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Being an LGBTQ+ individual in the digital age is a bit of a double-edged sword, wouldn’t you agree? On one hand, the internet has been an absolute lifeline for so many of us. It’s where I first found communities that understood me, where I could explore my identity without fear of judgment from my immediate surroundings.
For countless LGBTQ+ youth, especially those in more isolated areas, online spaces for connection are often the only places where they feel truly safe and supported. In fact, a study by Hopelab and Born This Way Foundation in 2025 revealed that a significant number of LGBTQ+ young people, 44% specifically, reported feeling “very safe” online, compared to only 9% in person. That’s a huge difference! This digital connection can be incredibly empowering, fostering a sense of belonging and even impacting mental health positively.
But on the other hand, this same digital landscape, with its anonymity and reach, can also be a breeding ground for harassment, discrimination, and even threats. I’ve personally seen and experienced instances where what starts as a supportive interaction can quickly turn sour, or where simply existing online as an openly queer person can attract unwanted attention.
The reality is, LGBTQ+ individuals are disproportionately targeted for online hate and harassment. A 2023 report from a prominent anti-defamation organization found that LGBTQ+ people, especially transgender individuals, are among the most harassed marginalized groups online. A staggering 76% of transgender respondents reported experiencing harassment in their lifetimes. These aren’t just isolated incidents; it’s a systemic issue.
So, how do we navigate this complex digital world while staying safe? It’s a question I’ve grappled with, and through trial and error, along with learning from various resources, I’ve compiled some essential tips. It’s about being proactive, informed, and always trusting your gut.
Privacy and Security Essentials
Let’s start with the basics, because a strong foundation is key. Think of your online presence like your home; you wouldn’t leave your front door wide open, would you?
- Privacy Settings are Your Best Friend: This might sound obvious, but it’s amazing how many people overlook their privacy settings on social media platforms and other applications. By default, many platforms are designed to share as much information as possible. You need to take control. Go through every platform you use – social media, messaging apps, even your dating apps – and adjust your settings. Limit who can see your posts, your photos, your connections, and even who can search for you.
For me, this meant making my personal social media profiles private and being very selective about who I accept as followers or connections. I also adjusted my settings so that only trusted connections can see my posts and my friend list. This helps prevent strangers from gathering information about my social circle, which could be used for targeted harassment or even doxxing (the act of publicly revealing private personal information about an individual or organization, usually with malicious intent). Remember, relying solely on real names can pose significant risks for trans and queer individuals, making pseudonyms and multiple accounts a vital privacy practice for many.
- Strong, Unique Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This is non-negotiable. Reusing passwords across different accounts is like having one key for your house, car, and safe deposit box. If one account is compromised, everything else is at risk. Use a password manager to generate and store complex, unique passwords for all your accounts. And wherever possible, enable multi-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security, usually requiring a code from your phone or a physical key in addition to your password. It’s a small inconvenience for a huge boost in security.
- Be Mindful of What You Share (and Don’t Overshare): This ties back to privacy settings, but it’s more about your personal habits. Before you post something, pause and think: “Could this information be used against me?” Or, “Does this reveal anything I wouldn’t want a stranger to know?” This includes seemingly innocuous details like your favourite coffee shop, your regular gym, or even a picture with a distinctive landmark in the background.
I once shared a photo of a new café I loved, not thinking much of it. A few weeks later, I noticed someone I didn’t know popping up in my suggested connections who was also “checking in” at the same café at similar times. It was a subtle red flag, but it made me realise how easily patterns can be established from shared information. It’s generally advised against sharing identifying information like your full name, address, school, or phone number. If you share photos, avoid including details that could pinpoint your location or frequent whereabouts.
- Location, Location, Location: Many apps, especially social media and dating apps, ask for access to your location. While it can be convenient for some features, it can also expose you to risks. Review your app permissions regularly and turn off location services for apps that don’t absolutely need it. For dating apps, consider using features that show your general vicinity rather than your exact location. Some services even divide the world into “cells” to protect your precise whereabouts.
Dating, Community, and Reporting
Beyond securing your personal data, it’s crucial to approach online interactions with a healthy dose of caution and a clear understanding of your boundaries.
- Dating App Diligence: Dating apps are a huge part of the queer experience for many, offering a fantastic way to connect with others. However, they also come with unique risks.
- Verify, Verify, Verify: Before meeting anyone in person, try to verify their identity. A quick search of their name, social media profiles (if they’ve shared them), or even a reverse image search of their photos can go a long way. If they have little to no digital footprint, be extra cautious. If they’re hesitant to video call, that’s a red flag. If their picture appears to be a stock image or stolen, report them immediately.
- Meet in Public, Tell a Friend: This is standard advice for anyone using dating apps, but it’s especially important for LGBTQ+ individuals who may face additional threats. Always meet in a public place with plenty of people around. Let a trusted friend know who you’re meeting, where, and when. Share your location with them, and have a check-in plan. My friends and I have a system where we send each other a quick text after the date to confirm we’re safe.
- Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t feel pressured to continue a conversation or meet up with someone if you have a bad feeling. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
- Engaging in Online Communities: Online LGBTQ+ communities are invaluable for support and connection. However, even in these spaces, it’s important to be discerning.
- Moderated Spaces are Safer: Look for communities that are actively moderated and have clear rules of conduct. These tend to be more effective at weeding out trolls and malicious actors. Online platforms specifically designed as safe spaces for LGBTQ+ young people often have robust moderation.
- Be Wary of Instant Trust: While the desire for connection is strong, don’t immediately trust everyone you encounter, especially if they push for personal information quickly or try to isolate you from the rest of the group. This helps you avoid LGBT cyberbullying.
- Set Boundaries: It’s okay to not engage with every conversation or to step away if a discussion becomes uncomfortable or hostile. You don’t owe anyone your time or energy if they’re making you feel unsafe.
- Recognizing and Reporting Harassment: Online harassment is unfortunately a reality for many LGBTQ+ individuals. Knowing how to respond is crucial.
- Don’t Engage with Trolls: As tempting as it might be to argue back, often the best response to a troll is no response at all. Engaging can sometimes escalate the situation or give them the attention they crave.
- Document Everything: If you’re experiencing harassment, gather evidence. Take screenshots, note down usernames, and the dates and times of the incidents. This evidence is vital if you decide to report the behaviour. Experts in online safety strongly recommend documenting incidents, but advise against putting videos online without the victim’s permission.
- Utilise Platform Reporting Tools: Most social media platforms have reporting mechanisms for harassment, hate speech, and discrimination. Use them. While the effectiveness can vary, consistent reporting helps platforms identify problematic users and content.
- Seek External Support: If the harassment is severe, persistent, or involves threats, don’t hesitate to seek external support. Organizations dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights and online safety in both the US and Australia offer resources and advice on reporting online abuse and finding support. These organizations can often help with the removal of intimate images shared without consent. Remember, reporting online abuse typically will not affect your immigration or visa status in either country.
It’s important to remember that online safety is an ongoing process. The digital landscape is constantly evolving, with new threats and challenges emerging all the time. Staying informed about current online safety practices is key. Regularly review your privacy settings, update your passwords, and be aware of common online scams like phishing.
Ultimately, the goal is to harness the incredible power of the internet for connection, community, and self-expression, while protecting ourselves from its darker side. It’s about being empowered, not afraid, in our digital lives. We deserve to feel safe and seen online, just as we do offline.
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