Trans youth and the importance of social media and online safe spaces

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November 29, The Conversation published an article titled, “Trans youth are already among Australia’s most marginalised. The social media ban will only make it worse.” This article, authored by project lead Professor Anna Hickey-Moody and research assistant Lizzie Maughan, considers the ways in which social media and digital platforms, provide a necessary safe place for trans youth to learn about themselves, ask questions, and befriend others as part of their learning journey.

Sam, whose experiences are shared within the article, have been collected as part of the interview process of this research project. Social media and the positive queer representation Sam found on there, opened their worldview and understanding of ‘being queer’. The Albanese government very recently passed a bill that mandates a minimum age of 16 for most social media platforms. Disregarding the very real need of social media for young people, especially young trans and queer folk.

A fascinating and incredibly important article, please give it a read.

- Alex Ciaffaglione