Part 1: Purpose, Context and Information
The toolkit has been designed to help users and different stakeholders identify, challenge, prevent, and report online abuse directed LGBTQ+ communities. This toolkit may be useful for anyone who uses online spaces but may be of particular use to members of LGBTQ+ communities, people working in an educational or advocate role, legal professionals and policymakers, people working in law enforcement, employers, and SNS convenors.
Which online spaces does this toolkit focus on?
This toolkit can be applied to any social networking site or online space, which includes popular sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, but may also include alternative and new SNS.
Which important terms and acronyms do I need to be aware of?
It is important to be aware of different terms and acronyms used throughout the toolkit, and for a basic understanding of the key issues and themes relating to the focus of this toolkit. Having an awareness of using the correct terminology when discussing a set of issues or when referring to a particular community is important to ensure informed, respectful, and equitable communication.
Terms relating to sexual and gender identity
Please note that some of the terms and acronyms described below may relate to areas of sensitivity. It is therefore important to use caution when discussing these terms:
LGBTQ+ – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer and/or Questioning. The + refers to a wide range of other sexual and gender minority communities, which may include but is not limited to, kink practitioners, non-binary, and people who identify as pansexual or asexual. When we use the term ‘sexual and gender minority’ in this toolkit, we mean to include all identities discussed within this framework.
Kink – this describes a wide range of sexual interests and activities, referred to as ‘fetish’ and/or Bondage, Domination, Submission, and Masochism (BDSM)
Pronouns (aka Personal or Gender Pronouns) – refers to word/s used to signal a person’s gender identity. People may use pronouns to signal how they want others to refer to them, i.e. he/him; she/her; they/them etc.
Terms relating to Online Platforms
SNS – Online social networking sites, also referred to as ‘social media’, ‘social networking sites’, and ‘platforms’
