On Oct. 11, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is commemorating the 33rd annual National Coming Out Day (NCOD) by announcing the release of a new resource, "Online Communities and LGBTQ+ Youth."

"National Coming Out Day exists to promote a safe, inclusive and loving world where LGBTQ+ people can live truthfully, openly and without fear," said HRC Interim President Joni Madison. "As the internet has become an integral part of our lives, it often holds a critical role in the coming out process, especially for LGBTQ+ youth who can receive affirming support and grow into themselves in online spaces without judgement. It is absolutely critical to practice internet safety and put you or your child's mental health first, but engaging with welcoming LGBTQ+ online spaces can show us we are worthy of respect and celebration."

In the United States, there are an estimated 20 million LGBTQ+ adults and more than 2 million LGBTQ+ youth. Data conveys that while using the internet is incredibly widespread in the United States, LGBTQ+ youth spend an average of 45 minutes more per day online than their non-LGBTQ+ peers, and two-thirds of LGBTQ+ youth may use the Internet to connect with other LGBTQ+ people at any point in a given year.

However, there are certainly problems for LGBTQ+ youth. For example, while online spaces can reduce feelings of isolation among LGBTQ youth, cyberbullying is sadly still an issue. HRC Foundation observed in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System that 25% of LGBTQ youth, 33% of LGBTQ youth of color and 34% of transgender youth are bullied online or electronically.

"Online Communities and LGBTQ+ Youth" is at Website Link Here .