Social media platforms and online communities serve as valuable resources for gender-questioning youth to explore different identities and connect with supportive networks. Experimenting with different gender identities and expressions anonymously online can offer these youth a sense of safety, which is crucial for identity development and may encourage later disclosure to family and peers. However, online spaces also carry risks, such as cyberbullying, exposure to misinformation, and the potential for youth to be outed before they are ready. This study builds on existing research by exploring how gender-diverse youth (i.e., transgender, non-binary, and gender-questioning) navigate online gender experimentation and offline coming-out processes. As part of a broader study on factors influencing disclosure decisions, qualitative accounts from over 100 gender-diverse youth who attended a gender health clinic in British Columbia, Canada, were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings reflect both the benefits and challenges of online gender exploration identified in prior studies. However, participants differed in their platform choices and how their engagement influenced offline coming-out decisions. This study provides insights into how social media platforms and online communities can both support and complicate identity development and coming-out experiences for gender-diverse youth. Conclusions emphasize the need for safe, supportive online spaces and stress the importance of digital literacy education for both youth and their support networks.

Authors:
Julia Toews, The University of British Columbia, Canada
Kirsten Graham, Fielding Graduate University, United States
Teija Yli-Renko, The University of British Columbia, Canada
Wallace Wong, Diversity and Emotional Wellness Centre, Canada
Momoka Nabatame, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Canada

About the Presenter(s)
Julia Toews, B.A.(Hons), M.A., is a second-year Ph.D. student in School and Applied Child Psychology at UBC in Canada. Her SSHRC-funded dissertation and clinical work focus on supporting and understanding the experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ julia-b-toews-470188240

See this presentation on the full schedule – Friday Schedule

Bookmark