11.5 Queer online communities and digital activism

Queer online communities have revolutionized how LGBTQ+ individuals connect, express themselves, and advocate for their rights. From early bulletin boards to modern social media, these digital spaces have provided safe havens for queer people to find support, share experiences, and build solidarity.

Digital activism has amplified queer voices, challenging discrimination and advancing LGBTQ+ rights globally. Online campaigns, hashtags, and viral content have raised awareness, mobilized support, and translated into real-world protests and policy changes, shaping both virtual and physical landscapes for queer communities.

Origins of queer online communities

• Queer online communities have their roots in the early days of the internet, providing safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals to connect, share experiences, and express themselves
• These pioneering digital platforms laid the foundation for the vibrant and diverse queer online landscape we see today, shaping the course of queer art, activism, and community building

Early LGBTQ+ bulletin board systems

• Bulletin board systems (BBS) emerged in the 1980s, allowing users to connect via dial-up modems and engage in discussions, share files, and play games
• Some of the earliest queer-specific BBS included the Gay and Lesbian Information Bureau (GLIB) in Los Angeles and the Gay Community News (GCN) in Boston
  • These systems provided a platform for queer individuals to find community, access resources, and discuss issues relevant to their lives
• BBS played a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging and support for LGBTQ+ individuals who may have felt isolated or marginalized in their offline lives

Emergence of queer Usenet groups

• Usenet, a worldwide distributed discussion system, gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, allowing users to post messages to various newsgroups
• Queer-specific Usenet groups, such as soc.motss (Members of the Same Sex) and alt.homosexual, emerged as spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals to engage in discussions, share experiences, and seek advice
  • These groups covered a wide range of topics, from coming out stories and relationship advice to political activism and queer art
• Usenet groups played a significant role in building global queer communities and fostering a sense of solidarity among LGBTQ+ individuals across geographic boundaries

Impact of Web 1.0 on queer connectivity

• The advent of the World Wide Web (Web 1.0) in the 1990s revolutionized queer connectivity by making online resources and communities more accessible to a wider audience
• Early queer websites, such as Planet Out and Gay.com, provided news, information, and forums for LGBTQ+ individuals to connect and engage with one another
  • These websites often featured personal ads, chat rooms, and event listings, helping queer individuals find friends, partners, and local community resources
• Web 1.0 also saw the emergence of online queer art galleries and literary magazines, providing platforms for queer artists and writers to showcase their work and reach a global audience

Queer blogging and personal expression

• The rise of blogging platforms in the early 2000s provided queer individuals with new opportunities for personal expression, storytelling, and community building
• Queer blogs covered a wide range of topics, from personal narratives and coming out stories to political commentary and cultural criticism, giving voice to the diverse experiences and perspectives within the LGBTQ+ community

Rise of LiveJournal for queer storytelling

• LiveJournal, launched in 1999, became a popular platform for queer individuals to share their personal stories, experiences, and creative works
• The site's user-friendly interface and customizable privacy settings made it an attractive option for queer bloggers who wanted to control their online presence and connect with like-minded individuals
  • Queer LiveJournal communities, such as the "Queer As Folk" fandom and the "Transgender" group, provided spaces for individuals to discuss specific topics, share resources, and offer support to one another
• LiveJournal's emphasis on personal expression and community building helped foster a sense of belonging and validation for queer individuals who may have felt isolated or marginalized in their offline lives

Tumblr as a hub for queer art and activism

• Tumblr, founded in 2007, emerged as a major hub for queer art, activism, and community building, particularly among younger LGBTQ+ individuals
• The platform's visual focus and reblogging feature made it an ideal space for sharing and discovering queer art, photography, and graphic design
  • Queer artists used Tumblr to showcase their work, connect with other creatives, and explore themes of identity, desire, and resistance
• Tumblr also served as a platform for queer activism, with users creating and sharing social justice-oriented content, such as educational infographics, protest art, and calls to action
  • The "We Are the Youth" photojournalism project, which documented the lives of LGBTQ+ youth across the United States, gained significant attention on Tumblr

Queer vlogging on YouTube

• YouTube, launched in 2005, provided a platform for queer individuals to share their stories and experiences through video blogging (vlogging)
• Queer vloggers, such as Tyler Oakley and Hannah Hart, gained significant followings by creating content that addressed LGBTQ+ issues, shared personal anecdotes, and fostered a sense of community among their viewers
  • These vloggers often used their platforms to raise awareness about queer rights, mental health, and social justice issues, as well as to provide visibility and representation for LGBTQ+ youth
• YouTube also served as a space for queer artists and musicians to share their work, with channels like "Queer Kid Stuff" and "Kat Blaque" providing educational content and commentary on LGBTQ+ issues

Social media and queer identity formation

• The rise of social media platforms in the late 2000s and early 2010s had a profound impact on queer identity formation and community building
• These platforms provided new spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals to explore and express their identities, connect with others who shared similar experiences, and engage in activism and advocacy efforts

Facebook groups for LGBTQ+ community building

• Facebook groups emerged as popular spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals to connect with one another, share resources, and engage in discussions about queer issues
• Groups such as "LGBTQ+ Fitness" and "Queer Exchange" provided opportunities for individuals to connect based on shared interests, identities, and experiences
  • These groups often served as virtual support networks, offering advice, encouragement, and a sense of belonging for queer individuals navigating various aspects of their lives
• Facebook groups also played a role in organizing offline events and initiatives, such as pride parades, workshops, and fundraisers, helping to bridge the gap between online and offline queer communities

Twitter as a platform for queer visibility

• Twitter, with its emphasis on short-form content and real-time communication, became a powerful tool for queer visibility and activism
• Queer individuals used Twitter to share their stories, experiences, and perspectives, often using hashtags to connect with others and raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues
  • The #LGBTQIAChat and #QueerSelfLove hashtags provided opportunities for queer individuals to engage in conversations about identity, mental health, and self-care
• Twitter also served as a platform for queer public figures, such as Laverne Cox and Lil Nas X, to share their work, advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and provide representation for queer communities

Instagram's role in queer self-representation

• Instagram, with its focus on visual content, emerged as a space for queer individuals to explore and express their identities through photography, art, and fashion
• Queer influencers, such as Alok Vaid-Menon and Chella Man, used Instagram to challenge traditional gender norms, provide visibility for marginalized identities, and foster a sense of pride and self-love among their followers
  • These influencers often collaborated with queer-owned businesses and organizations, using their platforms to promote products and services that aligned with their values and supported LGBTQ+ communities
• Instagram also served as a space for queer artists and photographers to showcase their work, with accounts like "Queer Art History" and "The Queer Archive" providing educational content and highlighting the contributions of LGBTQ+ creatives throughout history

Digital activism and queer rights movements

• Digital activism has played a crucial role in advancing queer rights movements, providing new tools and platforms for organizing, mobilizing, and raising awareness about LGBTQ+ issues
• Online campaigns, hashtags, and viral content have helped to amplify queer voices, challenge discriminatory policies and practices, and build solidarity among LGBTQ+ communities across the globe

Online petitions and fundraising campaigns

• Online petitions and fundraising campaigns have become powerful tools for queer activists to mobilize support and resources for LGBTQ+ causes
• Platforms like Change.org and GoFundMe have been used to raise awareness about issues such as transgender rights, conversion therapy bans, and support for queer refugees
  • The "Justice for Roxsana" campaign, which sought to hold U.S. immigration authorities accountable for the death of a transgender asylum seeker, gained significant attention and support through online petitions and fundraising efforts
• These campaigns have helped to build public pressure on policymakers, corporations, and other institutions to address LGBTQ+ issues and enact meaningful change

Hashtag activism for LGBTQ+ issues

• Hashtag activism has emerged as a powerful tool for raising awareness about LGBTQ+ issues, building solidarity among queer communities, and mobilizing support for specific causes
• Hashtags such as #LoveWins, #TransLivesMatter, and #BornPerfect have been used to celebrate queer victories, mourn losses, and advocate for policy changes
  • The #MeToo movement, which sought to address sexual harassment and assault, had a significant impact on queer communities, with many LGBTQ+ individuals sharing their own experiences of abuse and calling for greater accountability and support
• Hashtag activism has also played a role in challenging media representation of queer individuals, with campaigns like #GiveCaptainAmericaABoyfriend and #LetAyoHaveAGirlfriend advocating for greater LGBTQ+ inclusion in popular culture

Queer digital protest art and memes

• Digital protest art and memes have become powerful tools for queer activists to challenge dominant narratives, express resistance, and build solidarity among LGBTQ+ communities
• Queer artists and activists have used digital platforms to create and share subversive images, videos, and slogans that critique heteronormativity, racism, and other forms of oppression
  • The "Queer Nation" collective's "Queers Read This" leaflet, which was distributed at New York Pride in 1990, has been widely shared and remixed online, inspiring new generations of queer activists
• Memes, with their ability to quickly spread and evolve across social media, have also been used to challenge stereotypes, mock oppressive institutions, and celebrate queer identity and resilience
  • The "Gay Sounds" meme, which features characters from the anime "Ferris" expressing various emotions, has been widely used by queer individuals to communicate shared experiences and build a sense of community online

Intersectionality in queer online spaces

• Intersectionality, which recognizes the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, and gender, has become an increasingly important framework for understanding and addressing the diverse experiences and needs of queer communities online
• Queer online spaces have provided opportunities for individuals with multiple marginalized identities to find community, share resources, and engage in activism and advocacy efforts

Online communities for queer people of color

• Online communities for queer people of color (QPOC) have emerged as important spaces for individuals to explore the intersections of their racial, ethnic, and queer identities
• Platforms like Tumblr and Twitter have been used to create and share content that centers the experiences and perspectives of QPOC, such as the "Queer and Trans People of Color" Tumblr blog and the #QueerBlackJoy hashtag
  • These communities have provided opportunities for QPOC to find support, validation, and solidarity in the face of multiple forms of marginalization and oppression
• Online communities for QPOC have also played a role in organizing offline events and initiatives, such as the "Black Trans Lives Matter" rallies and the "Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance" conference

Digital resources for transgender and non-binary individuals

• Digital resources for transgender and non-binary individuals have become increasingly important in providing access to information, support, and community for those navigating gender identity and transition
• Websites like "Trans Lifeline" and "The Trevor Project" offer crisis hotlines, educational resources, and peer support for transgender and non-binary individuals
  • These resources have been particularly valuable for individuals who may not have access to affirming healthcare, legal services, or social support in their offline lives
• Social media platforms have also been used to create and share content that affirms and celebrates transgender and non-binary identities, such as the "Trans Day of Visibility" Instagram campaign and the "Non-Binary" subreddit

Accessibility and inclusion in queer websites and apps

• Accessibility and inclusion have become increasingly important considerations in the design and development of queer websites and apps
• Queer activists and developers have advocated for features such as alt text for images, closed captioning for videos, and options for pronouns and gender identity on user profiles
  • These features help to ensure that queer online spaces are accessible and welcoming to individuals with disabilities, as well as those who may not fit within traditional binary gender categories
• Queer websites and apps have also taken steps to address issues of racism, ableism, and other forms of discrimination within their communities, such as by implementing community guidelines, moderating content, and partnering with organizations that focus on intersectional justice

Challenges and controversies in queer digital realms

• While queer online spaces have provided important opportunities for community building, activism, and self-expression, they have also been sites of significant challenges and controversies
• Issues such as online harassment, censorship, and privacy concerns have posed ongoing threats to the safety and well-being of queer individuals in digital realms

Online harassment and cyberbullying targeting LGBTQ+ individuals

• Online harassment and cyberbullying targeting LGBTQ+ individuals have been pervasive issues in queer online spaces
• Queer individuals, particularly those with multiple marginalized identities, have been subjected to hate speech, threats of violence, and other forms of abuse on social media platforms and in online forums
  • A 2021 study by the Anti-Defamation League found that 64% of LGBTQ+ respondents had experienced online hate and harassment, with transgender and gender non-conforming individuals being particularly vulnerable
• Online harassment has had significant impacts on the mental health and well-being of queer individuals, leading to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation
• Queer activists and organizations have advocated for stronger policies and enforcement measures to address online harassment, as well as for greater support and resources for those targeted by abuse

Censorship and content moderation of queer expression

• Censorship and content moderation of queer expression have been ongoing challenges in queer online spaces
• Social media platforms and other online services have been criticized for disproportionately flagging and removing content related to LGBTQ+ issues, particularly that which is sexually explicit or politically controversial
  • In 2019, Tumblr's ban on adult content had a significant impact on queer communities, leading to the removal of many blogs and resources that were important sources of information and support for LGBTQ+ individuals
• Queer activists have argued that censorship and content moderation policies often reflect heteronormative and cisnormative biases, and can have a chilling effect on queer self-expression and community building
• Efforts to challenge and reform these policies have included campaigns such as the "Electronic Frontier Foundation's" "Don't Delete Art" initiative, which advocates for the protection of digital expression and creativity

Privacy concerns and data security for queer users

• Privacy concerns and data security have been significant issues for queer individuals in online spaces
• Queer users, particularly those who may not be "out" in their offline lives, have expressed concerns about the collection, use, and potential misuse of their personal information by online platforms and advertisers
  • In 2018, the dating app Grindr faced criticism for sharing users' HIV status and location data with third-party companies, raising concerns about the privacy and safety of queer individuals on the platform
• Queer activists and organizations have advocated for stronger privacy protections and data security measures, as well as for greater transparency and accountability from online platforms
• Efforts to address these concerns have included the development of queer-specific online services, such as the "Lex" dating app, which prioritizes user privacy and does not collect or share personal data with third parties

Impact of queer digital activism on offline worlds

• Queer digital activism has had significant impacts on offline worlds, shaping public discourse, influencing policy and legal changes, and fostering the development of queer communities and spaces
• The translation of online activism into real-world action has been a key factor in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and visibility, both locally and globally

Translation of online activism into real-world protests and policy changes

• Online activism has often served as a catalyst for real-world protests and demonstrations in support of LGBTQ+ rights
• Social media platforms have been used to organize and mobilize queer communities and allies, such as in the case of the "No Promo Homo" protests against discriminatory education policies in the United States
  • In 2019, online activism played a significant role in the "Taiwan Pride" parade, which drew over 200,000 participants and helped to build support for the legalization of same-sex marriage in the country
• Online campaigns and petitions have also been used to pressure policymakers and institutions to enact legal and policy changes in support of LGBTQ+ rights
  • The "All Out" campaign, which advocates for the global decriminalization of homosexuality, has used online petitions and social media to build public support and influence policy changes in countries such as Botswana and Gabon

Influence of queer digital art on mainstream media representation

• Queer digital art and media have had a significant influence on mainstream media representation of LGBTQ+ individuals and issues
• Online platforms have