LENA CHEN
QUEER YOUTH AND IDENTITY FORMATION IN THE AGE OF THE INTERNET the ubiquitous, yet anonymous, nature of social media and online communities has allowed contemporary LGBTQI youth the unprecedented opportunity to obtain sexual health information and emotional support, while building interpersonal relationships and establishing a sense of self. While the “coming out” process and the public exhibition of “pride” has been the primary focus of the contemporary gay rights movement, less attention has been paid to young people who are unable or unwilling to explore their sexuality. As the LGBTQI community is fragmented across racial, geographic, economic, generational, and national lines, the social acceptability of queerness varies accordingly. Youth are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of prejudice. According to the statistics, emotional and physical harassment, homelessness, and suicide are just a few of
the outcomes for which they are at greater risk. Those further marginalized by socioeconomic status, disability, geographic residence, or religion tend to also face the greatest repercussions for leaving the closet. And though those living in metropolitan areas or attending university may encounter significantly higher rates of sexual diversity, the threat of bias, bullying, or even violence is ever-present. Whether they are hesitant to upset their family or concerned about reprisals from their community, young people deserve the privacy to explore their sexuality on their own terms and the right to come out on their own time.
increasing numbers of queer and questioning youth have turned to social media for anonymous sources of support and knowledge. They seek out blogs, message forums, and
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