You're on the lookout for a Discord server to discuss art, but you're also part of the LGBTQ+ community. You've had hit-or-miss experiences in the past when it comes to inclusivity, so you'd like to be confident in the next community you choose to join.
A healthy dose of skepticism is a good thing, but having a few strategies in place to find the right community is even better!
NEW TO DISCORD? Check out this Byte on navigating Discord first.
Discord discovery
Launch the discovery search engine while logged in on a desktop (sorry, this isn't available on mobile!)
Click the 🧭 compass icon at the bottom of your server list and start searching: this list isn't exhaustive (only public servers with 1,000+ members may be listed here), but it's a great place to start!
Check out this search for "lgbtq": over 500 LGBTQ+ Discord servers come up that can be further subdivided by subject topic.
For extra confidence in a server, check for the "Discord Partner" symbol in front of the server's name: these are thriving communities verified by Discord! "Divine Sister LGBTQ+" is a Discord-partnered server found under the "Gaming" category to discuss the game platform Roblox:
Disboard tags
For even more servers, head to disboard.org! Disboard is a public server search engine which allows you to search based on tags that server owners have assigned. Anyone can list their server on Disboard, regardless of their size.
This search method is especially useful if you're looking to specifically discuss LGBTQ+ issues or connect with other LGBTQ+ members, but you'll also come across servers for other topics that just happen to be inclusive.
Tags to try searching for:
🏳🌈 lgbtqia+
🏳🌈 lgbtq-friendly
🏳🌈 safe-space
🏳🌈 friendly
🏳🌈 gay/lesbian/bi/trans/queer
In this search for the tag lgbtq-friendly, over 1000 LGBTQ+ Discord servers came up:
Rules and moderation
Does the server include rules that are inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community? And once you enter are they being upheld?
While the following rules come from servers that range in topic, they all foster a welcoming community:
Resume and cover letter reviews 📝
Mental wellness 😌
Study group sessions 📚
Quiz
Which of these points on a server's welcome page indicate an LGBTQ+ inclusive server?
Proactive features
Sure, you can always introduce yourself as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, but it's much easier to navigate when the culture is already established.
🔎 Look for clues like:
Friendly members welcoming you and not assuming your pronouns
Self-assign pronoun roles (with the option to pick up multiple)
Self-assign orientation roles (if applicable to the server)
An invitation to introduce yourself with your pronouns
A variety of identity flag and/or rainbow emojis
Uphold your boundaries
Even if you've put in the effort to find safe online communities, the internet is still a public space where anything could happen. If others are speaking to or about you in a way that threatens your psychological or physical safety, you deserve to be your own advocate.
🚩 If you're feeling unsafe: 🚩
Voice respectfully but directly that you won't continue to engage if they continue the behaviour
Report the activity with server Moderators
Block members who are being disrespectful of your boundaries so they can't directly message you
Consider leaving the community altogether
Even if a space once felt safe but no longer does, you are entitled to change your mind!
Take Action
There are thousands of LGBTQ+ Discord servers ready to welcome you!
Your feedback matters to us.
This Byte helped me better understand the topic.