GLSEN finds LGBT youth are internet savvy

image from GLSEN's "Out Online" report

Bullying in schools has been a hot topic among media networks and programs recently. Notably, shows like Glee have been trying to get the word out that “it gets better” and to try and stifle those who would try and bring us down. Naturally, with 95% of teens having access to the internet bullying also occurs online. GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) released a detailed report earlier this month that delves deep into exactly how much bullying occurs online for LGBT youth.

 

Shut Up: Or How You Learned to Keep Quiet and Let Others Be Happy

With social media on the rise, and over 955 million active users on facebook and over 64 million blogs on tumblr, people around the globe now have a platform for free thought. Ideas are being exchanged, movements are emerging, and voices are growing louder and louder. New theories are being spread along with the cat photos and pictures of scanned sandwiches. People are finding others with common interests and experiences, and they are being assured that they are not alone. 

But just as people are finding others who share common interests, others are discovering those they disagree with. For every polyamorous pansexual, there is a monogamous monosexual declaring that having more than one partner is wrong. For every asexual who believes their lack of sexual attraction is natural, there is an individual who believes that lack of sexual attraction is a sickness. For every gay man seeking to marry, there is a conservative telling them their lifestyle is a sin. 

And this is where my story begins: