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The m.b.v. GLU program is designed for young Black girls and femmes to acquire skills and knowledge about systemic oppression at the intersection of Black and Femme in the context of appearance biases. In this program, participants will learn skills that will increase self-value and self-acceptance and promote agency in addressing sociocultural pressures around appearance ideals and biases through a variety of experiences including:Ìý

• Teachings of the systemic origins of appearance discrimination and subsequent mistreatment of Black girls and women
• Guided discussion around themes of body, mind, and voice,   
• Identifying and challenging appearance biases (verbal, written, and behavioral exercises)  
• Practicing somatic awareness (meditation, mindfulness, and self-compassion), and  
• Building community (self-guided projects to shift the cultural narrative around body, mind, and voice)

Participants will be asked to complete the following activities: 

• Complete surveysÌýat four timepoints (before the program, mid-program, post-program, and a 5-month follow up survey).ÌýThese surveys assess aspects of mental health and well-being (e.g., body image, mood, social belonging) and demographics. The surveys can be completed online and will take approximately 45 minutes.  
• Attend either:
• Eight weekly 90-minute sessions that meet either in person or virtually depending on scheduling availability
• Two meetings on subsequent weekend days (e.g., two Saturdays or two Sundays) that last 6 hours each, or
• Four three-hour sessions across four weeks.Ìý

Participants will be compensated up to $200 for their completion of study surveys.Ìý

To be eligible to participate in the GLU program, participants will need to meet the following criteria:

• Identify as Black/African American girl or femme (Having at least one Black parent)
• Between ages 11 - 22
• Parent/Guardian must complete enrollment form for interested participants under the age of 18.Ìý

GLU meetings will be separated by age distinction. That is, middle school students will complete the program with other middle school students, high school students will complete the program with other high school students, and young adult participants (i.e., those who have graduated from high school/18+) will complete the program with other young adult participants.Ìý

Interested applicants may contact the m.b.v. GLU team or Jazmyne Peters, Ph.D. at GirlsLikeUs@colorado.edu.

The m.b.v. GLU research program aims to understand how colorism impacts Black girls and femmes in the context of appearance biases. More specifically, our main objective is to conduct interviews that will examine Black girls and femmes lived experiences related to colorism.ÌýÌý

We will explore how participants understand, perceive, and are impacted by colorism in the context of appearance biases, and assess community needs regarding support in addressing harm related to colorist actions and behaviors.  

Participants will be asked to complete a demographic survey and then 1-2 90-minute interviews with a member of the research team on the topic of colorism. Interviews can be held virtually or in-person.Ìý

Participants will be compensated $25 for completing each interview

Eligibility Criteria:

• Identify as Black/African American girl or femme (Having at least one Black parent)
• Between age 14 - 22
• Parent/Guardian must complete enrollment form for interested participants under the age of 18.Ìý

Interested applicants may contact the m.b.v. GLU team or Jazmyne Peters, Ph.D. at GirlsLikeUs@colorado.edu.