Lauren Black: Finding ourselves online: Exploring digital sexuality education with queer youth

This study examines how queer, LGBTQIA+, Takatāpui, and MVPFAFF+ youth aged 16–24 across Aotearoa learn about sex, gender, and sexuality through social media. Drawing on queer methods, including slantwise research (Quinlivan, 2018) and scroll-back interviewing (Robards & Lincoln, 2017), the research explores social media as a mode of networked, peer-to-peer education.

Findings show that platform algorithms shape exploration, learning circulates sideways between peers, visibility does not equate to safety, and content moderation restricts access to educational material. These findings suggest informal digital learning evidences, rather than resolves, a gap in formal education, and that sexuality education should build digital literacy alongside youth participation in policy and practice.</p>