Week 6 Notes: Sexual Identity Development in the Digital Age

Introduction and Content Warnings

The lecturer, Jacob Thomas, opens Week 6 on sexual identity development in the digital age (PSY2O14). He begins with a land acknowledgment for the unceded lands of the Kulin nations (specifically Wurundjeri, Wathaurong, and the Birrang/Naarm/Melbourne region) and emphasizes sovereignty that was never ceded. A content note follows: the lecture will discuss mental health, suicide and suicide risk, hate-motivated violence, homophobia, and transphobia. Students are reminded to look after themselves, take breaks as needed, and engage with the material gently.

About the Presenter and Orientation to Queerness

Thomas shares personal background: age 35, PhD candidate in psychology and sociology at La Trobe University (ARCHES, Australian Research Centre for Sexuality Health and Society). He explains he is not a licensed psychologist and is not pursuing clinical practice; his goal is to queer psychology and foreground queer perspectives in suicide prevention and broader health. He has collaborated with global bodies (UN, WHO, UNICEF) and received recognition such as a human rights award from The Queen (2016). He has worked across government and civil society in roles advocating for queer youth, mental health, and well-being, describing himself as a “professional floater.” He invites inquiries via email. He also introduces the concept of queerness beyond simple identity: queerness as a practice, a verb, shaping how we live and design technology to improve mental health and accessibility. A key quote from Ocean Vuong frames queerness as not just identity but a source of innovation and resilience that redefines one’s life trajectory.

Defining Queerness in This Course

Thomas clarifies what he means by “queer” in this unit. He notes that LGBTIQA+ and related acronyms are often conflated with queer, but some intersex and variation-in-sex characteristics communities request not to be included in the umbrella because such variations can be present before birth (e.g., prenatal development). Therefore, in this lecture, queer refers to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, asexual, aromantic, and others with diverse sexuality or gender identities who fall under a spectrum beyond heteronormativity. He emphasizes not speaking for intersex identities in depth in this session. The quote from Ocean Vuong is revisited: queerness can demand alternative paths and foster curiosity, contributing to broader societal innovations.

Historical and Public-Impact Queer Figures

Thomas introduces Alan Turing, the British mathematician who helped break Nazi codes in World War II and was a gay man. Turing’s work laid groundwork for modern computing and digital devices used today. He faced severe anti-homosexual laws in the UK and was given an ultimatum of imprisonment or chemical castration; he chose chemical castration and subsequently died by suicide. This history reflects how legal and social penalties for queer people have shaped lives and careers historically. He also introduces Lynn Conway, a pioneer in microchip design who was fired from IBM in the 1960s for undergoing gender affirmation surgery at a time when workplace protections and rights were minimal. Conway’s story exemplifies queer contributions to digital innovation and technology, despite systemic discrimination. These biographies illustrate how queer individuals have driven foundational tech developments that underpin today’s digital life.

Background Data: Mental Health in queer Australians

Thomas shifts to data to contextualize mental health in queer Australians, drawing mainly on two sources: Writing Themselves In Four (WTI4) and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). WTI4 is the largest survey of LGBTQA+ youth in Australia, run by ARCHES. ABS data come from the national census and related analyses. He notes that queer research is widely underfunded and ethically challenging, particularly research involving queer youth, which can delay approvals and data collection. He highlights ongoing gaps in ethics oversight and the need for more nuanced, inclusive research practices that respect queer experiences without pathologizing them. He points to the stigma and ethical hurdles that slow progress in this field, and underscores the ethical aim of beneficence in research with queer communities.

WTIFOUR: Suicidality and Lifetime/Eight-Quarter Prevalence in 16–17-Year-Olds

Using WTIfour (a primary source for queer youth data in Australia), Thomas notes the following for ages 16–17:

In the previous 12 months, almost frac{3}{5} = 0.60 of participants had seriously considered attempting suicide, which is more than five times the proportion observed in the general population sample used for comparison (from the Australian Child and Adolescent Survey of Mental Health and Well-being). The latter’s comparison is not numerically specified here, but the relative risk is highlighted as substantial.
In the same age group, more than frac{1}{10} = 0.10 had attempted suicide in the previous 12 months, which is higher than the general population sample.
Over one quarter, specifically frac{1}{4} = 0.25, had attempted suicide at least once in their lifetime outside the past year.
The ABS notes that queer youth experience disproportionate rates of suicidality and suicide attempts relative to heterosexual peers.
The data reflect significant mental health risk among queer youth, underscoring the need for targeted supports and the sensitivity to educational ethics and funding constraints.

Underfunding and Ethical Considerations in Queer Research

Thomas argues that queer research is underfunded, with ethics approvals frequently cited as a barrier for studies focusing on queer youth. He mentions potential bureaucratic and administrative hurdles that delay research progress and impact relevance. He also notes that if contemporary psychology training does not adequately prepare researchers to work with queer communities, there will be a gap in clinical competence when serving these populations. He references upcoming APRA codes (Australian Psychological Society Code of Ethics) likely to replace current guidelines, predicting continued need for more explicit references to sexuality and gender identity in professional codes. The message is to increase ethical, inclusive, and affirmative research practices that support the well-being and rights of queer people rather than stigmatizing them.

Trans Youth and Family Support: Victoria Case Study

Thomas highlights trans and gender-diverse youth support through Parents of Gender Diverse Children (PGDC) and Transgender Victoria (TGV). He notes:

Since 2016, PGDC has received over 3{,}000 formal requests for support (now approaching 4{,}000). The group focuses on families and carers of trans and gender-diverse youth, equipping them with language, nuanced understanding, and practical skills to support their children.
Transgender Victoria provides a critical network and advocacy. The lack of consistent, high-quality health care for trans youth is framed as a major gap in psychology and mental health services, with calls for better, more affirming practice in clinical settings. He mentions the gap between professional ethics codes and actual practice, highlighting the need for more concrete guidance for clinicians working with queer clients and queer youth.

Older LGBTI People and Homelessness

The discussion extends to older LGBTI people, where the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) study found higher vulnerability to homelessness compared to the general population. In the context of current housing insecurity and cost-of-living pressures, older queer individuals face persistent discrimination, family rejection, and cumulative trauma from past experiences (including the HIV/AIDS era). The point is that trauma and mental health needs can accumulate across the life course, and the health system must be responsive to these long-term effects. Thomas notes that trauma does not require a formal diagnosis to be valid; the lived experiences of distress are real and deserving of attention.

ABS Data on Mental Health Prevalence Among LGBTIQ+ Populations

Thomas reviews ABS data from the most recent census, noting that for the first time the census asked respondents to self-identify mental health conditions (self-reported, not clinically diagnosed). He stresses that the data show substantial disparities across sexual orientation and gender identity groups, with important caveats about measurement and methodological gaps.

Among LGBTIQ+ populations, lifetime prevalence of any mental disorder was very high, while the heterosexual baseline was lower (specific numbers are reported below). For transparency, he presents explicit figures from the ABS analysis:
Overall, for LGBTIQ+ people, lifetime prevalence of a mental disorder was significantly higher than heterosexuals (specific data points are below).
Gay or lesbian individuals show a lifetime mental disorder prevalence of 63.5rac{ ext{percent}}{ ext{?}}; bisexual individuals 80.1rac{ ext{percent}}{ ext{?}}; those identifying with other terms (e.g., ace/aro) 93.1rac{ ext{percent}}{ ext{?}}. These numbers illustrate substantial disparities, though exact categories are nuanced due to self-identification and census design.
For the 12-month prevalence, nearly rac{3}{5} ext{ (60 extrm{%})} of LGBTIQ+ people reported a mental disorder in the last year. In specific subgroups: gay/lesbian about 42.8 extrm{ extpercent}, bisexual 64.4 extrm{ extpercent}; trans and gender diverse people (the full catchment) show rates as high as 70 extrm{ extpercent} lifetime and substantially higher than cis populations in 12 months. Nonbinary individuals show markedly higher rates, with lifetime at over rac{4}{5} = 80 extrm{ extpercent} and 12-month prevalence also around rac{4}{5} = 80 extrm{ extpercent}. Overall, nonbinary respondents show the highest rates across both lifetime and 12-month periods compared to cisgender benchmarks.
The data also reveal that nonbinary people have lifetime mental health disorder rates exceeding those of both men and women by a substantial margin, and 12-month rates that exceed those of both groups by a large margin (e.g., >1:4 vs ~1:5 or less for cis populations).
These patterns underscore that queerness does not imply intrinsic mental illness; rather, higher rates of mental ill health among LGBTIQ+ populations reflect social, cultural, economic, and structural harms (stigma, discrimination, violence, housing insecurity, healthcare barriers). The overarching message is to avoid pathologizing queer identities and instead address social determinants of mental health and provide tailored supports.

Data Limitations and Methodological Notes

Thomas repeatedly notes data gaps: census limitations on gender variation and sexuality, the absence (at the time of the lecture) of innate variations to sex characteristics on the census, and the challenges of comparing self-reported mental health conditions to clinically diagnosed conditions. He emphasizes that data from large general population surveys can miss the nuances of minoritized groups, and that research funding and ethical approvals often constrain queer-focused studies. He advocates for tools and study designs that recognize heterogeneity within queer communities and avoid treating them as a monolith.

The Internet and the Evolution of Queer Connection

Thomas moves from data to technology, explaining his own experience growing up with the Internet and how digital life reshaped queer sociality. He notes that he was born in 1990, before the public Internet was fully realized, and recalls early technologies: dial-up connections, blocky websites, and pre–JavaScript/HTML-era experiences. He contrasts early online spaces (e.g., chat rooms on AOL, Craigslist/“personal ads,” AfterEllen for lesbians) with later mobile and social platforms. Early digital life offered faster ways to connect and find partners without outing oneself, but carried risks and limitations.

The Pre-App Era and Early Digital Culture

Early spaces included chat rooms and bulletin-board-like communities via AOL, Craigslist for meeting partners or friends, and niche platforms like AfterEllen for lesbians. These spaces allowed discreet exploration and connection for queer individuals. Thomas emphasizes how these spaces laid the groundwork for today’s digital queer communities, even as they now feel nostalgic or outdated.

The Mobile Era and the Rise of Apps; Societal Change and Digital Risk

As mobile devices and social media matured, queer communities found more robust and immediate means of connection, but new risks emerged. Thomas highlights a current political development: a proposed federal government ban restricting social media access for Australians under age 16. He acknowledges legitimate concerns about online harassment, doxxing, and safety, yet warns that a blanket ban could isolate queer youth, pushing them toward unsafe or less moderated spaces and potentially increasing risk for some groups (e.g., trans youth who rely on digital spaces for community and support). He stresses the need for nuanced policy responses that balance protection with inclusion and access to safe digital spaces.

Aussie Kids Online: “Tipping the Balance” and the eCommission Findings

Thomas discusses the eCommission report, Aussie kids online: tipping the balance—LGBTIQ+ teens’ online experiences. Key highlights from a large, government-commissioned study (average age 14–17, well over 1,000 participants) include comparisons between national averages and LGBTIQ+ youth:

Talking to people from different backgrounds online: rac{51}{100} = 0.51 vs national average 0.31 (51% vs 31%).
Making new friends or contacts online: rac{37}{100} = 0.37 vs national average 0.25.
Looking for physical health information online: rac{43}{100} = 0.43 vs national average 0.26.
Looking for mental health information online: rac{42}{100} = 0.42 vs national average 0.20.
Looking for sexual health information online: rac{31}{100} = 0.31 vs national average 0.15.

a) These findings indicate that LGBTIQ+ youth are more actively seeking health-related information online and using the Internet to connect with peers, often in safe, identity-affirming ways that may not be available offline. The results also reveal a higher propensity to seek mental health information online, reflecting higher perceived needs and possible barriers to in-person support.

Online Safety, Information-Seeking, and Identity Expression

The study shows that LGBTIQ+ teens are more likely to use online spaces to learn about the world, share interests, and seek support, with a notable preference for social platforms like Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Discord, Pinterest, X (Twitter), Reddit, and Tumblr. Online spaces allow the use of avatars and pseudonyms, enabling safer exploration and self-expression without immediate exposure. However, there are trade-offs: increased exposure to harassment and risk, and potential pressure to disclose or disclose dead names, medical information, or queer identities in harmful ways.

Benefits and Risks of Online Engagement for LGBTIQ+ Youth

Overall, LGBTIQ+ teens report that being online helps them be themselves more easily than in-person interactions—often a crucial source of self-affirmation and safety. They also report mixed feelings: increased opportunities for support and identity exploration, but higher risks of harmful interactions, sexting pressure, predatory behavior, and potential doxxing or outing (including risks related to dead names or medical disclosures such as PrEP/HIV-related information). The digital environment thus acts as both a refuge and a risk amplifier for queer youth.

The Grindr Era and Adult Queer Digital Life

Thomas shifts to adult queer online life, focusing on apps such as Grindr. He describes Grindr’s origin as a dating-and-meeting app for men who have sex with men, with features including location-based matching and image sharing. While Grindr has been instrumental in facilitating connections and sometimes sexual encounters, it has also become a channel for violence and hate crimes. In the past year, at least ext{≥}100 incidents involving harm or hate crimes in Victoria have been linked to encounters arranged through queer apps like Grindr. Attacks have included ambushes, physical violence, and hate speech. He notes that some incidents involve fake profiles that lure people to a location for assault or theft. These emerging patterns illustrate how fantastic digital empowerment can be, yet how dangerous misuse and hate can be when technology enables predatory or violent acts.

Tech-Facilitated Abuse, Privacy, and Consent

Thomas emphasizes that tech-facilitated abuse can manifest in several ways: coercive or non-consensual sharing of explicit images, pressure to send intimate photos, and the misuse of metadata and backgrounds (e.g., reverse image searches to locate someone’s home). He stresses consent as a crucial, ongoing process in digital sexual life, noting that some platforms (e.g., Tinder, Bumble, Hinge) position themselves as more safety-conscious than others but that queer communities often faced unique risks and needs. Quoting the broader reality, he states that while digital engagement offers a liberating space for self-expression and sexuality, it must be navigated with caution and respect for privacy and consent. He also remarks on accountability gaps in tech platforms, where responsibility often falls more on users than on the companies themselves, leaving victims with limited recourse.

Ethical, Practical, and Policy Implications

The lecture underscores several practical and ethical considerations:

The need for culturally competent, queer-affirming mental health services and clinical guidelines that reflect diverse sexualities and gender identities.
The importance of inclusive, representative data collection in national surveys to avoid erasing minoritized groups, and the obligation to fund queer research sufficiently.
The risk that broad social-media bans may disproportionately affect marginalized groups (e.g., queer youth relying on digital spaces for safety, connection, and information).
The necessity of responsible design and governance of digital platforms to mitigate abuse while preserving access to safe spaces for queer communities.
The recognition that being queer is not a mental illness; elevated mental-health risk is largely a social consequence of stigma, discrimination, violence, and exclusion, requiring structural and cultural interventions rather than stigma-based pathologization.

Conclusion and Practical Takeaways

Thomas closes with a reaffirmation: digital engagement is essential to a good queer life, both in Australia and in countries where being queer remains illegal. Humans are social beings who rely on community for survival, identity, and resilience. He emphasizes the ongoing need for safe, inclusive digital environments, supportive mental health resources, and inclusive research and policy that recognize the diverse experiences within LGBTIQ+ communities. He invites students to contact him with questions (jacob.thomas@monash.edu) and thanks the audience for their engagement this week.

References to Key Concepts and Formulas

Queerness as a practice and a form of life, not just identity; queering psychology as a critical approach to research and practice.
The difference between bisexual, gay/lesbian, trans, nonbinary, ace, aro identities, and the intersex/variation-of-sex-characteristics distinction in certain contexts.
Key data points in LaTeX form:
- WTIFour: lifetime suicide attempts among 16–17-year-olds: rac{3}{5} ext{ (0.60)}; 12-month suicide attempts: > rac{1}{10}; lifetime suicide attempts: > rac{1}{4}.
- ABS data on mental health disorder prevalence: lifetime prevalence by group includes traditional heterosexual baseline; gay/lesbian: 63.5 ext{ extpercent}; bisexual: 80.1 ext{ extpercent}; other identities (e.g., ace/aro): 93.1 ext{ extpercent}; 12-month prevalence for LGBTIQ+ group: ext{approximately }60 ext{ extpercent}; gay/lesbian 42.8 ext{ extpercent}; bisexual 64.4 ext{ extpercent}; trans and gender diverse group with much higher rates; nonbinary lifetime: > rac{4}{5}; nonbinary 12-month: > rac{4}{5}.
The prevalence contrast: trans people 16–34: rac{7}{10} lifetime mental disorder; cis peers: roughly rac{1}{2} lifetime; 12-month: trans near double the cis rate.
Proportional comparisons are used to illustrate disparities, not to pathologize queer identities.

Quick Recap of Key Figures and Concepts

Alan Turing: codebreaker, gay, persecuted; posthumous recognition of contributions to modern computing.
Lynn Conway: trans pioneer in microchip design; fired for gender transition; a foundational figure in tech, illustrating queer resilience and innovation.
WTIFour: suicidality among queer youth; strong signals of elevated risk in 16–17 age group.
ABS census data: self-reported mental health conditions across sexual orientation and gender identity groups; significant disparities exist, with nonbinary and trans populations showing especially high rates.
Aussie kids online (eCommission): evidence that LGBTIQ+ youth turn to the Internet for connection, information, and support, with important implications for policy and education.
Grindr and tech-facilitated risk: while enabling community and connection, online spaces can be used for harm, including hate crimes and doxxing; accountability and safety remain critical concerns.