Girls Like Us

The m.b.v. GLU research program is designed to address questions regarding appearance biases that impact young Black girls and femmes and how best to acquire skills and knowledge about systemic oppression at the intersection of Black and Femme in the context of appearance biases. Through this research study we aim to learn how young people can 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: 

• 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 surveys at four timepoints (before the program, mid-program, post-program, and a 5-month follow up survey). These 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
  • Four three-hour sessions across four weeks. 

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

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. 

Interested applicants may fill out the application link 

Questions? Reference these useful documents: 

• m.b.v. GLU Study FAQ
• m.b.v. GLU Program Study Checklist

If your question is still not answered, please reach out to us at girlslikeus@colorado.edu

This study aims to understand how colorism impacts Black girls and femmes in the context of appearance biases through conducting interviews that will examine the lived experiences of Black girls and femmes related to colorism. 

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. 

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. 

Interested applicants may fill out the Enrollment form 

Questions? Please reference these useful documents: 

• m.b.v. GLU Study FAQ
• m.b.v. GLU Colorism Study Checklist

If your question is still not answered, please reach out to us at girlslikeus@colorado.edu