By implementing the project Empowering Queer Youth, the aim is to strengthen the capacity of youth work to meaningfully support LGBTQIA+ young people as active citizens, community builders, and change-makers. From a youth work practice perspective, the project seeks to create a safe, inclusive, and participatory learning environment where queer youth can develop competences, confidence, and a sense of belonging through non-formal education. One of the core objectives of the project is to empower queer youth through increased self-confidence, self-expression and mental wellbeing, by addressing identity, internalised stigma, resilience and community care in a safe and supportive environment for 28 young participants. Through youth work methods such as reflection groups, trust-building activities and peer support structures, the project supports young people in recognising their own potential and voice, reducing feelings of isolation, and strengthening their emotional resilience. Another key objective is to strengthen young people’s understanding of LGBTQIA+ history, rights and civic participation in the European context, while developing practical advocacy and political participation skills. Through participatory workshops on civic engagement, advocacy and political participation, and by linking personal experiences with broader social and political contexts, youth work in this project equips participants with concrete tools to express their needs, defend their rights and engage with decision-makers and public spaces. This supports young people in moving from self-expression to collective action. The project further aims to foster intercultural learning, solidarity and long-term connections among queer youth across Europe, while increasing their visibility and inclusion in civic and public life through engagement with local queer initiatives. By learning from local queer organisations and analysing real-life examples of grassroots initiatives, participants gain practical insights into community organising, cooperation and solidarity. This strengthens youth work practices that promote peer learning, initiative-taking and sustainable engagement, particularly in smaller towns or less supportive environments. Finally, an important objective is to enhance the quality and inclusiveness of youth work itself. By experimenting with creative non-formal methods such as simulations, game-based learning, opinion barometers and community-based actions, the project contributes new approaches to working with LGBTQIA+ topics. The aim is not only to support the participants, but also to enrich the practices of participating organisations and youth workers, enabling them to transfer these methods into future activities and reach more young people with inclusive, empowering youth work.