at the time and throughout your adulthood. People who attended high school in Central Pennsylvania or Massachusetts are preferred for participation in this project due to studio proximity. 

Where are your interview and portrait sessions?

Our interview and portrait sessions will be conducted in safe, secure, and comfortable settings, virtually (initial discussion) and in-person (interview and portrait session) at a designated studio. I prioritize creating a respectful and supportive safe space where participants can share their stories openly. There is no cost to participate. I will be hosting interview and portrait sessions in Harrisburg, PA and Cambridge, MA:

• Hershey sessions will be scheduled between December 20, 2024 and January 3, 2025.

• Scheduling for in-person sessions in Cambridge, MA, will begin in 2025.

What can I expect during the interview?

The interview and portrait sessions include audio and video recording. I want you to feel comfortable sharing on camera, and my team will work to create a safe and welcoming environment for you throughout the process. Your comfort and well-being is my priority.

We will be discussing your experiences with bullying at school, which can be triggering. Our focus will be on discussing healed scars, not unhealed wounds.

What is the time commitment?

The initial discussion, completed via Zoom, will last roughly 15 minutes. The in-person interview and portrait session may last anywhere from 60 minutes to 2.5 hours, depending on the depth of the interview and your comfort.

How will the interviews and portraits be used?

Your interview and portrait content will be featured in a series of essays that examine the impact of LGBTQIA+ victimization on the mental health of LGBTQIA+ people throughout adulthood. The essays will integrate historical context and scientific research.

Additionally, the content will also be showcased at the Harvard Medical School Class of 2025 Public Capstone Presentation on May 19, 2025. You are invited to attend this event either virtually via Zoom or in person on the Harvard Medical School campus in Boston, Massachusetts. 

Can I participate anonymously?

Yes! If you’re interested in participating but are concerned about revealing your identity, I can help de-identify your story to protect your privacy and prioritize your safety. However, for my own safety, I will need to verify your identity through a brief Zoom meeting before we proceed.

How will my personal information be protected?

Participation in the portrait session is optional, and your name, age, and defining details can be modified to prevent recognition if you are concerned about sharing your identity on a public platform. I respect the level of involvement you feel comfortable with. 

What is your vision for the final product of your project?

The final production kit will include a series of essays paired with portraits of the interviewees. This series will focus on humanizing their experiences while advocating for systemic change. The essays and portraits will be submitted to online news outlets for publication.