Honored to be featured on NBC News Now Live yesterday morning to reflect on my lived experience and discuss the importance of the mental health impact of digital spaces for LGBTQ+ young people.
Alongside Claudia-Santi F. Fernandes, EdD, LPC from Born This Way Foundation and Hopelab, we highlighted findings from a powerful new report that underscores what many of us young people already know:
?? Safe digital spaces save (OUR) lives.
This research—co-created with LGBTQ+ young people—shows that online platforms serve as a lifeline, refuge, and place of support for millions of LGBTQ+ youth across the country and globally.
As someone who has relied on digital communities since my undergrad studies transitioned to remote work at the beginning of the pandemic and in my early career which also began remotely, I know firsthand how social media platforms, creators/influencers, and digital spaces foster connection, identity exploration, and belonging.
They have been pivotal in my own ability to connect to my culture, reconnect with tradition, and continue to explore my identity in a safe way.
At a time when LGBTQ+ communities, immigrants, BIPOC, and low-income communities are under attack while vital affirming and educational content is being censored, it’s critical that leaders, caregivers, and policymakers recognize the role these spaces play in young people’s well-being.
It's imperative that we protect the lifelines that do exist for us especially considering that nearly half (44%) of LGBTQ+ young people feel very safe expressing themselves online, compared to just 9% in person, and that 76% LGBTQ+ young people are concerned that their state or the federal government might limit access to LGBTQ+ resources and communities online.
?? You can watch the full segment here: https://lnkd.in/evTzs623
?? Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/eCsnTWjz
I'm feeling nothing but gratitude for the incredible teams at Born This Way Foundation and Hopelab for their leadership and for trusting me to be part of this conversation.
Let’s keep pushing for safe, affirming spaces—both online and offline.
#mentalhealth #youthvoices #lgbtqyouth #newresearch?#lgbtqonlinespacesreport #news #nbc #youngpeople
