Safe online spaces for LGBTQ+ young people ‘more important than ever’ ahead of social media ban, charity warns

A youth charity has warned the social media ban for under 16s could leave LGBTQ+ young people feeling cut off from communities and much-needed lifelines.

The Proud Trust that offers support services and safe spaces to LGBTQ+ young people nationally, says the ban could lead to widespread loneliness.

Liam Swanston, director of development and partnerships at The Proud Trust, says young people supported by the charity have expressed fears they will be left isolated by the ban. 

 “For our young people, especially those that are rurally isolated or have disabilities that make accessing spaces in person more difficult, not having access to social media is quite a stark, scary, isolating thought. They feel that online spaces where they’ve created a community and feel safe, are being taken away from them,” he says.

Ahead of the social media ban being enforced The Proud Trust has created a digital youth group to provide LGBTQ+ young people with a safe, accessible online space when in-person support isn’t possible. 

The Queer & Far digital youth group bridges the gap between one-to-one online support and physical groups and could soon serve as the only LGBTQ+ community some young people can access.

Liam says digital youth groups, like Queer & Far, offer a crucial sense of belonging and support to young people who are facing politically and socially challenging times amid rising anti LGBTQ+ rhetoric. 

“It’s more important than ever that these types of spaces exist that are safe for young people to access. They are particularly vital for those in rural areas, those not out at home, disabled young people, and anyone who feels safer online.

“A lot of young people worry about finding connection, especially when they don’t feel able to be their authentic selves in school when there is the risk of bullying and harassment,” he says. 

The Proud Trust is currently experiencing a surge in demand for its services. Last year the charity saw an 171% increase in referrals after the UK Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the terms "sex", "man", and "woman" in the Equality Act 2010 refer strictly to biological sex.

The Proud Place, the charity’s LGBTQ+ centre for organisations in Manchester, meanwhile welcomed close to 10,000 people through its doors.

In a bid to meet demand and ensure it can continue to support young people both on and offline The Proud Trust has launched a fundraising initiative called Pride 365. The campaign stresses that LGBTQ+ support, safe spaces, and advocacy are vital every single day of the year, not just during Pride Month.

“Young people need support 365 days a year which is why our community and services are available all year round. Pride’s really lovely to shine a spotlight on the types of work we do as an LGBTQ+ organisation but actually this work happens the other 11 months of the year when it’s not Pride too,” Liam says.

The Proud Trust is aiming to raise £36,500 through the campaign, which equates to £100 pounds a day for LGBTQ+ support over 365 days.

In addition to accepting donations, the charity has signed up to the easyfundraising website and app.  When supporters sign up to easyfundraising and choose the Proud Trust as the cause they want to raise for, the retailers they shop with via the easyfundraising website or app will automatically donate a percentage of their purchase to the charity, without adding any extra expense to their bill.