10 Self-Care Tips for LGBTQ+ Youth, Illustrated by Ohni Lisle

Ohni Lisle is using art to remind LGBTQ+ youth of the importance of self care.

Working in collaboration with Instagram and the Trevor Project, the Brooklyn-based artist illustrated a list of tips to accomplish just that. The fruits of their partnership were featured on Instagram's main account.

Lisle knows the importance of being calm and collected firsthand — and how art can help in the process. "Understanding where you want to go can only happen after knowing yourself and being at peace with where you are," Lisle told The Advocate.

This advice is needed now more than ever. While most of the world is stressed by the pandemic and resulting lockdown, LGBTQ+ young people — many of whom may be forced to shelter in place with unaccepting family members — are especially at risk.

Tips range from setting a schedule, finding calm, and asking for help. And the Trevor Project, a nonprofit that operated the 24/7 TrevorLifeline (866-488-7386), TrevorChat, and TrevorText programs, is there to help any at-risk young person that needs to talk.

Lisle hopes her work inspires others to be creative as well. "If any 'othered' kid can see art as a viable career from looking at my path, that’s great!" she said. As for Lisle, she is practicing self care by myself objectively like a pet or something," and resolving to go on more walks and eat better.

Instagram worked with a number of artists, including Ashton Attz , Niege Borges and Josh McKenna, for its Pride Sticker Pack. The social media outlet also launched a Pride-themed AR effect, including over 12 LGBTQ+ flag gradients that celebrate identities across the gender and sexuality spectrums.

Follow Lisle on Instagram and see the full list of illustrated tips below.