Transforming Online Spaces: Empowering LGBTQ+ Communities for a Safer Future

Every year since 1969 June has been celebrated as Pride Monthn- first in the US, and then internationally. Let's take a step back to remember and honor the history of this event, and reflect on why it started in the first place. Over 50 years ago, thousands of LGBT people went to the streets in protest against centuries of governmental hostility, abuse and discrimination, and anti-LGBT laws, and to demand equal rights in society. Nowadays, people rally together throughout the whole month to raise awareness, increase the visibility of the LGBTQ+ community, celebrate dignity and self-affirmation, and encourage the community to be proud of itself.

Although society and our views have changed and evolved from where we were back in the '70s, it'd be a lie to say that LGBTQ+ members are fully accepted. In fact, according to the recent annual report from ILGA Europe, the past decade showed "the deadliest rise in anti-LGBTI violence" in recent years, which in some cases resulted in fatal consequences. 2022 was "the most violent year" with planned attacks with "the will to kill or injure", and the rise of hate speech from politicians, religious leaders, and right-wing organizations. The result? A marked increase in murder and suicide rates among the LGBT community.

Translating it into the online space, the hateful rhetoric and the plans for coordinated attacks manifest themselves there. LGBTQ+ users might be victims of Bullying, Harassment, targeted hate speech, bigotry, and many other increasingly online threats. Joining a community to safely express themselves, they might be mocked by trolls, which in turn leads to feelings of depression, suicidal thoughts, and self-harm. These are among some issues that online spaces are experiencing and need to deal with.

Of course, it's not all and always bad. There has been a positive social change in many countries. And an annual Pride Month is a great manifestation of it. Let's be more conscious and create a better society together.