The Effective Role of the Metaverse in Supporting LGBT Youth Across Regional Disparities

In an innovative project, Okayama University has established itself as a pioneer in utilizing the metaverse to provide essential support to LGBT youth. This initiative, which began in January 2024, has shown significant promise in enhancing the emotional well-being and self-expression capabilities of participants, creating a safe and inclusive virtual environment.

Background of the Study

The challenge faced by LGBT youth is severe; research indicates that an overwhelming 91.6% struggle to come out to their parents, and many find it difficult to express their feelings in real-life scenarios, leading to feelings of isolation. Alarmingly, almost half of them have considered suicide. These statistics underscore the necessity for alternative support systems that can transcend geographical and social barriers.

Under the guidance of Professor Joe Hasei from Okayama University's Medical Information Support Development Course, this project was a collaborative effort with the non-profit organization