SAN FRANCISCO, March 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — New research from Hopelab and Born This Way Foundation examines how LGBTQ+ young people connect to online friendships and communities to explore their identities, find peer support, and build lasting friendships. The report, “Without It, I Wouldn’t Be Here Today”: LGBTQ+ Young People’s Experiences in Online Spaces, highlights the critical role digital communities play in the lives of LGBTQ+ young people and reveals that digital platforms are vital in creating kinder and safer environments where they are more likely to be open about their own identities.

Amid evolving platform policies and legislation affecting the safety of LGBTQ+ young people, the report offers concrete strategies for building supportive digital and in-person spaces. The findings highlight how partnerships between young people and trusted adults can create kinder and braver environments that enhance well-being outcomes and reduce depression among LGBTQ+ young people.

Key Findings:

• LGBTQ+ young people feel significantly safer expressing their identities online, with 44% feeling very safe in digital spaces compared to just 9% in person. This disparity is particularly stark for transgender and nonbinary youth, who are twice as likely to disclose their gender identity online than in person (80% vs. 40%).
• LGBTQ+ young people rated friends — both online and in-person — as providing nearly twice the social support of family, underscoring the critical role of peer relationships for LGBTQ+ young people (63% and 62% vs. 33%).
• In-person spaces are also important for the well-being of LGBTQ+ young people. Those who reported access to in-person spaces that were very supportive of their LGBTQ+ identity had nearly half the rates of depression as those who didn’t (28% vs. 53%).
• 76% of LGBTQ+ young people expressed serious concern about potential government restrictions on LGBTQ+-affirming online content, while simultaneously prioritizing platform safety in their digital spaces.

Explore more key findings on our site.

“Our research reveals that online spaces are essential environments for identity exploration, support, and community,” said Dr. Amy Green, Head of Research at Hopelab. “As digital platforms evolve, policymakers and the platforms themselves must partner with LGBTQ+ young people to ensure safer, more inclusive spaces that reflect their lived experiences and needs.”

“There are a lot of discussions and debates happening right now about online spaces and young people, specifically LGBTQ+ young people. Unfortunately, far too few include their voices and actionable recommendations for how to improve these spaces to better support them,” said Dr. Claudia-Santi F. Fernandes, Director of Research + Evaluation at Born This Way Foundation. “Our research engages young people every step of the way, from designing the survey to interpreting the findings — ensuring their perspectives and solutions are at the center of this conversation.”

Study Methodology
This study was developed in close collaboration with LGBTQ+ young people at every stage, from shaping survey questions and refining language to interpreting findings and developing actionable solutions. The study captured insights from more than 1,200 LGBTQ+ young people aged 15 to 24, representing diverse backgrounds and experiences:

• 50% of participants identified as BIPOC.
• 29% resided in rural areas or small towns.
• 20% reported struggling to meet or unable to meet basic expenses.

Through in-depth interviews and survey responses, participants shared nuanced insights into the value they see in online spaces. Many urged parents, guardians, teachers, and allies to recognize digital communities as essential safe havens rather than sources of concern. The report revealed that LGBTQ+ young people actively seek partnerships with trusted adults to create safer, more supportive online and offline environments.

Report writing was led by Dr. Myeshia Price (Indiana University and the Kinsey Institute). Read the full report here.

About Hopelab
Hopelab envisions a future where young people have equitable opportunities to live joyful and purposeful lives. As a researcher, investor, and convener, Hopelab is dedicated to fostering greater mental health and well-being outcomes for Brown, Black, and Queer young people. Learn more at hopelab.org.

About Born This Way Foundation
Born This Way Foundation, co-founded and led by Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Bissett Germanotta, empowers and inspires young people to build a kinder, braver world that supports their mental health and wellbeing. Based on the scientific link between kindness and mental health and built in partnership with young people, the Foundation leverages research, programs, grantmaking, and partnerships to engage young people and connect them with accessible mental health resources. This approach comes to life through the storytelling platform Channel Kindness, the mental health training course Be There Certificate, the youth-led grantmaking program Kindness in Community Fund, and more, reaching thousands of young people around the world each year. Learn more at bornthisway.foundation.

SOURCE Hopelab