Social Media Creations of Community and Gender Minority Stress in Transgender and Gender-Diverse Adults

Abstract

Social media is used by many Transgender and Gender-Diverse (TGD) people to access queer communities and social support. However, TGD users are also at a higher risk of online harassment than their cisgender peers. There are few studies which explore the role that social media plays in TGD people’s lives. In this study, a qualitative online survey examining online experiences was completed by 52 TGD participants, and the data were analysed using deductive template analysis. The results identified that online communities provided spaces within which participants could experience community-specific support, the validation of their identities, and find much-needed healthcare information. However, the use of social media also exposed participants to transphobia, and the participants described both proactive protective and reactive mitigation behaviours used to deal with these. Key findings highlight the pivotal role that online communities can have for improving wellbeing but also the potential for unintended exposure to transphobia through these communities. The importance of improving online moderation/reporting tools to combat harassment is discussed, as is the need to develop accessible information resources for healthcare professionals so that they may better provide support for TGD patients.