LGBT

Last updated 29 Jul 2010

LGBT people often face discrimination from many areas of society, and this discrimination is also prevalent on the Internet.

Risks

Unwanted outing

With the rise of Social Networking Sites and other interactive Internet-based technologies, many young people and young adults are associating with wider networks of friends. A result of this is that it is becoming more difficult to be anonymous on the Internet as increasingly Social Networking Sites are asking for your real name and further information. A result of this is many LGBT people’s sexuality or gender identity is being unwittingly revealed on the Internet. The move to have as many online friends as possible, and make all information available is leaving LGBT young people vulnerable to being ‘outed’.

It is recommended that you set your privacy settings so only people you want to have access to your information can.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is the use of Internet and mobile based technologies to bully or harass individuals. Increasingly, bullying (and cyberbullying) is being based on sexuality and gender identity. For example, Stonewall found that 98% of young LGBT people hear the phrase “that’s so gay” or “you’re so gay” in school (Stonewall, 2008).

One of the major issues with cyberbullying is as long as you are around technology, there is no escape from the bully.

Bullying based on sexuality and/or gender identity is never acceptable. If you are experiencing bullying, visit www.cybermentors.org.uk – a group run by Beat Bullying, who are made of young people who can give you help/advice/information to tackle bullying.

Bullying based on sexuality and/or gender identity is also considered a hate crime. If you have experienced this, you are encouraged to report all instances of hate crime to: www.reporthatecrime.co.uk/

Vulnerabilities to grooming

Grooming is where an adult pretends to be a younger person on the Internet in order to solicit them to engage in either online or in-person sexual acts. For more information on recognising grooming, visit our page: Danger of Grooming

Because many young LGBT people are not ‘out’ to their parents about their sexuality and/or gender identity, they may feel uncomfortable reporting instances of grooming to them. Many suggest they feel their report would not be taken seriously. However, all grooming, regardless of the gender identities of those involved is illegal under the Sexual Offenses Act 2003, Sections 45 and 15 and should be reported.

To report grooming go to: www.ceop.gov.uk

Online dating

Online dating is a phenomenon which is growing in many groups in society, not least among LGBT people. Sites like GayDar Girls and FitLads provide LGBT people with a chance to meet other LGBT people to find friendship or form relationship. The use of these sites is higher among LGBT people because of the difficulties experienced in finding partners offline. These sites are designed for individuals aged 18+, however, there are few age checks in place and indeed many younger people use these sites.

If you use an online dating service, it is important to be aware that people may not be who they say they are. If you agree to meet up with someone from one of these sites, it is best to meet in a busy and well lit area, and let someone know you are going to meet them. If possible, take someone with you. Also be aware the amount of information you give out about yourself on these sites as it may be used in cases of identity theft, or could lead to unwanted outing were other people to find your profile.

Positive aspects of the Internet:

As well as the increased risks for young LGBT people on the Internet, there are several aspects of the online world which are beneficial to people who are first coming to terms with their sexuality and/or gender identity.

Information and advice

The Internet hosts many spaces where young LGBT people can meet other LGBT people to discuss their identities, coming out, social stigma, and where to get help for transitioning etc. These spaces often provide excellent opportunities for making new friends, and feeling comfortable with yourself. If you would like to chat to other young LGBT people about your sexuality and/or gender identity, we recommend:

Wanted outing

Some young LGBT people find it challenging to ‘come out’ to people in real life, and for some, letting people know their sexuality and/or gender identity on the Internet is a much easier and more straightforward space in which to do this. For others, they use it as a more impersonal testing ground for coming out. Indeed the Internet also has many websites and LGBT communities where discussions and advice regarding ‘coming out’ are regularly discussed.

Safety tips

Here are some LGBT-specific safety tips for using the Internet. Don’t forget to check out other sections of this website, which deal with more in-depth safety advice for young people and young adults using the Internet.

Privacy settings

On Social Networking Sites and other online spaces where you have a profile or post information about yourself, it is important to stay in control over who has access to that information. Unwanted ‘outing’ can be quite upsetting and can often lead to bullying, or other forms of discrimination. By clicking on your ‘privacy options’ you can control who can see what information, and who can share information about you. Also be wary of who you are adding as a ‘friend’, and what photographs other information you are uploading. Once a picture is uploaded, a permanent digital record is created and can be accessed by others. Only upload things you would be happy with everyone seeing.

Grooming and Meeting People

The Internet provides ample opportunities for meeting new friends and initiating new relationships. However, you should be aware that people may not be who they say they are online. Giving out too much information about yourself could lead to excessive unwanted contact. If you are going to meet someone offline that you met on the Internet, ensure you meet them in a busy, well lit area and it is highly recommended that you take a friend or trusted adult with you.

If you are receiving unwanted attention on the Internet which you feel may be inappropriate or want to report an instance of grooming, go to the CEOP website: www.ceop.gov.uk and click ‘Report Abuse’.

Website accuracy

When using the Internet for information or advice be aware that there is no overall regulation of the content on the Internet and some of it may be untrustworthy. Here are some steps to test the authenticity of the Internet:

  • Look for web pages which you know are published by organisations which have a good reputation offline as well as online for providing correct information.
  • Cross check for information – Search the web for to see if there if there are any other sources of information to support what you have read.
  • Be aware of any biases the author of the web page – ask yourself if there are any reasons why they may want to publish something in a particular way or if they have anything to gain from this.

Reporting abuse

There are several ways you can report abuse on the Internet:

Online child abuse/sexual abuse/obscene images can be reported to:

Hate crimes can be reported to your local police station, or online: