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thetransgenderwiki · 5 years

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Being Trans Online

While the internet, unlike the outdoors, provides little to no opportunity for direct physical harm to us, it is still just as dangerous. There are fewer consequences for what is said online, and this can is potentially very damaging for minorities such as transgender people - ESPECIALLY trans youth. Just as for all youth, the internet has brought as many opportunities for harm as it has for growth.

The dangers that transgender people face online:

Misinformation - There are a lot of people out there spreading information, both intentionally and unintentionally. This can be severely damaging to the transgender community.

Cyberbullying - The abuse, sadly, does not stop in the streets. People can say some really nasty things online, and being bullied is hard for EVERYONE, no matter your identity.

Manipulation - There are many people, in and out of the trans community, that try to use your/their identity/situation as a mask or a means to get people to do what they want. For trans youth especially, this could lead to compromising situations that could traumatize them in ways others can only begin to understand.

Exposure to sensitive/inappropriate topics in the case of trans youth - The internet is far from a sensitive platform of information or communication. The last thing we want is for youth as young as 10 being exposed to information about self-harm, or to stories or visuals of other disturbing content. This information and those visuals are out there, and in ABUNDANCE.

Exposure to dangerous individuals - Whether it is to a pedophile, a murderer, a manipulator, a kidnapper, or any other dangerous individuals, we don't truly know anyone online. This puts all people, not just transgender people, at risk.

Things we can do to minimize the risks for ourselves and for others:

Always research before spreading something - Make sure the information you're spreading has something to back it - whether it's a different source or making sure the original source is not outdated. In the case of information surrounding the transgender community, sometimes the cause of an argument is simply an opinionated person who has got the facts wrong. It can just be as simple as providing the correct information.

Be careful 'where' you are online - There are some platforms online that are full of hate - Tumblr itself has its fair share of unpleasant individuals. It is a case of avoiding these threads, or even the worst of these platforms, completely, and warning others about them! Reading harmful threads, or worse, replying to them can put you under a lot of fire that you don't need or deserve to deal with. Being trans is hard enough without reading hundreds of thousands of threads about what people say they "would to you" if they ever met you, simply because you're trans.

Be careful who you speak to online - There's nothing wrong with making friends online - it's one of the joys of the internet. But it's important to know who to put your trust into, and to know where you're drawing the line with them. If you're getting dodgy vibes, don't ignore them! You don't "owe" anyone online anything, and if you're putting your all into "friendships" online with very little back, don't be afraid to drop out of this, or even seek help. There are some horrible people online, so please, keep your guard up. This goes for anyone.

Know your triggers - If there are topics, threads, people or content that endangers you by being in contact it, try your best to filter it out! Many platforms have filters you can put in place to keep certain content away from you - don't be afraid to use them. Don't hesitate to block people who scare you, and DO NOT hesitate to know when you have to report things to the police if they get out of hand!

NEVER READ THE COMMENTS ON HATEFUL/'CONTROVERSIAL' POSTS, ESPECIALLY IF THEY PERSONALLY AFFECT YOU - Just don't. It's not worth it, and it will probably upset you more than you expect.

I know this topic isn't exactly "trans exclusive". However, it is very important. There are too many threads of transphobia across more platforms than one can count online. Transgender people already face higher mental health risks than the average person, and something as simple as blocking certain tags, or knowing when to stop interacting. might just save a life - and that life might just be yours.

What to do when:

You're being harassed online:

https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwjZ2-uxoc7iAhVvte0KHfxoChgYABAAGgJkZw&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESEeD2C74aVHB0VR9uBSo-VeH_&sig=AOD64_28gaw4636PLLsnwf2KbJFtXpdzYA&q=&ved=2ahUKEwi8reOxoc7iAhXBTRUIHfOGCgEQ0Qx6BAgLEAE&adurl=

https://www.seventeen.com/life/a14724/dealing-with-cyberbullying/

http://endcyberbullying.net/what-to-do-if-youre-a-victim/

Many of these recommend talking to an adult, as they are aimed towards a younger audience. In the case of older people seeking help, it could be just as helpful to talk to a counselor or a therapist if you have one, or even to START counseling or therapy if needed!

You're being threatened online:

https://www.lifewire.com/what-to-do-if-youve-been-threatened-online-2487763

http://www.legalaid.qld.gov.au/Find-legal-information/Personal-rights-and-safety/Safety/Threats-abuse-and-harassment

You're being stalked online:

https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwilodnEo87iAhUKsO0KHR7WCPEYABAAGgJkZw&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESEeD2901YONTQTVFcff3vns71&sig=AOD64_105u_rUzAiz0s357k7KcQ9dpvMSg&q=&ved=2ahUKEwjb_dHEo87iAhVxs3EKHeMhCrkQ0Qx6BAgKEAE&adurl=

https://www.stalkingriskprofile.com/victim-support/cyberstalking

You want to avoid certain content:

https://famisafe.wondershare.com/internet-filter/internet-filter-reviews.html

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