Finding Community in Digital Spaces: Positive Youth Development Opportunities for LGBTQ+ Young People

By Katherine Ross, Jacob Timmons, and Tommy Marzella

A positive community can help young people find a sense of belonging, purpose, and meaningful relationships. As we continue to learn more about the role of technology and social media in the lives of youth, we're uncovering how these platforms can be harnessed to support growth rather than hinder it.

​Just a decade ago, the dominant narrative around digital spaces was centered on harm—bullying, mental health issues, and a loss of in-person connection. But with growing research and insight, a new perspective has emerged: digital platforms, when thoughtfully designed and moderated, can actively promote thriving and Positive Youth Development (PYD).

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Flipping the Script: Viewing Social Media as an Opportunity
Early research often lacked diverse representation and didn’t fully account for the nuanced experiences of youth. Today, a second wave of research is painting a more balanced picture, showing how digital spaces can support well-being and development (e.g., Steinsbekk et al., 2024; LeBlanc & Loyd, 2022).

Organizations like The Trevor Project have long understood the potential of digital community. One of their signature initiatives--TrevorSpace—is a leading example.

What is TrevorSpace?
TrevorSpace is a global, online community for LGBTQ+ young people aged 13–24. What sets it apart is its dual focus on identity development and peer connection, supported by trained moderators who help maintain a safe and affirming space.

Through a recent collaborative project—supported in part by HEI funds—we partnered with The Trevor Project to explore how TrevorSpace could more deeply integrate PYD principles. Our goal was to identify opportunities to better support users in becoming whole, healthy, contributing, and joyful individuals.

Discovery Through Inquiry
We began with a review of literature exploring the intersection of PYD and LGBTQ+ youth, which underscored the need for strength-based approaches in digital spaces. Conversations with TrevorSpace staff and a Youth Leadership Team of users helped shape the project. With their input, we developed and posted a custom survey that garnered responses from 631 LGBTQ+ young people.

Though the analysis is ongoing, initial findings reveal the power of digital spaces in advancing both personal growth and equity for LGBTQ+ youth.

What We Learned: Strengths and Community

LGBTQ+ youth demonstrate strong personal values and social responsibility.

• 99% agreed: “I think it is important to help other people.”
• 94%: “I take responsibility for what I do.”
• 96% think about how their actions on TrevorSpace might affect others.
• 92% feel responsible for intervening when others are treated unfairly.

Digital spaces offer support, belonging, and connection.

• 89% feel a sense of community on TrevorSpace.
• 88% say others on the platform care about them and want them to succeed.

For many, TrevorSpace offers a lifeline where in-person environments fall short.

“I’ve often found myself excluded from interactions at school or home. That changed when I joined TrevorSpace. I now have what is essentially one giant friend group.”

​“Being on the internet as a young, queer, autistic guy can be scary, but TrevorSpace does a great job encouraging connections. The clubs are a great gateway to socializing.”

Online spaces create safer environments for identity exploration.

• 89% feel safe and secure on TrevorSpace.
• 88% feel valued and appreciated by others.

“TrevorSpace helped me find peace with who I am. I used to come here only to ask for help. Now I’ve made room in my life for hobbies and joy.”

Spaces as Communities
This initiative underscores the need to redefine our understanding of "community" to include digital spaces. For LGBTQ+ youth—particularly those facing rejection or exclusion in physical environments—platforms like TrevorSpace can serve as vital spaces for identity development, affirmation, and growth.

This project advances LGBTQ+ equity by acknowledging that in-person environments are not always accessible, inclusive, or safe. By centering LGBTQ+ voices in the research process and creating pathways for user-informed improvements, we’re working to ensure that youth have access to affirming communities—wherever they are.

Ways to Support PYD in Digital Communities

• Affirm Identity Development: Help young people identify digital spaces that celebrate their identities, especially when in-person options are limited.
• Encourage Exploration: Go beyond the usual platforms. Young people may find belonging in smaller, lesser-known online communities.
• Promote Healthy Boundaries: There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Help youth reflect on their needs and limits when engaging online.
• Context Matters: It’s not just about screen time, but also when and where youth engage. Is it interfering with in-person moments, or enriching downtime?
• Reflect & Ask Questions:
  • How do digital spaces support your relationships?
  • How do they help you explore hobbies or grow?
  • In what ways are you giving back to your digital communities?

The Trevor Project also offers helpful resources on digital safety tailored for LGBTQ+ youth.

Conclusion
Online communities like TrevorSpace are not just social platforms—they are ecosystems of belonging. They offer young people the tools to discover themselves, connect with others, and contribute meaningfully to a world that is often unwelcoming. By leveraging the power of these spaces through PYD principles, we can advance equity and well-being for LGBTQ+ youth far beyond the screen.

References

1. (2024, February). A report prepared by Search Institute for The Trevor Project. Naming and Nurturing the Strengths of LGBTQ+ Youth.
2. (2024, February). A report prepared by Search Institute for The Trevor Project. TrevorSpace: Where LGBTQ+ Youth Thrive.
3. (2024, February). A report prepared by Search Institute for The Trevor Project. The Strengths and Assets of TrevorSpace Young People.

Image Credit: Bongkarn Thanyakij

The Trevor Project is a 2024-2025 grantee partner of Health Equity Initiative, which also includes unrestricted funding for this blog post.  

​Author’s Bios
Katherine Ross, Ph.D. is a researcher and writer specializing in youth mental health and LGBTQ+ advocacy. She brings academic insight and compassionate storytelling to her work.

Jacob Timmons, MFA is a creative strategist and educator with a background in digital media and storytelling. His work centers on inclusive content creation and community engagement.
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Tommy Marzella is the Vice President of Social Platform Development & Safety at The Trevor Project. He leads initiatives focused on creating safer online spaces for LGBTQ+ youth, drawing on extensive experience in tech and advocacy.