The physical space can be a hostile one for LGBTQ+ people and this can lead to feelings of marginalisation, exclusion and isolation.
. The artwork in this exhibition was created from a series of workshops with young LGBTQ+ people to discover the online spaces that help them feel safe, happy and provide them with a sense of belonging.
Bournemouth University researchers Jayne Caudwell and Frankie Gaunt asked participants to talk about the online spaces they visit and explored how social media and the internet can provide an opportunity for positive LGBTQ+ stories at a time when mainstream media coverage is often negative.
This event is part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science 2024 and was made possible thanks to funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), which is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The festival is an annual celebration of the social sciences and a key element of ESRC’s commitment to promote awareness of UK social science research to new audiences.