The present study explores the role of food as a symbolic, material, and relational device in identity construction and community processes. This study draws on a qualitative case study of a community-based social restaurant located in a mid-sized city in central-northern Italy. The initiative’s objective is to promote the social and labor inclusion of migrant women through training and experiential programs. The research, conducted over a period of nine months from October 2024 to June 2025, was based on a participatory qualitative design, which integrated semi-structured interviews, ecological maps, photointervention, world café, and affective cartography, involving 35 participants including operators, trainees, local community members, and politicians. The results demonstrate the multifaceted role of food practices at the restaurant, which serve to strengthen internal relationships, regulate community life, construct intercultural narratives, and establish spaces of recognition and agency for the women involved. Moreover, the restaurant has been shown to have the capacity to influence the broader social representations of migration in the urban context, thereby promoting processes of cohesion and belonging. It is evident that food-related activities manifest as quotidian micro-political practices, which have the capacity to subvert stereotypes, recognize frequently unseen abilities, and generate new forms of inclusive citizenship. The present study underscores the transformative capacity of initiatives that employ food practices as innovative instruments for fostering empowerment; well-being; and social participation; through the third element of food. The limitations and future prospects of the present situation are discussed; with particular reference to the need to ensure continuity and institutional sustainability for similar experiences.

Past research on trans and nonbinary (TNB) people has primarily addressed minority stress and discrimination. Recently, researchers began to examine the positive dimensions of TNB identities, conceptualizing the construct of "minority joy". The present study aimed to contribute to the theoretical development of this construct by analyzing the experiences of Italian TNB individuals. Data were drawn from two studies exploring the well-being of 12 trans men, 8 trans women and 8 nonbinary individuals (age range = 19-54; mean = 27.5) using semi-structured interviews. Using a codebook thematic analysis, we identified four domains of positive experiences associated with TNB identities: (1) Gender Euphoria from authenticity to recognition; (2) Feeling pride and playing with gender norms; (3) Critical awareness as a form of liberation from norms; (4) Queer Community as a source of individual and collective support. These findings emphasize the role of interventions and prevention strategies promoting gender identity pride, authenticity, and self-affirmation.

Background: Some LGBTQIA+ people, after coming out, experience marginalization and homelessness due to rejection and discrimination from their family and community. The increase in support requests led to the creation of LGBTQIA+ temporary shelter homes worldwide. This study aims to explore the functioning and effectiveness of shelters, analyzing the experiences of staff members in Italy. Methods: Focus groups were held with a total of 15 staff members (age range: 32–53) working in three shelters for LGBTQIA+ people. Data were analyzed qualitatively through the grounded theory methodology. Results: Data coding showed five final core categories: (1) user characteristics; (2) staff characteristics; (3) community relations; (4) activities carried out by services; (5) criteria for intervention assessment and staff satisfaction. Results revealed some criticalities in the effectiveness of these services, particularly the difficulty in achieving autonomy for users, a weakness attributable to the non-exhaustive training of staff members and the funding discontinuity. Conclusion: To improve the efficacy of shelters, this study emphasizes the necessity to (a) carry out an analysis of the vulnerability of the local LGBTQIA+ community, (b) establish a stable network with local services (NHS system), and (c) implement staff members’ psychological training.

LGBTQ+ individuals are overrepresented within the homeless population. While literature on dedicated services is increasing, research on their effectiveness remains limited. This review aims to systematise studies that describe programs, evaluate interventions, or outline operational models and strategies for LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness (PEH). Key features for effectiveness across individual, organisational, and institutional dimensions are highlighted, with emphasis on positive well‐being measures. The systematic review, based on PRISMA standards, included: (a) peer‐reviewed journals; (b) articles in English; (c) targeting the LGBTQ+ homeless population; (d) describing programmes, reporting on the assessment or outlining recommendations tailored for LGBTQ+ PEH. Fifty‐three articles were included. Recommendations on the individual level focused on psychological resources, such as increased self‐reported visibility, positive LGBTQ+ self‐identity, and sense of belonging. Interpersonal and community‐level factors, such as LGBTQ+ community participation, activism, and chosen families, were also found to be fundamental for promoting well‐being. Organisational‐level characteristics fostering self‐affirmation, comprising competent staff and providing access to transgender‐related support, led to overall effectiveness. This paper outlines the potential of intersectionality‐competent services in promoting the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ PEH, providing affirming emotional support and fostering community connection. Incorporating user‐led recommendations in planning is essential to develop LGBTQ+ tailored services valuing empowerment and resources. Please refer to the Supporting Information section to find this article's .

The present study explores the role of food as a symbolic, material, and relational device in identity construction and community processes. This study draws on a qualitative case study of a community-based social restaurant located in a mid-sized city in central-northern Italy. The initiative’s objective is to promote the social and labor inclusion of migrant women through training and experiential programs. The research, conducted over a period of nine months from October 2024 to June 2025, was based on a participatory qualitative design, which integrated semi-structured interviews, ecological maps, photointervention, world café, and affective cartography, involving 35 participants including operators, trainees, local community members, and politicians. The results demonstrate the multifaceted role of food practices at the restaurant, which serve to strengthen internal relationships, regulate community life, construct intercultural narratives, and establish spaces of recognition and agency for the women involved. Moreover, the restaurant has been shown to have the capacity to influence the broader social representations of migration in the urban context, thereby promoting processes of cohesion and belonging. It is evident that food-related activities manifest as quotidian micro-political practices, which have the capacity to subvert stereotypes, recognize frequently unseen abilities, and generate new forms of inclusive citizenship. The present study underscores the transformative capacity of initiatives that employ food practices as innovative instruments for fostering empowerment, well-being, and social participation, through the third element of food. The limitations and future prospects of the present situation are discussed, with particular reference to the need to ensure continuity and institutional sustainability for similar experiences.