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Online Safety for LGBTQ+ Young People: Resources to Enhance Technology and Platform Responsibilities

This guide provides key statistics from our research on LGBTQ+ young people’s experiences in online spaces, actionable strategies from focus groups, and key takeaways.

Born This Way Foundation, in partnership with Hopelab, Bard Early College, Centerlink, WeEmbodyLab, and Nebraska Evaluation & Center Research created a science-backed, youth-informed resource guide, Online Safety for LGBTQ+ Young People: Resources to Enhance Technology and Platform Responsibilities.

LGBTQ+ young people turn to online platforms for resources related to mental health, making it imperative for tech leaders, trust and safety teams, and social media platforms to prioritize the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ young people and co-create online spaces with them in mind.

This resource guide provides key statistics from our research report on LGBTQ+ young people’s experiences in online spaces, actionable strategies from focus groups with LGBTQ+ centers across the country, and key takeaways from discussions with LGBTQ+ young people and adult experts in the field.

Born This Way Foundation

Born This Way Foundation

Born This Way Foundation, co-founded and led by Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Bissett Germanotta, empowers and inspires young people to build a kinder, braver world that supports their mental health and wellbeing.

Next Step? Take Action.

Estimated Action Time:

Duration weeks

Create and participate in affirmative spaces for identity exploration. Many young people are using social media to try out new pronouns, explore their identities, and meet other peers. It is important to build safer and more affirmative online spaces for LGBTQ+ young people, such as dedicated platforms and chat spaces.

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