Each February marks LGBT+ History Month (founded by Schools Out) which sheds light on impactful LGBT+ people throughout history.
The theme for 2023 is “Behind the Lens” and signifies the community’s contribution to cinema and film from behind the lens, that includes the directors, writers, animators, choreographers or any of the people you don’t see, but who make a huge impact on the creative content we see in our daily lives.
The campaign calls for everyone to listen to and share LGBT+ people’s experiences, so we want to share some ways that you can do that from an online safety perspective.
How can I use social media to empower others?
Social media can be a fantastic way to get voices heard. It’s also an important and powerful way to show your support as an ally – by raising awareness and making positive change – even if you do not identify as part of that community.
On the LGBT+ History Month’s website, you will find a number of templates, such as social media banners, you could use on your personal account. You could also encourage your educational setting or organisation to support the cause and raise attention for the campaign by featuring them on social media too.
A small step could be hugely impactful. For instance, a member of staff in your organisation may feel empowered that they are being represented on their employer’s social media.
Continuing the conversation
According to our research with Stonewall, two in five LGBT+ pupils are not taught about LGBT+ issues in school or college. Therefore, the role the internet plays in providing information, advice and support in this area is even more valuable.
This LGBT+ History Month, you could use your social media account to share an image of a filmmaker, writer, producer – anyone #BehindtheLens – along with a statement of why you feel inspired by them.
You can also start more conversation about being a kind and respectful ally online with all of your learners, there are a range of resources available such as:
- Supporting LGBT young people online – We have partnered with Stonewall to produce this resource for professionals to support LGBT children online.
- Pride Poster – Display in the home or classroom to help young people “Own their Online Identity”
How else can I empower others this LGBT+ History Month?
These are so many ways to get involved in LGBT+ History month, whether online or offline! There are posters available on the campaign’s website, profiling LGBT+ creatives, that you can display in hallways and classrooms.
These posters are all about familiarising young people to the existence of LGBT+ people across all walks of life.
Top Tips for Online Activism
Social media and the internet can be a really positive space for LGBT+ young people. It can introduce them to people and perspectives that resonate with them; it can help them connect with communities that they identify and feel safe with.
They can take part in discussions and debates about topics that mean a lot to them and really make an impact, fighting for causes that they care about.
However, it is important to remember that social media and the internet, particularly online activism, can also take its toll on LGBT+ young people.
They might see opinions that they find hurtful and upsetting. The amount and type of content that they are consuming can make them feel overwhelmed, and they could be targeted through online hate.
If you know anyone who is engaging with online activism, here are 5 top tips that you can share with them:
1) Get informed – The more you know, the better. Read as much as you can, find the experts, look at different perspectives, and talk to different people.
2) Take a break if you need to – Although it is good to be informed, don’t ignore your warning signs telling you that you need to step away from your device for a while.
3) Be respectful – When you disagree with others, focus on the opinion rather than the person. Remember that hate and abuse are not okay (and counter-productive).
4) Ask for help and support – The more you speak up, the more people may try to silence you. Work with others and rely on your support systems. You can also use the block and report functions.
5) Play your role one step at a time – We all have a role to play, and change comes from us working together and taking one step at a time. Change might not happen instantly, but every step you take can make an impact.
Watch this space for LGBT+ online safety support
With funding from the DCMS, we are currently working with the LGBT+ anti-abuse charity Galop, running workshops with LGBT+ young people and allies. We will be producing a short film together, which will highlight the role that technology and the internet plays, both positively and negatively, in the lives of LGBT+ young people, as well as exploring the support and change they want to see.
