The CAMHD Safe Spaces Committee (SSC) is a council of CAMHD staff and community members whose mission is to create and maintain an LGBTQ+ affirming system of mental health care for youth, that advances inclusive practice, urges accepting attitudes, operationalizes diversity, and provides education to the larger community. The SSC is dedicated to examining and improving policies and practices of the CAMHD, its contracted providers, and the broader system of care to promote best and promising practices related to mental health treatment of LGBTQ+ youth and their families.
LGBTQ+ Youth in Hawaiʻi Deserve More Than Acceptance PSA
We’re Here
LGBTQ+ youth in Hawaiʻi deserve more than acceptance. They deserve to feel safe. To feel seen. To walk into any room knowing they matter. Pride month isn’t just about reflection; it’s about action. LGBTQ+ youth in Hawaiʻi are showing up every day with courage. The question is: Are we showing up for them? The LGBTQ Safe Spaces Committee is working to ensure the answer is YES in every school, every clinic, and every community. Learn more at health.hawaii.gov/camhd/safespaces.
A very special thank you to Crystal Clear Communications, the Akakū Maui Community Media team, and Ashley Tone from YouthLine Education and Outreach of Hawaiʻi. (June 2025)
Why Safe Spaces Matter in Hawaiʻi PSA (Alex)
LGBTQ Safe Spaces Pride Month TV PSA (c) June 2025. Jacob Baird (VO)
Creating Space for LGBTQ+ Youth: Why Safe Spaces Matter in Hawaiʻi
Using the correct pronouns can have a powerful impact, making a person feel seen for who they are. The LGBTQ Safe Spaces Committee is working to create safe spaces across Hawai‘i where LGBTQ+ youth can be fully themselves and receive support for who they are. This Pride Month — and every day — let’s make sure every place is a safe space.
Why Safe Spaces Matter in Hawaiʻi PSA (Jordan)
LGBTQ LGBTQ Safe Spaces Pride Month TV PSA (c) June 2025. Casey Park (VO)
Creating Space for LGBTQ+ Youth: Why Safe Spaces Matter in Hawaiʻi
Sharing one’s gender identity can be difficult. But when it’s met with acceptance and understanding, it creates a powerful sense of safety and freedom. This Pride Month serves as a reminder to continue fostering moments of support and belonging. The LGBTQ Safe Spaces Committee is working to build spaces where every young person in Hawaiʻi can feel seen and supported. Be the reason someone feels safe being themselves.
Learning About Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity & Expression (SOGIE)
Learning About SOGIE – click to watch
May 19, 2021, This video, created by the Center of Excellence on LGBTQ+ Behavioral Health Equity (CoE LGBTQ+ BHE), reviews basic terminology that is important to know when working with people who have diverse sexual orientations or gender identities. This terminology includes sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.
To learn more about the CoE LGBTQ+ BHE and their learning opportunities, visit https://lgbtqequity.org.
Let Her Play: The importance of pro-social activities for LGBTQ+ people (DOE SBBH webinar recording)
Let Her Play webinar recording now available – click to watch
July 13, 2022, DOE SBBH Presentation
Robin Lee and Kimberly Allen present to Hawaii DOE School Based Behavioral Health participants about the importance of pro-social activities such as sports in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth.
Let Her Play: The importance of pro-social activities for LGBTQ+ people (MHAH webinar recording)
Let Her Play webinar recording now available – click to watch | Chat
July 6, 2022, MHAH Brown Bag Presentation
Hosted by Mental Health of America Hawai’i
Presentation by CAMHD’s Kimberly Allen & Robin LeeThis training discusses understanding the LGBTQ+ community, especially the transgender athlete. You will see how barring their participation in team sports harms their mental wellness, and ability to connect with their peers. The presentation includes a video about a trans youth athlete and a discussion on supporting the trans-youth athlete.
Spill the Tea Cafe
Spill The Tea Cafe (STTC) is an inclusive mental health clinic focused on adolescents. Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to mental health challenges due to the unique social, emotional, and developmental challenges they face. STTC is a specialized healthcare facility that aims to provide comprehensive and evidence-based treatment and support to adolescents struggling with mental health issues. The goal of STTC is to promote the mental health and well-being of adolescents by providing accessible, compassionate, and personalized care. Read more >>
Transforming Families: LA-based family support group creating a positive environment for children, adolescents and their families to explore issues of gender identity. Offer phone support nationwide.
TransLifeline: Peer-to-Peer Support for Trangender Community
Transequality: Information about trans health care, name changes, youth and students, and more
