Here are some of ourkey findings:+
+For complete results, see theappendix.
** [It provides] spaces for them to find acceptance, community, and support.
It is extremely important to keep these connections alive.
Fortunately, numerous online communities and organizations are dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals.
“I’ve honestly been attacked more from within the community than outside of it.”
Given this ugly reality, we believethat all LGBTQ+ people should know how to defend and protect themselves online.
Therefore, we created this guide to minimize your personal exposure to LGBTQ cyberbullying and harassment.
I haven’t experienced anything negative online, explains Harris, whos genderqueer and gay.
These tactics are alarmingly common.
LGBTQ+ youth are almost three times more likely to be bullied or harassed online than heterosexual students.
Recognizing these forms of LGBTQ+ cyberbullying is a critical step toward prevention and intervention.
These cases illustrate how online harassment can escalate into tragic outcomes, affecting both individuals and entire communities.
These cases are not isolated incidents but are part of a broader pattern of discrimination and violence.
They emphasize the critical need for increased support, legal protections, and public awareness to combat LGBTQ+ cyberbullying.
These incidents frequently revolve around attempts to alter or criticize a persons sexual or gender identity.
The abuse isnt only verbal, but can lead to physical violence.
According to Zsofias description, even the lists name was a slur against the LGBTQ+ community.
I have had death threats against myself and my family, disclosed Nova, an asexual transgender woman.
Bullying from outside and inside the community.
[Ive] been creeped out so much that I have left social media.
Asexual people described feeling threatened by their non-asexual counterparts who refuse to accept asexuality as a valid orientation.
LGBTQ cyberbullying should never be accepted as just the usual.
There are ways to filter out the abuse.
Unfortunately, social media is also a hotspot for LGBTQ cyberbullying.
Research shows that cyberbullying among youth is increasing.
This can lead to further issues, including mental health struggles and increased risk of suicide.
Andcyber criminals are ready to take advantage of that and are actively looking for victims to blackmail and extort.
Therefore, you should know how to keep certain information private.
This fear of being targeted by LGBTQ cyberbullying drives some to extreme measures.
As Jolene, a transgender lesbian woman recalls, I live stealth.
I hide my sexual orientation and gender identity online.
However, it led to an inability to secure employment and feed her child.
According to her, “Then came reality.
The world does not like trans does not understand the cause or the effect.”
Because of this, she removed her trans identity from her online presence to avoid further LGBTQ cyberbullying.
Fortunately, because he was a staff member, he could block the offending users.
Fortunately,with greater trans visibility, more and more people are open about and proud of their journey.
Alex is a trans woman who found it was easy to come out online.
So, like, when I did change everything, everyone was already on board.
You should decide whats best for you.
LGBTQ+ Online Dating
Online dating is a huge part of modern relationships.
And they can be especiallyhelpful for sexual minorities looking to find partners in a largely cis-hetero world.
Many of the people we interviewed who are in happy, long-term relationships met their partners on the web.
Ronnie found the love of her life online.
Once I decided to just talk to someone who I had judged was way out of my league.
Unfortunately, online dating sites can be breeding grounds for LGBTQ cyberbulling and sexual harassment.
Similar studies reveal that sexual harassment affects a third of LGBTQ youth.
Thats why its so important to protect yourself from the risks of LGBTQ cyberbullying.
Dating should be exciting and fun.
In order for it to stay that way, check out the tips below.
Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Online Dating
Meeting someone you first connected to online could potentially be risky.
), while others are geared more toward those looking for long term relationships.
Fortunately, a plethora of apps have been designed to make your dating experience safer.
Safe Sexting
With the rise of dating apps, sexting has become a common phenomenon.
As a result, many have nude pictures stored on their phones.
Just check that you take precautions.
Once you’ve sent them to the desired recipient, you may not have a use for them.
Sonever sext with someone you dont trust.
Hackers are becoming incredibly sophisticated and can find your intimate information without you even knowing it.
However, LGBTQ+ people often face specific perils, including digital bullying of queer youth.
Transgender people are frequently fetishized due to their gender, making them vulnerable to LGBTQ cyberbullying.
Then he started making sexual advances.
Not all uncomfortable interactions rise to the level of harassment.
Also, remember thatits not your job to educate peopleif you dont want to.
LGBTQ cyberbullying is an increasing concern, especially as more interactions move online.
These figures are truly shocking, but they highlight why knowing your rights is so important.
But what if a coworker friends you on Facebook or follows you on Instagram?
These decisions can be complicated by the threat of LGBTQ cyberbullying.
But that doesn’t imply you’re helpless.
Talk to them, but more importantly LISTEN.
Ask what help they need and what tactics theyre using to protect themselves online from LGBTQ cyberbullying.
Below is a list of organizations that offer resources for LGBTQ youth and their loved ones.
I had [nowhere] to go and thought that some stranger was going to tell my parents everything.
Even those who dont engage in sex work can be vulnerable to exploitation from adults.
One way to do this is by usingparental control software.
These let you block apps, as well as track activity and messages.
*All names have been changed to protect individuals privacy.
**For the purposes of our survey, the categories bisexual and pansexual were combined.
***For the purposes of our survey, the categories genderqueer and non-binary were combined.
Sexual Harassment Online
Respondents were asked, Have you ever received unwanted sexual texts/messages/pictures/advances online?
Safety by Sexual Orientation
Respondents were asked, In general, how safe do you feel online?
Answer on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being very safe and 1 not at all safe.
Safety by Gender Identity
Respondents were asked, How safe do you feel online?
Answer on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being very safe and 1 not at all safe.
Outing by Gender Identity
Respondents were asked, Have you ever been outed against your will online?
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