Connection

The internet has provided access to more variations in sexual preference and participation than previously thought possible: back-page ads have been replaced by Craigslist for those seeking sexual partners; elaborate collections of videos acquired from stores or mail order catalogs have been replaced by streaming content. But online connections have not only been about sex and finding sexual partners, they have also helped to build communities around sexual identity and provide support to isolated individuals.

Trans Youth Family Allies brings together parents of trans-gender children to help negotiate personal, legal, and medical decisions. The It Gets Better Project started a viral video series to help give hope to LGBT youth suffering from bullying, and continues to expand that support into activism. Gay social and professional networking sites bolster careers and bring people with shared interests together. While in the past social interactions were limited by the need for anonymity or by geographic isolation, there are now limitless virtual spaces to speak about sex.

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