Today is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia and today we are so proud to tell you that our project LGBTIQ YOUTH NET has recently started and we want to tell you all about it.
We stand for equality and we stand against hate speech. Hate speech against LGBTIQ persons is so present, that it’s just embarrassing to see, hear and read such narratives. This is why, together with partners from France, Ireland, Ukraine, Denmark & us in Germany (Outside Media & Knowledge), we have analysed this problem.
Research shows young people need us to act against hate
Through our research we found that:
- Online anti-LGBTIQ hate speech is hugely present, perceived by both LGBTIQ and non-LGBTIQ youth persons (stated by >84 % of respondents)
- Young people (18-26 y.age) feel threatened and limited by this type of online hate speech (stated by >91 % of respondents)
- Young people need access to knowledge about methods and skills to combat online hate speech (stated by >95 % of respondents)
- Youth educators need access to educational programmes that are easy to deliver and to learn from, regarding methods of combating anti-LGBTIQ hate speech (stated by >94 % of respondents)
- Youth, youth educators and youth workers seldomly to never communicate, network or exchange knowledge and opinions about the matter (stated by >89 % of respondents)
- Upon COVID effects + now when peace is threatened, LGBTIQ youth are at even more risk: they might fall as a priority & radical tensions mean more hateful language being used & hate speech strengthened.
In addition to that, the reports from international organisations, such as the UN show that digital technologies have provided additional avenues for hate speech. Hate speech is any kind of communication, in speech, writing or behaviour, that attacks or uses pejorative or discriminatory language, concerning a person or a group based on who they are”. LGBTIQ youth are 5 times more likely to attempt suicide compared to heterosexual youth, with social media amplifying hate & dragging youth into isolation, depression & suicidal thoughts (SOURCE Un.org).
LGBTIQ YOUTH NET project
We felt compelled to do something about this. This is why the LGBTIQ YOUTH NET project will develop a new set of resources that will help combat anti-LGBTIQ online hate speech, which is on the rise. These resources will help the work of youth workers, including those working to support LGBTIQ youth. The resources will also support young people, LGBTIQ & non-LGBTIQ youth, 18 to 26 years of age to identify hate speech & combat it.
The LGBTIQ Youth Net project (2022-2-FR02-KA220-YOU-000097706 ) is co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the National Agency. Neither the European Union nor National Agency can be held responsible for them.