Kaitlyn LaBonte
DECEMBER 11, 2025
What if learning about sexual health felt more like scrolling through a friend’s social media than reading a tip sheet? Not a reel made by a clinic or campaign team, but by a young person speaking directly to their followers.
That’s the approach we took when collaborating with young creators in Baltimore City over the past three years in partnership with Baltimore City Health Department (BCHD) on the Youth Sexual & Reproductive Justice Initiative (Y-SURGE). The research project sought to boost clinic use for young people who identify as LGBTQ+ and/or those disconnected from school or work, while reducing the stigma around talking about sexual and reproductive health.
While Y-SURGE had many facets, I worked with young creators to make sexual health content that felt real and relatable. Through influencer briefs, shared tips, and learning what worked and what did not, we found what I call our “special sauce:” a good mixture of guidance and flexibility.
As one creator put it: “I love the balance of creative freedom and instruction when it comes to making the posts. I know exactly what I have to do, but I am also encouraged to put my own spin and personality.”
This collaborative, youth-led approach inspired Sexual Health Influencers: A Guide to Collaborating with Young Content Creators, designed to help youth-supporting professionals bring this model to their own communities.
The guide walks you through the process from recruiting young creators to creating briefs and influencer tips. You’ll learn how to build a supportive community while letting young people take the lead, share their voices, and make content that feels real.
Hear it from an influencer
To hear what this experience was like from the young people themselves, I sat down with our creator Kahlil, a Baltimore City native, who loves finding fun and creative ways to get the word out about sexual health.
What made you interested in becoming a sexual health influencer with us?
To be honest, for me, it was the money only because, originally, I did make posts here and there, especially with TikTok, and they can go viral on TikTok and you can make money…When I found out through this they would give instruction and then I’d get paid to create…I thought, oh, that’s bomb. I would do that. That sounds so fun.
How was your experience collaborating with this project and our team overall?
I felt like I got paid to be myself.
I think it was obviously a very positive environment. I felt like I got paid to be myself. I posted what I wanted, and I still got feedback when I needed it…It was a very good experience overall.
Can you describe a moment that stood out to you as an influencer?
I think what stood out to me the most probably was the first time I actually sent one of my videos over that I edited…I purposely sat down, skipped some schoolwork, and spent a long time editing it…and you told me it was funny. And I was like, ‘I did my job.’
Were there particular posting topics you were excited about?
I think it was when I talked about the clinics, only because I decided to go to one of the clinics myself…I had never been before. It was pretty much everything I said it to be.
What would you say to an adult thinking about implementing this type of program?
It’s a good development tool, honestly. My confidence…originally, I never showed my face. But because the topics were important, it made me want to show my face. It’s a good confidence boost.
Any tips for adults to help young people gain confidence on camera?
Don’t sugarcoat things. Miscommunication around topics can be an issue. Just lay it all out.
Don’t sugarcoat things. Miscommunication around topics can be an issue. Just lay it all out. We’re growing up, so eventually we’re going to have to learn about it anyway. Most topics, like the clinics you can go to on your own, just be clear and honest. You also have to find if the person fits the role. If not, you can’t be an influencer and be twisting your tongue.
What would you say to other young people considering becoming sexual health influencers?
Go and do this. It’s fine. You get paid. It’s something you can put on your resume. It just looks good.
What advice would you give to new young influencers just starting out?
Tell the truth. Talk about how to prevent it, how to take care of it [ your sexual health]…Don’t hide from the audience…and post what you want. If you blow up, it becomes a job, so have fun while you can. Also, don’t be afraid of negative feedback. Any feedback is good feedback. Some people will disagree, but others will agree. You build a community with people that are like you.
Hearing from the influencers shows the impact this work has for both the creators and the young people who see their content. The creators gain confidence and leadership, discovering that their voice matters, while their posts share important sexual health messages and encourage peers to visit clinics. Looking to get started? Our guide takes you through the process step by step with corresponding activities, letting you create your own blueprint for success.
PHOTO BY: CHILDREN NATURE NETWORK
