Developing a Resilient Sexual and Gender Minority Identity Online: The Importance of Social Media for Youth Before Coming Out

Abstract

Sexual and Gender Minority Youth (SGMY) often undergo a period of identity concealment before first coming out, in which access to social and emotional support is limited. Simultaneously, SGMY are at risk for rejection and victimization because of this identity, requiring resilience. This study, therefore, focused on how social media can offer SGMY opportunities for the development of a resilient SGM-identity during this period of identity concealment. In-depth interviews were held with 12 Dutch SGMY, who had not yet come out, or had done this recently. Interviews were individually open coded, and then analyzed collectively, to identify commonalities and differences. Five themes emerged, capturing the online experiences contributing to a resilient SGM-identity: (1) realization of SGM-identity, (2) gathering information, (3) finding SGM-representation, (4) finding SGM-connections, and (5) social media as an SGM-positive bubble. The results showed that social media can serve as a bridge during the period of identity concealment, in which SGMY can rely on a supportive community online and develop a positive SGM-identity before coming out offline. These online experiences, which often transcend the borders of countries and jurisdictions, can further help SGMY cope with the risk of adversity offline, and with that promote a resilient SGM-identity.