Swipe Right To Create Queer Safe Spaces Online
starobserver.com.auBy Tommaso ArmstrongSocial platforms and dating apps play a large part in the modern queer experience. They’re spaces where we queer people can interact with friends, express ourselves, meet new people and connect to the community.
For many, these online spaces provide a space where we can learn about being queer, and find supportive peers. The ability to do these things online is crucial for those who wouldn’t be safe or comfortable doing so in the physical realm.
Despite the many benefits of social platforms to the queer community, I don’t need to tell you that they also have plenty of negatives.Image: They weren’t just talking about harassment or hate they see from outside the queer community (although that is a separate issue) but negative interactions within the queer community.Instagram and Grindr both came up repeatedly as particularly problematic platforms.
Many I spoke to described how superficial Instagram can be and how the culture on the platform can make them feel inadequate.
