Welcome to Spectrum

Abstract

This chapter places Spectrum into geographical, social, and political context for the reader. It explains where Spectrum is located, what it looks and feels like, its role in relationship to contemporary LGBTQ youth centers and gay-straight alliances, and describe the differences in the U.S. political climate in which the research was conducted compared to when the book started the publication process. LGBTQ youth activism and spaces are relatively new phenomena that are influencing how young people across the sexual and gender spectrum understand themselves in society. This chapter challenges some of society’s assumptions about risk and resilience among LGBTQ youth and helps the reader to better understand Spectrum as a living, breathing, evolving space. It ends with a discussion of the post-2016 presidential election political climate for LGBTQ issues.