2024 in Review: Growth, Action, and Impact
This year, ODLAN expanded our digital safety training programming, supported grassroots 2SLGBTQIA+ groups, launched a tech subsidy program to bridge the digital divide and much more! Amid rising anti-queer and anti-trans hate, we stayed committed to creating safer, accessible, and inclusive online spaces. Here’s a look at our 2024 highlights!
- We grew our operations team from 3 to 5 team members!
Check out our About Us page to learn more about the ODLAN team.
Want to stay up-to-date on any job opportunities at ODLAN? Follow us on Linked-In!
- Received 2 government grants
This year, we were fortunate enough to receive 2 grants from the Government of Canada to help support our work making digital spaces safer, accessible, and more inclusive for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
To learn more about the Digital Citizen Contribution Program & Women and Gender Equality Canada, click the hyperlinks!
- Published 2 research reports
Reporting Anti-2SLGBTQIA+ Online Hate: A Feasibility Study
Learning through Action: Community-based Interventions for Anti-2SLGBTQIA+ Online Hate
- Launched our tech subsidy pilot program!
We recently hosted a free webinar to explore the benefits of a tech subsidy program and steps for implementation. A recording of that webinar will be available soon on our Youtube page.
Looking for support to help you implement your own tech subsidy program? Reach out to us at [email protected]
- Launched 2 digital safety training services
Looking for basic information on 2SLGBTQIA+ online hate? This free, on-demand series will help you understand anti-2SLGBTQIA+ online hate. You’ll learn to identify different types of online hate and safer ways to deal with the problem. Once complete, you can request a certificate of completion to demonstrate your new knowledge and skills!
Looking for more in-depth and customized information to help protect your organization in the digital world? Take a look at our new digital safety training package! Want to know more or book a training session? Reach out to us at [email protected].
- Attended 3 conferences
In 2024 we had the opportunity to attend 3 conferences to talk to folks about the work we are doing at ODLAN. This included conferences held by Community-Based Research Centre, QueerTech, and Imagine Canada.
- Held 2 2SLGBTQIA+ community advisory groups
We deeply appreciate our community advisory members for providing their input to help direct our research and other advocacy and support efforts! These advisory groups were part of our WAGE and DCCP projects.
Want to learn more about all of ODLAN’s projects? Visit our Projects page.
- Launched Digital Delights
We are working to support resilience in digital 2SLGBTQIA+ spaces!
In an era where online spaces can be filled with negativity and discrimination, our Digital Delights project seeks to uncover the moments of joy, connection, and resilience that our communities find online.
We are also building a collection of 2SLGBTQIA+ digital resources! We are asking folks to share their favorite 2SLGBTQIA+ digital creators, artists, programs, and resources to help strengthen our community and ensure that 2SLGBTIQA+ voices are amplified and supported.
Share your Digital Delights/Resources with us here: tr.ee/digitaldelights
Want to see some past submissions? Head to our Instagram or Facebook pages!
- Hosted a digital book talk with Dr. Alex Monea
On June 20th, 2024, ODLAN hosted a virtual book talk on The Digital Closet: How the Internet Became Straight, with author Alexander Monea. We discussed how social media platforms censor queer creators and Dr. Monea explained his research process for the book, how/why content moderation happens, content & creator censorship examples, if social media platforms benefit from online hate, and more!
A recording of the book talk is available on our Youtube page.
- Created a digital 2STN+ peer support group
As part of our DCCP project to learn more about 2-spirit, trans, and non-binary peoples’ professional experiences at 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations, we created a virtual peer support group to connect, share experiences, and explore key topics related to being a 2STN+ professional online.
As we close out 2024, we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together and remain committed to building better digital spaces for all. Here’s to continuing this vital work in 2025 and beyond!