Let’s End Digital Violence Against LGBTQ+ People

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, today - November 25th - Armenia launches the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. This year’s theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence against All Women and Girls,” highlights our shared commitment to preventing and eliminating the threats targeting LGBTQ+ people in digital spaces.

The digital environment, which today serves as an important platform for self-expression, information, and community connection, often becomes a space for discrimination, hate speech, harassment, and the spread of personal data. Attacks against the community manifest through insults and degrading comments, the circulation of fake or manipulated materials, coordinated campaigns, and harassment -creating an atmosphere of fear, silencing, and psychological pressure.

For many LGBTQ+ individuals, social platforms are not only sources of information but also essential spaces for safety, self-expression, and community connection. Yet, on these same platforms, they frequently encounter hostility aimed at reducing their visibility or silencing their voices. Digital violence exacerbates the rejection and isolation the community already faces in everyday life - in schools, families, workplaces, or public spaces. Moreover, online attacks often do not remain confined to the digital sphere; they can escalate into psychological pressure, the execution of threats, and physical harm.

For LGBTQ+ people, the digital environment becomes a space of both empowerment and vulnerability. That is why it is essential for society to recognize that online attacks are actions that cause real harm.

Digital security must no longer be viewed merely as a technical issue; it is a fundamental human right, and ensuring it requires a systemic approach. State institutions, civil society organizations, and educational structures must work together to create a safe digital environment, reduce hate speech, and prevent violence.

The “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” reminds us that no form of violence is ever justifiable. Everyone, including LGBTQ+ individuals, must be able to feel safe, protected, and valued both in real life and online.