LGBTQ+ Youths’ Community Engagement and Resource Seeking Online versus Offline

Abstract

LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, etc.) youth are at increased risk for negative outcomes. Yet little is known about their engagement with communities and resources that may ameliorate risk, particularly online. Oriented by a uses and gratifications approach, this secondary analysis (n = 4,009) of LGBTQ+ youth (aged 14–29) compares online versus offline experiences. Respondents were significantly more likely to participate in LGBTQ+ communities online. Youth were also more active, and felt safer and more supported, when participating in online LGBTQ + communities. Additionally, respondents sought online information, support, and resources at higher rates than offline. Increased attention toward online programming and resource development is warranted.

Keywords:

• LGBTQ
• online
• Internet
• community
• resources

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to express their gratitude for the generosity of the study participants.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no financial interests of benefits to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada under Grants #475-2015-0780 and #895-2018-1000. Shelley Craig is the Canada Research Chair in Sexual and Gender Minority Youth. Andrew Eaton is supported by a salary award from the Ontario HIV Treatment Network (OHTN).

Notes on contributors

Lauren B. McInroy

Lauren B. McInroy is an Assistant Professor in the College of Social Work at The Ohio State University. Dr. McInroy’s research investigates the impacts of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on the well-being of marginalized adolescents and emerging adults—particularly LGBTQ+ young people. She explores how LGBTQ+ youth build communities of support, engage in identity development activities, foster resilience and well-being, and engage in advocacy using digital technologies.

Rebecca J. McCloskey

Rebecca J. McCloskey is a PhD Candidate in the College of Social Work at The Ohio State University. As a licensed social worker since 2002, she has worked with children, their families, and perinatal women via case management, advocacy, and counseling services. Prior to the PhD program, she was a clinical professor in Monmouth University’s School of Social Work. Her dissertation investigates links between adverse childhood experiences and postpartum depression, anxiety, physical health, and breastfeeding challenges as well as the potential role of social support, material hardship, and discrimination in moderating these associations.

Shelley L. Craig

Shelley L. Craig is a Professor in the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto, and the Canada Research Chair in Sexual and Gender Minority Youth. Dr. Craig’s research focuses on the social determinants of health and mental health and the impact of the service delivery system on vulnerable populations. Her primary specializations are: (a) the needs of LGBTQ + youth and subsequent program development and service delivery, (b) the roles and interventions used by health social workers to impact the social determinants of health, and (c) developing competent social work practitioners through effective social work education.

Andrew D. Eaton

Andrew D. Eaton is a PhD Candidate and Research Director in the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto. His thesis project is a community-informed pilot trial to determine feasible group therapy for people aging with HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND).