What is LEVEL UP!?
The purpose of this research study was to investigate the positive or negative experiences LGBTQ+ people (aged 14+) have while playing video games and/or participating in online gaming communities and spaces. Alongside their experiences within gaming communities and playing video games, also explored the LGBTQ+ representation (or lack thereof) in video games and how all these elements may influence the identity development and well-being of LGBTQ+ people.
Learn more about LEVEL UP!
LEVEL UP! Champions
The LEVEL UP! Champions are video game streamers who supported recruitment for the LEVEL UP! study by sharing it with their viewers and subscribers. They play a vital role in creating safer online video gaming communities for LGBTQ+ youth, and we thank them wholeheartedly for supporting this study!
-
![]()
Dane Marco Di Cesare
Principal Investigator
-
![]()
Shelley Craig
Co-Principal Investigator
-
![]()
Oveesh Mian
Graphic Design Coordinator
-
![]()
Ashley Brooks
INQYR Research Manager
-
![]()
Ignacio Lozano-Verduzco
Mexico RN Chair
-
![]()
Juan Carlos Mendoza
Mexico RN Co-Chair
-
![]()
Elisa Vistara Aceves de Ramery
English - Spanish Translator
-
![]()
Gabriel Soto Cristóbal
Research Assistant
-
![]()
Kaitrin Doll
Co-Chair
For any questions related to LEVEL UP! please contact Ashley Brooks, INQYR Research Manager.
This study has received ethics approval from Brock University (21-019), the University of Toronto (00041573), and from the Mexico Faculty of Medicine Ethics Committee (FM/D1/050/SR/2022 ).