* LGBTIQ people are people who are attracted to others of their own gender (lesbian, gay) or any gender (bisexual); whose gender identity and/or expression does not correspond to the sex they were assigned at birth (trans, non-binary); who are born with sex characteristics that do not fit the typical definition of male or female (intersex); and whose identity does not fit into a binary classification of sexuality and/or gender (queer). 

Participants, organisations, and professionals working on media literacy, sexual and relational education, and LGBTIQ rights explored the topic and discussed the role media literacy should play in creating an inclusive digital environment. It was a successful event, rich in constructive conversations and valuable exchanges. 

Numerous organisations, such as Crible, Pixiels, O’YES, Centre Ener’J, Action Médias Jeunes, Planning Rosa, De Ambrassade, Prisme, Çavaria, Gezinsbond, Kinderrechtencoalitie Vlaanderen, and Égalité des Chances de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles joined the discussion and mapped out the main challenges regarding online prevention and safety for LGBTIQ youth. 

The key challenges highlighted during the workshops included promoting inclusive digital spaces, such as online platforms where young people can safely talk about their identity, combating polarisation and hate speech, and strengthening media literacy among both youth and professionals. Concrete actions such as teacher training, launching official campaigns, and providing tools to debunk stereotypes will be analysed and included in a report to the European Commission.

Find more information about the work of the Belgian Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services, or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.