The DOI matches its Crossref record; 48 of the 51 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.
It’s my safe space: The life-saving role of the internet in the lives of transgender and gender diverse youth
Open accessAbstract
Background: Public awareness of Transgender and Gender Diverse (TGD) identities has grown significantly; however, acceptance and support remain elusive for many TGD youth. Resultant experiences of marginalization and stigmatization contribute to elevated rates of psychological distress and suicidality among TGD youth. Emergent evidence suggests that the internet may offer TGD youth safety, support, and community previously unavailable.Aim: The primary aim of this qualitative inquiry is to engage in an in-depth exploration of the online experiences and processes which help protect against psychological distress and promote well-being among TGD youth.Methods: Data were culled from a mixed-methods, online study of sexual and gender minority youth from across the United States and Canada which followed Institutional Review Board approved protocols. Participants for this study represent a sample (n = 260) of TGD participants aged 14–22 (x̄ = 17.30). Data were analyzed using Charmaz’ grounded theory strategies.Results: Data revealed that the internet offers TGD youth affirming spaces that, for the most part, do not exist in their offline lives. Online, TGD youth were able to engage meaningfully with others as their authentic selves, often for the first time. These experiences fostered well-being, healing, and growth through five processes: 1. Finding an escape from stigma and violence, 2. Experiencing belonging, 3. Building confidence, 4. Feeling hope, and 5. Giving back.Discussion: The unique and innovative ways in which participants use online spaces to foster resilience offer important insights to inform affirmative practices with TGD young people.
Overview
The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.
Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Verification
Claims the paper makes
The claims and statistics of this paper haven’t been checked yet.
Run the check — free, no account needed. It reads the open-access text and checks the sources it cites.
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
The source backs part of the claim, not all of it — or backs it for a different population, condition or comparison.
In the citing paper
“these spaces are often the first point of contact for TGD individuals beginning to challenge or explore their gender identity [12,27,28].”
From A Phenomenological Investigation into Cyberbullying as Experienced by People Identifying as Transgender or Gender Diverse (2022) · cites this paper as [12]
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredThe source backs part of the claim, not all of it — or backs it for a different population, condition or comparison.
In the citing paper
“Many TGD individuals rely on online friendships and communities as their primary form of social support [12,28].”
From A Phenomenological Investigation into Cyberbullying as Experienced by People Identifying as Transgender or Gender Diverse (2022) · cites this paper as [12]
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredThe source backs part of the claim, not all of it — or backs it for a different population, condition or comparison.
In the citing paper
“The ability to live authentically and to have their gender identity acknowledged and accepted by friends, both those TGD themselves and cisgender allies, appeared to lessen the impact of victimization, which is consistent with previous research [12,25].”
From A Phenomenological Investigation into Cyberbullying as Experienced by People Identifying as Transgender or Gender Diverse (2022) · cites this paper as [12]
Experimental — accuracy not yet measuredThe cited source says what the claim attributes to it.
In the citing paper
“Online TGD spaces can facilitate a sense of community for TGD individuals who might otherwise be isolated from the wider TGD community”
From A Phenomenological Investigation into Cyberbullying as Experienced by People Identifying as Transgender or Gender Diverse (2022) · cites this paper as [12]
The cited source says what the claim attributes to it.
In the citing paper
“For TGD individuals, social support is a vitally important source of resilience and a protective factor against the effects of victimization [12,25,28].”
From A Phenomenological Investigation into Cyberbullying as Experienced by People Identifying as Transgender or Gender Diverse (2022) · cites this paper as [12]
The cited source says what the claim attributes to it.
In the citing paper
“Specifically, creating and leveraging safer, affirming spaces [6, 75, 76], reducing barriers to mental health services, supporting community-based interventions, and delivering evidence-based interventions tailored to SGMY identities, experiences, and mental health needs [77], can reduce the risks of suicide [8].”
From Suicide among youth and young adults in Canada: bereaved parents' perspectives on the systems of care (2025) · cites this paper as [75]
The cited source says what the claim attributes to it.
In the citing paper
“Being able to live authentically and true to their gender identity is critical for the mental health and wellbeing of TGD individuals of all ages”
From A Phenomenological Investigation into Cyberbullying as Experienced by People Identifying as Transgender or Gender Diverse (2022) · cites this paper as [12]
The cited source says what the claim attributes to it.
In the citing paper
“having access to online spaces often provides this opportunity even when this may not be an option in their offline lives [12].”
From A Phenomenological Investigation into Cyberbullying as Experienced by People Identifying as Transgender or Gender Diverse (2022) · cites this paper as [12]
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
The self-check needs the paper’s full text.
Citations
Cites
(2014) · Cited by 15,747
Meyer, I. H. (2003) · Psychological Bulletin · doi:10.1037/0033-2909.129.5.674 · Cited by 14,736
TARGET ARTICLE: "Posttraumatic Growth: Conceptual Foundations and Empirical Evidence"
Tedeschi, R. G., & Calhoun, L. G. (2004) · Psychological Inquiry · doi:10.1207/s15327965pli1501_01 · Cited by 7,154
The interpersonal theory of suicide.
Van Orden, K. A., Witte, T. K., Cukrowicz, K. C., Braithwaite, S. R., Selby, E. A., & Joiner, T. E. (2010) · Psychological Review · doi:10.1037/a0018697 · Cited by 5,292 · cited 4×
“Later memos revolved around understanding the relationships among themes, particularly within the context of the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (Joiner, 2005; Van Orden et al., 2010).”
BackgroundInfluentialKessler, R. C., Petukhova, M., Sampson, N. A., Zaslavsky, A. M., & Wittchen, H. (2012) · International Journal of Methods in Psychiatric Research · doi:10.1002/mpr.1359 · Cited by 2,947
Joiner, T. E. (2007) · Harvard University Press eBooks · doi:10.2307/j.ctvjghv2f · Cited by 2,891
Hendricks, M. L., & Testa, R. J. (2012) · Professional Psychology: Research and Practice · doi:10.1037/a0029597 · Cited by 2,134
Family Acceptance in Adolescence and the Health of LGBT Young Adults
Ryan, C., Russell, S. T., Huebner, D. M., Díaz, R. M., & Sanchez, J. (2010) · Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing · doi:10.1111/j.1744-6171.2010.00246.x · Cited by 1,651
Resilience in the study of minority stress and health of sexual and gender minorities.
Meyer, I. H. (2015) · Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity · doi:10.1037/sgd0000132 · Cited by 1,152
Mental Health of Transgender Children Who Are Supported in Their Identities
Olson, K. R., Durwood, L., DeMeules, M., & McLaughlin, K. A. (2016) · PEDIATRICS · doi:10.1542/peds.2015-3223 · Cited by 1,052
Research works printed but not linked: 3
- 10.3109/09540261 · DOI
- Haas, A. P., Rodgers, P. L., & Herman, J. L. (2014). Suicide attempts among transgender and gender non-conforming adults: Findings of The National Transgender Discrimination Survey. Washington DC: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention & The Williams Institute. Retrieved from https://escholarship.org/uc/item/8xg8061f
- 10.1037//0022-0006X.64.2.264 · DOI
Cited by
Sorted by citations
Diamond, L. M., & Alley, J. (2022) · Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews · doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104720 · Cited by 412
Mental health of transgender and gender diverse youth
Wittlin, N. M., Kuper, L. E., & Olson, K. R. (2023) · Annual Review of Clinical Psychology · doi:10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-072220-020326 · Cited by 199
Craig, S. L., Eaton, A. D., Leung, V. W. Y., Iacono, G., Pang, N., Dillon, F., Austin, A., Pascoe, R., & Dobinson, C. (2021) · BMC Psychology · doi:10.1186/s40359-021-00595-6 · Cited by 88
“Although hope has not been extensively studied in racially and ethnically diverse youth populations, hope has been associated with positive affect, life satisfaction, and support from loved ones among Mexican–American youth (n = 135) [37] while grounded theory research has identified importance of hope among transgend…”
BackgroundReisner, S. L., Moore, C. S., Asquith, A., Pardee, D. J., & Mayer, K. H. (2021) · LGBT Health · doi:10.1089/lgbt.2020.0232 · Cited by 68
“The internet and online spaces are important resources for transgender people.(34,35) This finding demonstrates the potential power of social media as a health outreach tool and the key role it may play in HIV prevention for trans MSM in the era of biobehavioral prevention.”
BackgroundBond, B. J., & Miller, B. M. (2021) · New Media & Society · doi:10.1177/14614448211061830 · Cited by 49
“…individuals seeking information and connection, which may explain why an online survey of more than 6000 LGBTQ adolescents and young adults throughout North America found that time spent on YouTube outweighed time spent on other social media platforms (see Austin et al., 2020; Craig et al., 2021).”
BackgroundInfluentialLost in Transition? Digital trans activism on Youtube
Tortajada, I., Willem, C., Méndez, R., & Arauna, N. (2020) · Information Communication & Society · doi:10.1080/1369118x.2020.1797850 · Cited by 27
“Recent research shows that the Internet offers affirming spaces and relationships for transgender youth (Austin et al., 2020), although we acknowledge that the online sphere can also be a INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION & SOCIETY 1093”
BackgroundEvelyn, S., Clancy, E. M., Klettke, B., & Tatnell, R. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph19116560 · Cited by 38
“Many TGD individuals rely on online friendships and communities as their primary form of social support [12,28].”
BackgroundResultInfluentialLucassen, M. F. G., Stasiak, K., Fleming, T. M., FRAMPTON, C. M. A., Perry, Y., Shepherd, M., & Merry, S. (2020) · Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry · doi:10.1177/0004867420976846 · Cited by 38
“…online because prior work from Australia, the United Kingdom and North America has established that gender minority adolescents seek informal support online for issues pertaining to their mental health and well-being (Austin et al., 2020; McDermott et al., 2016; Singh, 2013; Strauss et al., 2017).”
BackgroundDeas, N., Kowalski, R. M., Finnell, S., Radovic, E., Carroll, H., Robbins, C. E., Cook, A., Hurley, K. J., Cote, N., Evans, K., et al. (2022) · Computers in Human Behavior · doi:10.1016/j.chb.2022.107499 · Cited by 39
Lucassen, M. F. G., García, A. N., Rimes, K. A., WALLACE, L. M., Brown, K., & Samra, R. (2022) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph19148738 · Cited by 36
“, (2020) [59] To explore what helps promote wellbeing and protects transgender and gender diverse youths (TGDs) against psychological distress (qualitative study) n = 260 Adolescents and young adults (14–22 years) [17.”
BackgroundInfluentialSocial media use and experiences among transgender and gender diverse adolescents
Herrmann, L., Bindt, C., Hohmann, S., & Becker-Hébly, I. (2023) · International Journal of Transgender Health · doi:10.1080/26895269.2023.2252410 · Cited by 43
Cesare, D. M. D., Craig, S. L., Brooks, A. S., & Doll, K. (2023) · Games and Culture · doi:10.1177/15554120231178883 · Cited by 32
“…while often brief, communicate hostile and derogatory views about SGD and other marginalized people (Nadal et al., 2016) and are pervasive online (Craig et al., 2023), threatening the well-being of younger SGDY who may not have yet developed adaptive coping skills (Craig et al., 2020).”
BackgroundInfluentialWallace, E. R., O’Neill, S. M., & Lagdon, S. (2024) · Journal of Adolescence · doi:10.1002/jad.12308 · Cited by 43
Increases in Self-identifying as Transgender Among US Adults, 2014–2022
Twenge, J. M., Wells, B. E., Le, J., & Rider, G. N. (2024) · Sexuality Research and Social Policy · doi:10.1007/s13178-024-01001-7 · Cited by 32
“…support transgender identification via providing role models, support and validation, and information to support healthcare decisions and family and community education (Austin et al., 2020; Craig et al., 2021; Hammack et al., 2022; Harner, 2021; Selkie et al., 2020; Tan & Weisbart, 2022).”
Craig, S. L., Brooks, A. S., Doll, K., Eaton, A. D., McInroy, L. B., & Hui, J. (2023) · Journal of Adolescent Research · doi:10.1177/07435584221144958 · Cited by 36
Craig, S. L., Eaton, A. D., Kirkland, A., Egag, E., Pascoe, R. V., King, K., & Krishnan, S. (2021) · International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being · doi:10.1080/17482631.2021.1961572 · Cited by 34
Escobar-Viera, C. G., Shensa, A., Sidani, J., Primack, B., & Marshal, M. P. (2020) · JMIR Mental Health · doi:10.2196/23520 · Cited by 24
“Prior research has described the importance of synchronous, text-based internet-based interactions for sexual and gender minority youth to find safe, affirming, and supportive spaces on the web that may not exist in their offline lives [37,38].”
BackgroundSpanish LGBTQ+ Youth and the Role of Online Networks During the First Wave of Covid‐19
Méndez, R. L. P., & López‐Sáez, M. Á. (2022) · Social Inclusion · doi:10.17645/si.v10i2.4950 · Cited by 21
“Most notably, LGBTQ+ youth can make sense of their identities using this form of communica‐ tion (Austin et al., 2020).”
BackgroundIntersectional Social Support: Gender, Race, and LGBTQ Youth Friendships
Robinson, B. A., Mu, F., Webb, J. M., & Stone, A. L. (2024) · Society and Mental Health · doi:10.1177/21568693241266960 · Cited by 26
“For LGBTQ youth and social support, research mainly examines how certain family, teachers, and other adults support LGBTQ youth (Chang et al. 2021; Day et al. 2020; Mun˜oz-Plaza et al. 2002; Snapp et al. 2015) and how LGBTQ youth find peer support online (Austin et al. 2020; Singh 2013).”
Renner, J., Täuber, L., & Nieder, T. O. (2022) · Journal of Clinical Medicine · doi:10.3390/jcm11041090 · Cited by 15
“Trans-affirming online experiences prove to be a safe space for TGD youth, allowing for safety, support, and community belonging, as well as an escape from stigma and violence [2].”
BackgroundArtistic expression as a source of resilience for transgender and gender diverse young people
Austin, A., Dentato, M. P., Holzworth, J., Ast, R. S., Verdino, A. P., Alessi, E. J., Eaton, A. D., & Craig, S. L. (2022) · Journal of LGBT Youth · doi:10.1080/19361653.2021.2009080 · Cited by 17
“Emerging literature suggests that engaging with others online via internet or smartphone apps may be particularly useful for the promotion of positive mental health and well-being (Austin et al., 2020; Fish, 2020).”
BackgroundCramer, R. J., Robertson, R. A., Nobles, M. R., Bowling, J., Cacace, S. C., Feinstein, B. A., & Rasmussen, S. A. (2023) · Journal of Personality Assessment · doi:10.1080/00223891.2023.2220400 · Cited by 14
“In terms of public health intervention, prior research has shown the importance of GM-affirming internet environments to cultivate hope, increase belonging, and reduce the likelihood of victimization experiences (e.g., Austin et al., 2020).”
ResultKlinger, D., Plener, P. L., Marboe, G., Karwautz, A. F. K., Kothgassner, O. D., & Dienlin, T. (2024) · Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health · doi:10.1186/s13034-024-00797-x · Cited by 25
“Particularly, the internet facilitates a range of supportive interactions from finding community and reducing stigma to enhancing self-expression and securing emotional and informational support [10, 35].”
BackgroundMussap, A. J., Clancy, E. M., & Klettke, B. (2023) · Journal of LGBTQ Issues in Counseling · doi:10.1080/26924951.2023.2227020 · Cited by 10
Curth, W., & Mayeux, L. (2024) · International Journal of Transgender Health · doi:10.1080/26895269.2024.2443744 · Cited by 12
Iacono, G., Holle, L. M., Loveland, E. K., Borel, C., Horton, E., Olson, H. E., Craig, S. L., & Bietsch, B. (2023) · Qualitative Social Work · doi:10.1177/14733250231194783 · Cited by 15
“A third space offers accessibility to a socially constructed reality, which offers greater refuge from stigma, discrimination, and violence that cause disproportionate rates of psychological distress among LGBTQIA+ youth (Austin et al., 2020).”
Fantasy Worlds, Real-Life Impact: The Benefits of RPGs for Transgender Identity Exploration
Wert, S. V., & Howansky, K. (2024) · Journal of Homosexuality · doi:10.1080/00918369.2024.2320242 · Cited by 11
“For TGNC youth, online environments provide an escape from stigma and enable meaningful social engagement as their authentic selves (Austin et al., 2020).”
The Two Revolutions: A History of the Transgender Internet
Fuller, K. (2024) · Gender Technology and Development · doi:10.1080/09718524.2024.2424588 · Cited by 9
“…have had and still do reject or abuse their children for being LGBTQ+, social media creates a way for youth to resist transphobia by cautiously exploring gender, communal support, and gathering information about transitioning (and independence), literally saving their lives (Austin et al., 2020).”
Jayne, P. E., Szucs, L. E., Lesesne, C. A., Grose, R. G., & Johns, M. M. (2024) · Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health · doi:10.1111/psrh.12258 · Cited by 9
Exploring gender diverse young adults’ gender identity development in online LGBTQIA + communities
Cronesberry, K., & Ward, L. (2024) · International Journal of Transgender Health · doi:10.1080/26895269.2024.2344534 · Cited by 8
“The findings of this study influenced their future work which explored why online spaces are safer for gender diverse youth and found that online spaces provide a critical lifeline (Austin et al., 2020).”
Kourgiantakis, T., Cooper, D., Cooper, D., Craig, S., Lee, E., Jones, J., Lau, C. K. Y., Tousignant, R.-N., Singer, J. B., Johnstone, M., et al. (2025) · International Journal of Mental Health Systems · doi:10.1186/s13033-025-00680-y · Cited by 7
“Specifically, creating and leveraging safer, affirming spaces [6, 75, 76], reducing barriers to mental health services, supporting community-based interventions, and delivering evidence-based interventions tailored to SGMY identities, experiences, and mental health needs [77], can reduce the risks…”
Konishi, C., Madriz, L. F. V., & Tesolin, J. (2025) · Journal of Research on Technology in Education · doi:10.1080/15391523.2025.2455054 · Cited by 10
“…and educational institutions committed to youth well-being focus their efforts further exploring how the SEL approaches can be integrated into digital technologies to fosters equity, diversity, and the inclusion of the needs and experiences of youth (Austin et al., 2020; Bharucha, 2018).”
Katz‐Wise, S. L., Godwin, E. G., Medzhitova, Y., Moore, L., Parsa, N., Hill, A. L., Oparah, N., Bogart, L. M., Rosal, M. C., Sansfaçon, A. P., et al. (2024) · Journal of Family Psychology · doi:10.1037/fam0001262 · Cited by 6
“Mutual support from others with similar experiences is a key avenue of support for marginalized youth and families (Asakura, 2017; Austin et al., 2020).”
BackgroundMason, M. E., Curtis, M. G., Floresca, Y. B., Kelsey, S. W., Davoudpour, S., Jayne, N. A., & Phillips, G. (2025) · Social Science & Medicine · doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.117748 · Cited by 11
Médico, D. (2021) · International Journal of Child and Adolescent Resilience · doi:10.7202/1082073ar · Cited by 8
Social Support Networks within Transgender Facebook Groups: Facing a “Therapeutic Shield” in France
Armangau, Y., & Figeac, J. (2021) · Emerald Group Publishing Limited eBooks · doi:10.1108/s1529-212620210000032014 · Cited by 6
Alessi, E. J., Cheung, S., Dentato, M. P., Eaton, A. D., & Craig, S. L. (2022) · Emerging Adulthood · doi:10.1177/21676968221087072 · Cited by 4
“In studies of LGBTQ+ youth speci fi cally, which included LGBTQ+ emerging adults, ICTs have been shown to assist in providing af fi rmative spaces, promoting resilience, and improving self-esteem (Austin et al., 2020; Wagaman et al., 2020).”
BackgroundBrinkman, L., & Francot, R. (2022) · IntechOpen eBooks · doi:10.5772/intechopen.108208 · Cited by 4
Vietnamese LGBTQ Youth’s Transition to Adulthood: Expressions of Agency
Mai, Y. (2023) · Young · doi:10.1177/11033088231205155 · Cited by 4
“Social media platforms and the internet are unique, life-saving spaces (Austin et al., 2020) where youth can connect, express themselves, and access information and resources that are unavailable offline.”
BackgroundCalleros, L., Emetu, R. E., & Missari, S. (2022) · Health Education Journal · doi:10.1177/00178969221128639 · Cited by 3
“, 2019); and (7) social considerations, such as terminology, communication and the creation and development of welcoming spaces (Austin et al., 2020).”
BackgroundNegotiating practices of female students in a maritime university
Pedroso, J. E., & Palencia, H. G. I. (2023) · Australian Journal of Maritime & Ocean Affairs · doi:10.1080/18366503.2023.2271256 · Cited by 4
“Consequently, it is crucial that educational climates promote gender equality and o ff er secure environments in which all students may study, (Austin et al. 2020).”
McAweeney, K. A., & Farr, R. H. (2024) · International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · doi:10.3390/ijerph21091206 · Cited by 3
“Those in spaces or situations with less LGBTQ+ support may rely on the internet to engage with the LGBTQ+ community [15,16].”
Problematic Internet Use and Technology Interactions Among Transgender Adolescents
Allen, B. J., Stratman, Z. E., Kerr, B. R., Zhao, Q., & Moreno, M. A. (2022) · Transgender Health · doi:10.1089/trgh.2021.0169 · Cited by 3
“11 TNG adolescents describe online spaces as opportunities to give back to online communities that have supported their growth and healing, 11 such that online engagement may be seen as paying forward positive experiences that facilitate identity formation and resilience.”
Queering Tropically: Sexuality, Indigeneity, Decoloniality, Spatiality
Benitez, C. J. R., Chwala, G. L., & Lundberg, A. (2024) · eTropic electronic journal of studies in the tropics · doi:10.25120/etropic.23.2.2024.4108 · Cited by 3
“…seemingly transcendental liberty it promises—for instance, being a supposed safe space for queer youth (see Woodland, 2000; Drushel, 2010; Lucero, 2017; Austin et al., 2020)—this space ultimately remains subject to the digital divide undergirded by unequal socio-material realities (Van Dijk, 2017).”
BackgroundAlkawaja, M., Molyneux, T. M., Guhn, M., Gadermann, A., Forer, B., Kassam, A., Konishi, C., & Oberle, E. (2025) · School Mental Health · doi:10.1007/s12310-025-09751-4 · Cited by 3
“These results corroborate existing research identifying these as protective and promotive factors for the well-being of cis-gender (e.g., Blum et al., 2022; Resnick et al., 1997; Steiner et al., 2019) and T&GD youth (e.g., Austin et al., 2020; Gower et al., 2018; Veale et al., 2017).”
Mistur, E. J., Crete, A. A., Scalora, S. C., Anderson, M. R., Chapman, A. L., & Miller, L. (2025) · Psychology International · doi:10.3390/psycholint7020032 · Cited by 3
“Social media, chat-based LGBTQIA+ support groups, and online forums are crucial for their social connectedness, sense of belonging, mental well-being, and identity development (Austin et al., 2020; Bond & Miller, 2024; Craig & McInroy, 2014; Fish et al., 2020; Jackson, 2017).”
Balfour, L. A., Maloney, M., Merry, S. K., & Evans, A. (2025) · Angelaki · doi:10.1080/0969725x.2025.2508598 · Cited by 3
Users’ Satisfaction with Internet Service Performance-Based on User Log
Ojebode, M., & Akhigbe, B. I. (2020) · IPTEK The Journal for Technology and Science · doi:10.12962/j20882033.v31i3.4210 · Cited by 3
Civilizing Parents in the Digital Age
Bucholc, M. (2023) · Juridicum - Schriften zum Medien-, Informations- und Datenrecht · doi:10.1007/978-3-658-39664-0_8 · Cited by 3
PS and Identity Among LGBTQ Media Users
Bond, B. J. (2023) · Oxford University Press eBooks · doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780197650677.013.13 · Cited by 3
Marler, W., Hsu, H.-T., Petry, L., & Rice, E. R. W. (2024) · New Media & Society · doi:10.1177/14614448241227851 · Cited by 3
Ledford, V., Cosavalente, H. P. G., Jackson, D. N., Carter, C., Saperstein, S. L., Baur, C., Balaban, A., & Fish, J. N. (2024) · Health Communication · doi:10.1080/10410236.2024.2370725 · Cited by 3
“Furthermore, the LGBTQ+ community’s reliance on the internet for community building and health information (Austin et al., 2020; Craig et al., 2015; Delmonaco & Haimson, 2023; McInroy et al., 2019) may make them particularly well-suited for messaging campaigns.”
Yong, S., Milton, A., Rosenberg, E. S., Chancellor, S., & Yarosh, S. (2025) · Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction · doi:10.1145/3757528 · Cited by 2
“Gender diverse youth have also developed their identities and built resilience through mutual support with similar peers through online safe spaces [8, 36, 38].”
Les formes de la solidarité sociale dans les groupes Facebook trans
Armangau, Y., & Figeac, J. (2023) · Réseaux · doi:10.3917/res.242.0205 · Cited by 2
Nothing for us, except by us – Support for queer ethnic young people in Aotearoa New Zealand
Nakhid, C., Long, T. S., Fu, M., Tuwe, M., Ali, Z. A., Vano, L., Subramanian, P., Yachinta, C., & Farrugia, C. (2024) · Equality Diversity and Inclusion An International Journal · doi:10.1108/edi-11-2023-0387 · Cited by 3
Woolverton, G. A., Stevens, C., Hahm, H. C., & Liu, C. H. (2024) · Anxiety Stress & Coping · doi:10.1080/10615806.2024.2383766 · Cited by 2
“…ers safety and belonging to those with marginalized gender identities, and this e ff ect may extend to those with racially minoritized identities, thereby resulting in increased internet use and possibly making racially minoritized individuals more vulnerable to excessive use (Austin et al., 2020).”
Quinn, T. F., Uhrig, A., Dermody, S. S., Hart, T. A., & Abramovich, A. (2025) · International Journal of Transgender Health · doi:10.1080/15532739.2025.2471903 · Cited by 2
Physical or Virtual? - A Qualitative Inquiry Into Youth Perception and Preference for Safe SpacesPreprint
Neo, P. H. M., Hayashi, M., Gan, S., & Lin, W. H. (2022) · Research Square · doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-2083793/v1 · Cited by 2
Doll, K., Craig, S. L., Lee, Y., Kourgiantakis, T., Lee, E., Cesare, D. M. D., Pearson, A., & Vo, T. D. (2024) · PLoS ONE · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0291539 · Cited by 1
Exploring trans youths’ future orientations as a product of experiences of dis/affirmation
Lim, G., Buckingham, P., McGowan, I., Grant, R., Amos, N., Anderson, J., & Bourne, A. H. (2025) · Journal of Sociology · doi:10.1177/14407833251314008 · Cited by 1
“Nevertheless, participants like Charlie were evidently able to envision a future self that has transcended their present dif fi culties, hinting at the especial importance of role models and inclusive representation for youths (see Austin et al., 2020; Selkie et al., 2020).”
The opportunities and challenges of digital media use for sexually and gender diverse adolescents
Maes, C., Karsay, K., & Noon, E. J. (2025) · Routledge eBooks · doi:10.4324/9781003479055-11 · Cited by 1
25 245The Digital Closet and Queer Community Online
Beaman, W., & Monea, A. (2025) · De Gruyter eBooks · doi:10.1515/9783111316857-025 · Cited by 1
Digital Social Technology and Social Connection in Youth
Sumberg, L. L., Ogle, C. M., Fisher, J. E., & Cozza, S. J. (2025) · Psychiatry · doi:10.1080/00332747.2025.2580176 · Cited by 1
The role of social media in social development of trans/gender diverse adolescents
Cowart, H. M. (2025) · Sexual & Relationship Therapy · doi:10.1080/14681994.2025.2605454 · Cited by 3
“…in which they are able to present authentically as themselves and be accepted” thereby receiving support that is not present in their in-person lives and potentially mitigating the impact of stressors (Austin et al., 2020, p. 41; Coyne et al., 2023; Jackman et al., 2018; Selkie et al., 2020).”
Influential“Like fitting a circle into a circle-sized hole”—trans adolescents’ experiences of gender euphoria
Richter, J. A., Phan, D., von Banchet, I. S., Brandl, L. D., Woggon, A., Noske, A.-L., Calvano, C., & Maurer, S. (2026) · International Journal of Transgender Health · doi:10.1080/26895269.2026.2629467 · Cited by 1
Feeling Safe: A Qualitative Meta-Aggregation of Social Safety Cues Used by LGBTQ+ Individuals
Katinaitė, R., Petručionis, K. A., & Žardeckaitė–Matulaitienė, K. (2026) · International Journal of Sexual Health · doi:10.1080/19317611.2026.2671432 · Cited by 1
Tassone, A. U., Breitenfeldt, K. E., DeLucia, E. A., Albright, J., & McDonnell, C. G. (2024) · Autism in Adulthood · doi:10.1089/aut.2023.0119 · Cited by 2
“54,55 Affective experiences Autistic adults reported experiencing more negative emotions and fewer positive emotions surrounding political experiences.”
Iacono, G., Holle, L. M., Loveland, E. K., Wu, E., Pan, C., Haggerty, T., Craig, S. L., Watson, R. J., Smith, J. B., & Bietsch, B. (2024) · Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal · doi:10.1007/s10560-024-01004-8 · Cited by 1
“Online spaces offer the potential for establishing communities that connect SGDY by providing shared spaces for mutual support (Austin et al., 2020; Berger et al., 2022; Fish et al., 2020; Lucero, 2017).”
Knutson, D., Soper, J., & Avance, R. (2025) · Journal of Health Service Psychology · doi:10.1007/s42843-025-00132-8 · Cited by 1
“In the absence of such resources, TNB youth often turn to online spaces to seek gender-affirming support (Austin et al., 2020), reaffirming the importance of digital literacy, the critical knowledge about how digital ecosystems work, and the ability to appropriately navigate digital spaces using…”
Les formes de la solidarité sociale dans les groupes facebook trans
Armangau, Y., & Figeac, J. (2023) · Réseaux · doi:10.3917/res.pr1.0002 · Cited by 1
Williams, S. (2022) · ThinkIR: The University of Louisville's Institutional Repository (University of Louisville) · doi:10.18297/etd/4030 · Cited by 2
Wilde, J. (2025) · QUT ePrints (Queensland University of Technology) · doi:10.5204/thesis.eprints.258460 · Cited by 1
Zwickl, S., Bailey, S., Chan, R., Murray, J., Skewis, F., Lane, S., Grace, J., Ward-Smith, E., Ruggles, T., & Cheung, A. S. (2025) · Research Square · doi:10.21203/rs.3.rs-7152164/v1 · Cited by 2
Beall, A. (2021) · TSpace (University of Toronto)
Bossio, J. F., & Diez, I. (2022) · IFIP advances in information and communication technology · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-19429-0_33
Trans Futures in the Present Moment
Eckmayer, W. G. (2023) · doi:10.15760/honors.1413
“Even still, there is evidence to suggest that online spaces have helped increase trans youths’ desire to live (Austin et al., 2020).”
Background(2023) · Emerald Group Publishing Limited eBooks · doi:10.1108/978-1-80262-301-720231007
Armangau, Y. (2023) · Questions de communication · doi:10.4000/questionsdecommunication.31210
Ofreneo, M. A. P., Alegre, B. R., de Vela, T. C., & Gamalinda, T. B. (2024) · International and cultural psychology/International and cultural psychology series · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-49230-3_3 · Cited by 2
Online sexual, reproductive, and transgender healthcare for LGBTQI+ youth: A scoping reviewPreprint
McLeod, J., Estcourt, C. S., Flowers, P., Gibbs, J., & MacDonald, J. (2024) · medRxiv · doi:10.1101/2024.08.06.24311547
Clancy, E. M., Thomas, B., Kelly, D., Hu, Y., & Klettke, B. (2026) · Technology in Society · doi:10.1016/j.techsoc.2026.103493
Craig, S. L., Brooks, A. S., Pascoe, R. V., & Egag, E. (2025) · Sexual and Gender Diversity in Social Services · doi:10.1080/29933021.2025.2471826
Loneliness and Solitude in the Digital Age
Tsang, Y., & Ho, S. (2025) · IntechOpen eBooks · doi:10.5772/intechopen.1012738
Klinger, D., Plener, P. L., Marboe, G., Karwautz, A., Kothgassner, O. D., & Dienlin, T. (2024) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.26942628
Craig, S. L., Eaton, A. D., Leung, V. W. Y., Iacono, G., Pang, N., Dillon, F. R., Austin, A., Pascoe, R. V., & Dobinson, C. (2021) · Figshare · doi:10.6084/m9.figshare.14746329
Social Interaction and Connectivity in Gaming Communities
Uchida, P. M., Poor, L., Kadri, G., Santos, R. I. M., do Rêgo, G. G., & Marques, L. M. (2025) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-032-00325-6_12
Kreider, S. L., Harrison, L. E., Reece‐Nguyen, T. L., & Groenewald, C. B. (2025) · Substance Use & Misuse · doi:10.1080/10826084.2025.2601834
“This increased prevalence may be the result of greater societal acceptance of SGM identities and/or increased accessibility to explorative and affirming spaces, such as digital communities (Austin et al., 2020).”
Prokop, H. G., Brdar, N. M., Jodl, K. M., & Bornheimer, L. A. (2026) · Journal of Psychosexual Health · doi:10.1177/26318318251405035
The Impact of Lived Experiences on Life Outcomes Among Transgender Adults
Prokop, H. G., Brdar, N. M., Jodl, K. M., Bornheimer, L. A., & Palmateer, B. L. (2026) · Journal of Psychosexual Health · doi:10.1177/26318318261421291
“20 Although transitioning brought both positive and negative emotions, participants generally reported increased confidence, self-recognition, accept - ance, and improved mental health after transitioning.”
Weaponizing Transphobia on Social Media
Armas-Neira, M. (2026) · American Journal of Psychiatry Residents Journal · doi:10.1176/appi.ajp-rj.2026.210307
Bano, S., & Banerjee, S. (2026) · Journal of Homosexuality · doi:10.1080/00918369.2026.2650692
Vandermorris, A., Khan, N., Lijiam, S., TAM, M. B., Mazin, W. B., Begun, S., Wigle, J., Arafeh, D., Skelding, J., Carsley, S., et al. (2026) · Canadian Journal of Public Health · doi:10.17269/s41997-026-01185-y
Co-creating Intergenerational Collaborative Spaces: The Youth Leadership and Resilience Project
Powlick, K. M., & Vlasman, E. (2026) · IMISCOE research series · doi:10.1007/978-3-032-24486-4_13
Voicu, T., & Giosan, C. (2025) · JMIR Research Protocols · doi:10.2196/90093
Mental health impacts of anti-trans stigma on transgender people in Australia: a mixed-methods study
Zwickl, S., Bailey, S., Chan, R., Leemaqz, S., Murray, J., Lane, S., Skewis, F., Grace, J., Ward-Smith, E., Ruggles, T., et al. (2026) · Frontiers in Public Health · doi:10.3389/fpubh.2026.1906134
“However, reduced engagement may also limit access to trans-affirming online spaces, which play a key role in identity development with relative privacy and anonymity, social support and community connection (35–37).”
Stone, B. G., Saggers, B. R., van Leent, L., Yates, C., & Aberdein, R. (2026) · Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs · doi:10.1111/1471-3802.70149
Metadata
- Authors
- Austin, A., Craig, S. L., Navega, N., & McInroy, L. B.
- Affiliations
- Barry University (US)
- University of Toronto (CA)
- The Ohio State University (US)
- Corresponding author
- Austin, Ashley
- Venue
- International Journal of Transgender Health
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2020-01-02
- Volume
- 21
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 33-44
- ISSN
- 2689-5269 (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC7430466
- OpenAlex
- W3000113576
- Cited by
- 106
- References
- 51
- Citations by year
- 2026: 18 · 2025: 23 · 2024: 22 · 2023: 16 · 2022: 15 · 2021: 8 · 2020: 4
- FWCI
- 11.75
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- green
- europepmc.org
- Locations
- International Journal of Transgender Health (publishedVersion)
- Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion)
- PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (498466)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy
- Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Impact of Technology on Adolescents
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › General Health Professions › Health Literacy and Information Accessibility
- Keywords
- transgender youth, gender-diverse youth, online communities, internet use, psychological distress, suicidality, sense of belonging, self-affirmation, resilience, stigma, well-being, sexual and gender minority youth
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review
