Safe spaces for LGBTIQ youth: understanding online gender-based violence
The UP4Diversity project aims to help prevent violence against the LGBTIQ community, in particular LGBTIQ youth. 'Violence' has many interpretations, and it is important to be clear about what we mean by it. For UP4Diversity, and for many of the partners, educators and youth workers it seeks to support, violence goes beyond physical attacks: it also includes online abuse, an issue that has only gained importance as the Covid-19 pandemic has moved most - if not all - of our social interactions online.
To effectively address violence against LGBTIQ youth online, we have to build an accurate understanding of the different shapes and forms it takes. To that end, we invite you to read this recent report by the Web Foundation, an independent organisation established by web inventor Tim Berners-Lee to advance digital equality. The report outlines the findings of four rounds of consultations on online gender-based violence and abuse (read more about these consultations here).
While the focus of these consultations was mostly on young women, there are important conclusions relating to LGBTIQ youth:
- Firstly, we must make it easier for LGBTIQ youth to recognise online abuse for what it is and to report it. Making online space safe for all is a collective responsibility: abuse that remains hidden cannot be addressed.
- Secondly, language matters. LGBTIQ youth may use and respond to particular terms differently; additionally, their use of language tends to evolve quickly, making it difficult for reporting systems to pick up on.
- Thirdly, structural problems need structural solutions. To fully address the roots of the online abuse and bullying LGBTIQ youth may face, their experiences, ideas and concerns must be taken on board when systems are developed, not after they have been put in place.
As we move forward, UP4Diversity will continue to share research and fold recommendations into its work. Should you have anything you would like to add or share with our network, please contact us at up4diversity@gmail.com.
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