On 17 December 2025, the Youth and Childhood Research Programme at the Department of Social Work, CUHK was honored to host a seminar titled “Creating Safety, Centering Strength: Evidence-Based Practices for Affirming LGBTQ+ Youth”, featuring Prof. Chongzheng Wei, an Assistant Professor in Counseling Psychology at Santa Clara University.
In this seminar, Prof. Wei drew on his research and clinical experience on mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth, particularly within Chinese cultural contexts. He highlighted the disparities in social stress and access to affirming care, and introduced evidence-based strategies for practitioners to help the significantly underserved LGBTQ+ youth. These strategies included using inclusive language, creating safe spaces, validating experiences of stigma, promoting resilience and strength, and more. The interactive discussion during the session also underscored the urgent need and challenges in ensuring safety and equity for LGBTQ+ youth in the school and healthcare settings.
The seminar attracted over 25 faculty members and students from CUHK and other universities in Hong Kong, with participants from social work, gender studies and nursing backgrounds, reflecting the interdisciplinary interest in LGBTQ+ mental health.
Seminar on “Creating Safety, Centering Strength: Evidence-Based Practices for Affirming LGBTQ+ Youth”
A group photo of the visitors alongside representatives from the Department of Social Work, CUHK