Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Lgbtiq Teens - Plugged In And Unfiltered: How Internet Filtering Impairs Construction Of Online Communities, Identity Formation, And Access To Health Information, David Brian Holt

Law Librarian Scholarship

The anonymity the Internet provides represents an invaluable resource where LGBTIQ youth can freely discuss their issues, concerns and problems without fear of reprisal from a frequently homophobic community. LGBTIQ youth may find the Internet, and its online communities and social networks, to be the only conduit through which they can express themselves, reach out to others, and access health information that addresses their particular issues and needs. LGBTIQ adolescents often deal with environments that lack sufficient social networks, such as empathetic adults or friends, and they may face daily discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender expression.

The …