From this point forward, we will use “Q+” to refer to the full spectrum of identities within the Q+ community. This decision recognizes that listing only certain identities can unintentionally exclude others. “Q” stands for Queer, a once-derogatory term now reclaimed as a symbol of fluidity, pride, and resistance, while “+” acknowledges the wide range of gender, sexual, and romantic identities beyond fixed labels. This shift also reflects deeper discussions during the project, especially around gender balance and participant categorization. Too often, male and female are treated as the norm, and everyone else grouped as “diverse,” reinforcing exclusion of non-binary, intersex, agender, and other identities. By using “Q+”, we aim to challenge limiting frameworks and affirm all experiences and expressions.Ultimately, this terminology supports our commitment to fostering inclusive, respectful, and empowering spaces, where every identity is recognized and valued. The primary aim of Beyond Stereotypes was to enhance awareness among young people about the cognitive processes that contribute to stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination, with a specific focus on the Q+ community. By implementing this project, we aimed to increase young people’s understanding of how automatic mental mechanisms, particularly categorization and labeling, influence social perceptions, identities, and behaviors. Recognizing that these processes are often unconscious and unavoidable, we sought to empower youth to become more aware of their own biases and to develop skills to address them effectively in both personal and professional settings. This increased awareness was intended to benefit all youth, particularly those in the Q+ community who often face significant social and cultural challenges within their communities. Through this project, we aimed to tackle discrimination against Q+ populations, which often stems from rigid stereotypes and social categorization. While categorization is a natural mental strategy to simplify the complexity of the world around us, in social contexts, it can lead to oversimplified and often harmful assumptions about individuals or groups. Certain communities are regularly assigned "typical" traits, which can develop into stereotypes, both positive and negative. When left unchallenged, these stereotypes may solidify into discriminatory behaviors that hinder inclusion. Our goal was to break this cycle by increasing young people’s awareness, encouraging them to reflect critically on these thought patterns, and equipping them with the tools needed to prevent these biases from shaping their interactions. Additionally, the project encouraged reflection on the ingroup-outgroup dynamic, in which individuals may unconsciously separate people into those they identify with (ingroup) and those they see as different or distant (outgroup). Understanding this concept helped participants recognize how exclusion and division can emerge, especially when engaging with younger members of the Q+ community. A core focus of the project was supporting participants in closing the gap caused by this dynamic and building more inclusive approaches in their daily lives. Since biases are not always consciously held, this initiative aimed to help participants identify and confront their own implicit biases, creating an environment that is more open, understanding, and supportive. The project also addressed socio-political factors that shape discriminatory attitudes. Studies, such as those from the European Network Against Homophobia, show that exclusionary and racialized rhetoric around Q+ issues is on the rise in Europe. While some progress has been made, growing visibility of Q+ communities and sensationalist media portrayals often reinforce harmful narratives. These can create significant barriers for the social integration and well-being of queer youth. By providing insights into these broader social influences, the project prepared participants to resist such pressures and advocate for inclusive values in their own environments. Through awareness and education, we aimed to empower young people to stand up for queer communities, contributing to safer and more supportive spaces. As for concrete outcomes, the project sought to promote an inclusive mindset among young people, one that recognizes and values the diversity within Q+ identities. This effort supports wider EU goals around social inclusion and cohesion, as highlighted in various Eurostat reports. Participants were also encouraged to apply tools and strategies to prevent exclusion and foster fairness in their everyday lives. By increasing understanding of how categorization influences perception and action, we hoped to encourage more intentional, respectful, and inclusive interactions with Q+ individuals. Ultimately, this lays the foundation for a more equitable and participatory society in which all young people, regardless of identity, can thrive.