LGBTQ+ app helping Utahns

Utah – Jordan Jackson came up with a web-based app called LGBTQ.UT, which is basically a resource guide for those in the community.

“When you come out, or if you’re a parent of an LGBTQ child, you don’t know where to go unless you know somebody or you sort of do a lot of exploration. There’s a lot of trial and error and it takes a lot of time to find the information,” said Jackson.

According to Jackson, this app allows people to access things like therapy and counseling, groups and events, LGBTQ podcasts and books, queer housing, community projects, crisis resources, and a whole host of other resources.

“Instead of having one person have to go to 100 different places, those 100 places are now feeding into our application using automation, and then our end-users benefit because they’re getting those hundreds of resource updates directly in real-time,” said Jackson.

The Owner and Clinical Director of Celebrate Therapy in Provo is someone who’s seeing the potential impact this app can provide.

“It can be an absolute game-changer for someone because mental health-wise some of the greatest indicators of positive mental health are being in a community that accepts and affirms your identity,” said Bagley.

According to the mental health expert,d she has noticed an increase in depression and loneliness among her patients, during the COVID-19 pandemic especially, and while she can help treat the depression in her clients she thinks the LGBTQ.UT app can help them feel less alone.

Dr. Bagley said, “If you can’t find that within your family or your extended family you can find it within your community, but a lot of people don’t know how to reach the community.”

According to the Clinical Director of Celebrate Therapy, this app can be used as a bridge for people to reach the LGBTQ community and find any support they may be lacking in their life.