RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07326748

Lakota Family Acceptance Project

Development and Evaluation of an Indigenized Family Acceptance Project for Lakota LGBTQ2S+ Youth

Sponsor

University of Michigan

Enrollment

28 participants

Start Date

Jan 20, 2026

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Depression Anxiety Drug Use Racial Disparities LGBTQ Family Relationships Minority Stress Teen Dating Violence Sexual Risk Reduction

Summary

The goal of this open pilot trial (OPT) is to develop a Lakota-adapted Family Acceptance Project (LFAP) for Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ youth and their caregivers. The OPT is specifically focused on acceptability, feasibility, and safety of programming and research protocols. The investigators will also examine pre- to post- changes on outcomes for the sole purposes of making sure scores on measures are changing in the hypothesized direction (e.g., depression scores are going from moderate to minimal as opposed to no change or depression scores increasing). Once enrolled in the study, participants complete a baseline survey. Then participants will engage in LFAP which is an 8-session group intervention; sessions will be scheduled once a week for eight weeks (at 2 hours per session). Participants will complete survey instruments before and immediately after the program sessions, in addition to post-program surveys and an exit interview.

Eligibility

Min Age: 13 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is testing a support program called the Lakota Family Acceptance Project, designed to reduce family rejection and improve the wellbeing of Indigenous LGBTQ+ youth. The program involves both the youth and their caregiver participating in structured sessions together to build understanding and acceptance. **You may be eligible if (youth)...** - You are between 13 and 18 years old - You identify as Indigenous (including multiracial youth who are also Indigenous) - You identify as 2SLGBTQ+ and your caregiver knows about your identity - You read and speak English - Your caregiver has shown moderate to high levels of rejecting behaviors - You and your caregiver can commit to attending 8 sessions over 8 weeks **You may be eligible if (caregiver)...** - You are over 18 and are a parent, grandparent, aunt/uncle, or other caregiver for the youth - You are aware of your teen's LGBTQ+ identity and willing to attend sessions together **You may NOT be eligible if...** - The youth or caregiver is at imminent risk for suicide - The youth is currently experiencing symptoms of psychosis Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALAdapted Lakota Family Acceptance Program

Tiwahe Tewichaglapi ("The Family Loves Them") Program Overview Tiwahe Tewichaglapi is a culturally grounded, family-centered intervention adapted from the Family Acceptance Project® (FAP) to promote caregiver acceptance, respect, support, and family bonding for 2SLGBTQ+ Lakota youth. The program was developed in partnership with the Lakota Oyate to address family rejection rooted in colonization and historical trauma and to honor traditional Two Spirit roles that have long held important and respected places within Lakota communities. The program aims to strengthen families, increase youth pride and hope for the future, and reduce mental health risks such as depression, anxiety, substance use, dating violence, and suicide among 2SLGBTQ+ Lakota youth. Tiwahe Tewichaglapi includes eight family-centered group sessions delivered by Lakota facilitators. Each session begins with Lakota cultural and spiritual practices - including smudging, a Lakota prayer, and a shared meal - to ground the