The LGBTQ+ guide
to online safety.

We at vpnMentor conducted a survey in which we asked 695 LGBTQ+ people worldwide about their experiences online as they relate to their sexual orientation and gender identity. The results – referenced throughout this article – illuminated the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

Here are some of our key findings:+

Finding Community Online

We at vpnMentor conducted a survey in which we asked 695 LGBTQ+ people worldwide about their experiences online

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75 %

Trump

25 %

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Key findings

We at vpnMentor conducted a survey in which we asked 695 LGBTQ+ people worldwide about their experiences online

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73%
Of all respondents in all categories of gender identity and sexual orientation have been personally attacked or harassed online.
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50%
Transgender women are the most likely to be outed against their will online, while cisgender men are least likely.
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100%
When it comes to sexual orientation, asexual people feel the least safe online, and gay men the safest.
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21
Of all respondents in all categories of gender identity and sexual orientation have suffered sexual harassment online.

How to Not Get Hacked

Unfortunately, it’s not just physical theft that could expose your private photos and information. Hackers are becoming incredibly sophisticated and can find your intimate information without you even knowing it.

Install antivirus software
Install antivirus software
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Only download apps from trusted users.
Only download apps from trusted users.
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Regularly update your apps
Regularly update your apps
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Always use a VPN
Always use a VPN
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Use two-factor authentication (2FA)
Use two-factor authentication (2FA)
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Install antivirus software
Install antivirus software
At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia animi,

Cyberbullying on Social Media

Today social media is our main form of communication on the internet, and for LGBTQ+ people – especially those who are not supported by their families or friends – social media may be the only place they can find a loving, supportive community.

Unfortunately, social media is also rife with bullying. Studies have even shown that, due to the fact that not having to face their victim in person emboldens many abusers, bullying is much more widespread online than in real life.

Research has also shown that cyberbullying causes depression, and many victims turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as drugs, alcohol, and self-injury.

Today social media is our main form of communication on the internet, and for LGBTQ+ people – especially those who are not supported by their families or friends – social media may be the only place they can find a loving, supportive community.

Unfortunately, social media is also rife with bullying. Studies have even shown that, due to the fact that not having to face their victim in person emboldens many abusers, bullying is much more widespread online than in real life.

Research has also shown that cyberbullying causes depression, and many victims turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as drugs, alcohol, and self-injury.

Other Ways to Silence Haters

When blocking someone online is not an option, there are other steps you can take to limit your exposure to them. Any of the following tactics can help you take control online:

1
Manually remove comments on your posts.
Most sites allow you delete specific comments, so you can remove the offensive responses quickly.
4
Manually remove comments on your posts.
Most sites allow you delete specific comments, so you can remove the offensive responses quickly.
2
Report the incident to the platform.
If you don’t want it to be obvious that it was you who took action, reporting allows you to anonymously flag the issue, so the company can take action.
5
Report the incident to the platform.
If you don’t want it to be obvious that it was you who took action, reporting allows you to anonymously flag the issue, so the company can take action.
3
Create private lists and groups.
Most social networks have a feature to make messages, posts or groups private. By doing this, you can choose to include people you trust and keep potentially sensitive conversations away from harassers.
6
Create private lists and groups.
Most social networks have a feature to make messages, posts or groups private. By doing this, you can choose to include people you trust and keep potentially sensitive conversations away from harassers.

Dating While Queer

Online dating is a huge part of modern relationships. Apps, dating websites, and social media all provide a platform for folks of any gender or orientation to meet, hook up, or fall in love.

Many of the people we interviewed who are in happy, long-term relationships met their partners on the web.

Ronnie found the love of her life online. “Once I decided to just talk to someone who I had judged was way out of my league. After a couple of weeks she asked me on a date […] now 6 months later, I’m so unbelievably in love.”

Unfortunately, however, online dating sites can be hives for sexual harassment.

In the survey we conducted, more than 50% of respondents who identify as gay, lesbian, queer, asexual, or bisexual/pansexual suffered sexual harassment online.

Similar studies revealed that sexual harassment affects a third of LGBTQ youth – four times as many as cis-hetero youth.

How to Not Get Hacked

Install antivirus software
Install antivirus software
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi aspernatur aut odit aut fugit
Install antivirus software
Install antivirus software
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi aspernatur aut odit aut fugit
Install antivirus software
Install antivirus software
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi aspernatur aut odit aut fugit
Install antivirus software
Install antivirus software
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi aspernatur aut odit aut fugit

Key findings

We at vpnMentor conducted a survey in which we asked 695 LGBTQ+ people worldwide about their experiences online

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FAQS

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¡Thank you for reading!

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