Transgender and Non-Binary Young People in Digital Spaces
This resource aims to provide professionals with a wider understanding of the experiences of trans and non-binary young people in digital spaces. Throughout the development of the resource, we have consulted with young people from the LGBTQ+ community.
11 pages
Searching for acceptance
Searching for acceptance
All young people need a sense of belonging within a community in order to grow, develop and reach their full authentic self-identity.
Trans young people have made it clear to us that safe spaces are crucially important for them to have somewhere where they can express their gender identity freely, without fear of discrimination, intimidation or being undermined
Searching for acceptance
Queer Futures research has indicated that in the UK, trans children were twice as likely to have self-harmed than cis-gendered lesbian, gay and bisexual children, who already have higher rates of self-harm and suicide. Transphobia and being unable to talk to anyone about their identity were key factors for such young people.
Trans young people are at risk of experiencing discrimination and of being killed
- Young person, The Prevention Programme
In our consultation on gender and exploitation, young people pointed out the particular importance of online spaces when no other support is available to LGBTQ+ young people.
Gender-affirming experiences
Young people who are trans may seek out relationships, support networks, forums, and communities where they can have gender-affirming experiences.
A gender-affirming experience refers to an encounter that validates, enhances, or supports a young person’s gender identity and leads to positive thoughts, feelings, and/or behaviours relating to their gender. Gender-affirming experiences can lead to a sense of gender euphoria, where trans and non-binary people feel a sense of happiness, confidence, pride, and joy from being affirmed and accepted in their gender identity.
Young people and LGBTQ+ specialist organisations have stressed that it is vital that you use the right pronouns when you are addressing a young person, but also when you are discussing them in meetings, or writing up notes in relation to the young person (unless they have asked for you to keep their gender identity private). The best way to make sure that you are getting this right is to simply ask the young person what their pronouns are, and how they would like you to use them.
Safety planning
Safety planning
Just because a young person identifies as trans or non-binary, this does not mean that they are inherently at risk in online spaces. However, if you do believe that a trans young person is at risk of harm, abuse or exploitation in an online context, you may want to consider how you approach safety planning for them.
If they are accessing a space that benefits their emotional and mental wellbeing, it may be detrimental to limit their access to these spaces by either removing a device or limiting their access to safe LGBTQ+ forums. It is therefore best to take a holistic and proportionate view of the risks and benefits presented to trans young people online; taking care to consider each space they access individually
Online safety planning
Online safety planning should be developed with the young person rather than done to them. This will help them feel a sense of ownership and help you understand the benefits they find in using these spaces and how risks can be mitigated
To learn more about safety planning, relevant terminology and subcultures in the digital space, read the full report.
