When it comes to identity, and especially gender identity and expression, the subject is still taboo in many communities around the world. Today, thanks to social media, models, often public figures, from the sporting or artistic world, come out of the closet and share their personal story with the aim of inspiring young and less young LGBTQ people to accept themselves and to realize that they are not alone. Mobile culture thus offers visibility and support to communities that have often been isolated and discriminated against.
The history of LGBTQ people and especially LGBTQ people of color is very little known and has not always been easily accessible. This history of human rights struggles is now increasingly present and accessible through mobile technologies.
“It’s now easier than ever to access knowledge that would have been nearly impossible to find just a few decades ago. And that’s incredibly important to communities that have had their histories systematically ignored.”
Whether it’s accessibility to digital archives on Instagram accounts like @BiHistory or GLBT Historical Society also on Twitter, or TikTok accounts like @ItGetsBetter, it has never been easier to have access to LGBTQ history. You want to know more? You will find 9 accounts to follow here.
Sebastian you are so correct that representation matters, and that the advent of mobile and open learning allows people who might be physically and geographically isolated to find a group of people that share the same community. This feeling of community is what drives us as humans to use this mobile platform so readily. I would recommend though that you take a look at Braden’s comments as well. A community online and using online platforms often become the victims of trolling and create opportunities for leaving hurtful rather than helpful comments. As a culture, we often hide behind the keyboard and do not speak as professionally as we should in some instances. How can you monitor these communities, and how can you ensure safety and a feeling of belonging in all?
The mantra of “representation matters” rings true as technology advances and humanity moves forward. I can imagine that having access to this technological and visual representation would help to overcome geographic-based discrimination, as many LGBTQ2+ individuals may find themselves isolated by the culture and traditions of their physical area.
I think it is important to also note that while amazing, these mobile technologies may also present a platform for the opposite perspectives, being homophobia and discrimination, to be shared with impressionable users online, shifting perspectives in other ways. It becomes even more crucial to teach mobile technology users to utilize critical thinking skills to evaluate information online, regardless of medium, and embrace the realization that anyone can post anything online. Thanks for sharing!
And June is Pride month! Happy Pride month everybody!
Thank you for this wonderful post, Sebastian. I remember a friend of mine back in the day feeling so alone after identifying as lesbian. I felt honoured that she trusted me enough to tell me, however, was overcome with emotion when I realized just how lonely she must have felt. Instagram, Twitter, and like social media platforms have allowed those to express their identities with pride, passion, and true emotion. I think back to how much this would have helped emotionally supported several of my friends, however, they too have found the openness of mobile culture to encourage and support others. I highly appreciate this meaningful post.