Gender and Sexuality: LGBTQ+ Youth Experiences

Abstract

Internet-enabled information and communication technologies (ICTs) pose simultaneous risks and opportunities for contemporary lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or otherwise sexual and/or gender diverse (LGBTQ+) adolescents and young adults—a population who may be particularly active users of ICTs. This chapter provides a brief overview of LGBTQ+ youths’ lived experiences and barriers to care, followed by a review of extant knowledge regarding the ICT experiences of this population with a particular focus on the context of the United States. Significant gaps in knowledge regarding LGBTQ+ youths’ engagement with ICTs persist and proposed areas of inquiry for future research are provided. As ICTs continue to advance, sustained examination must be undertaken. Specifically, how current and emerging technologies impact LGBTQ+ youths’ lives, emphasizing heretofore under-researched subpopulations (e.g., transgender youth, ethnic and racial minorities). Knowledge translated informs multiple areas, including education, service provision, policy development, and expansion of technologies that consider LGBTQ+ youths’ unique needs. Specific recommendations for various stakeholder communities (e.g., educators, service providers, policy makers) are offered.