Introduction
People from all walks of life use social media platforms to engage, share knowledge, and grow their professional and personal networks. It refers to online tools and groups encouraging user-to-user interaction and content sharing. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok are popular social networking services. As a result of the social media platform, the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community has a specific home online where they can express themselves and interact with people who understand them. Therefore, queerness has emerged as a critical feature of people’s online personas. Those who do not conform to established gender norms or sexual identities are referred to as “queer” It is a catch-all phrase for those who do not fit the stereotype, such as lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender people, queer/questioning people, intersex people, and asexual. Queerness plays an essential role in social media by challenging established norms and providing new chances to disadvantaged people.
In terms of exposure, representation, and community development, the LGBTQ community stands to benefit significantly from the convergence of queerness and social media. Queer people can use social media to find safe online communities to be themselves, make meaningful connections, and resist oppressive heteronormative and mandatory heterosexuality norms. Furthermore, social media can provide access to information, resources, and support that would be difficult to obtain otherwise. However, the value of queerness in online networks is fraught with difficulties. Concerns about privacy, addiction, cyberbullying, and disinformation have arisen due to increased social media usage. Queer identities may also be sold at the nexus of queerness and social media, helping to sustain oppressive organizations that prey on vulnerable groups. In light of this context, this essay will investigate the role of queerness in online spaces, including its benefits and drawbacks. It elaborates on how queer identity and social media contribute to and are affected by more extensive societal processes by investigating how these two phenomena interact.
Historical and Social Context of Queerness in Media
The portrayal of the Transgender community group in the media has significantly impacted public perception, both positively and adversely. There is a long and complicated history of inadequate and poor LGBTQ media portrayal. Early movies and television depicted gay characters poorly frequently, contributing to the spread of damaging stereotypes and discrimination (Siegel, 2021). Nevertheless, media representations of queerness changed with the altering public opinions of the LGBTQ population. Even though lesbian, homosexual, bisexual, and transgender characters and themes have been prevalent in popular culture for decades, they continue to face stigma and discrimination.
One example of this trend is the growing acceptance of LGBTQ identities online. Social media has become a significant location for LGBTQ advocacy and visibility as new communication and organizing technology have been introduced (Gill-Peterson, 2019). The usage of algorithms that reinforce preexisting biases has been noted as a significant concern in the proclivity of social media to propagate negative LGBTQ stereotypes (Ruberg & Ruelos, 2020). Notwithstanding these obstacles, media depictions of queerness have considerably impacted popular attitudes of the LGBTQ community. According to Gill-Peterson (2019), having LGBTQ people portrayed positively in the media is a great way to combat prejudice and enhance understanding. The opposite is true when negative attitudes and discrimination are fostered through unflattering or stereotypical portrayals (Siegel, 2021). Queerness in the media has a complex and complicated social and historical context. In recent years, there has been progress in the fight against negative stereotypes and for more acceptance, but much work still needs to be done. Understanding the power of media portrayals to influence public opinion is the first step toward improving the lives of the LGBTQ community.
Queer Visibility and Self-Representation through Social Media
One of the most important aspects of modern gay culture is using social media platforms to increase the visibility and self-representation of the LGBTQ community. People have taken advantage of the proliferation of social media to form online communities in which they can communicate with one another, tell stories, and reveal themselves in ways that were not previously imaginable (Lamarre, 2019). It is essential for people who identify as LGBTQ to have the capacity to self-represent because cultural norms and expectations restrict their ability to express who they are authentically and freely. People who identify as queer can strengthen their identities through self-representation on social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok (Lamarre, 2019). A case study of LGBTQ individuals who use Instagram found that the app is utilized for various purposes, including campaigning, storytelling, and networking (Lamarre, 2019). Providing a secure environment in which these individuals can openly and honestly express who they are is of tremendous benefit to their psychological and emotional health.
The LGBTQ communities and networks have the potential to flourish on the various social media platforms available on the internet. These online communities have been instrumental in bringing people of varying backgrounds and identities together and facilitating the development of significant relationships between them. According to the findings of a study that Vargas-Ramos (2020) conducted on the social media activities of the LGBTQ community, platforms such as Twitter and Instagram offered a safe space for members of the community to network with one another, receive emotional support, and organize politically. In addition, technologies found on social media platforms, such as hashtags, which facilitate gathering individuals who share common interests or identities, have made the construction of queer-specific spaces much easier (Anderson & Roth, 2020). Since LGBTQ individuals may not have easy access to safe spaces or others who share their identity, it is essential for them to feel like they have a connection with others.
It is difficult to overstate social media’s significance in bringing attention to and accepting LGBTQ identities, which have been ignored a great deal in the past. People who previously could not hear their voices now have that opportunity due to the LGBTQ public made available through social media (Gill-Peterson, 2019). As a result of social media, the experiences of marginalized queer identities, such as transgender people, non-binary queer people, and queer people of color, are now potentially accessible to a broader audience (Southerton et al., 2020). Because of this, members of the general population now have a deeper understanding of and appreciation for LGBTQ identities that were previously invisible (Gill-Peterson, 2019). In addition, the fight for queer rights and acceptance, including protest mobilization and lobbying, has been significantly impacted by the significant role that social media has played.
Social media has presented particular challenges for LGBTQ individuals, even though it has made it simpler for LGBTQ people to identify themselves, build networks, and rise to prominence. The algorithms that control what individuals see on the internet have the potential to perpetuate harmful stereotypes and push underrepresented groups further to the margins (Nichols, 2022). In addition, members of the LGBTQ community are not always protected from acts of discrimination, harassment, and bullying that occur online (Herring, 2020). The use of social media can also contribute to the perpetuation of inequalities, such as a bias toward people who are white, cisgender, and conventionally attractive members of the LGBTQ community (Ruberg & Ruelos, 2020). As a consequence of this, it is of the utmost importance to acknowledge the difficulties faced by homosexual people on social media and to work toward the goal of making these platforms more accepting and safer for everyone.
Queerness, Social Media, and Algorithmic Mediation
Algorithms enable social media networks to personalize content for specific users. These algorithms were made so that they could learn about a person and change their results based on what they like and how they act. Although the LGBTQ community has used social media to express themselves and form a community, it is feasible that the underlying algorithms do not truly reflect the lived experiences of its members. Algorithms substantially influence how LGBT individuals are represented on social media. Queer individuals who do not fit normative gender and sexuality standards may be pushed to the margins by social media algorithms to maximize connection. According to Ruberg and Ruelos (2020), algorithms may exclude queer identities that do not conform to binary gender or cisgender criteria. Algorithms may reinforce harmful stereotypes about LGBT identities already on the periphery of society. According to Herring, (2020) social media algorithms may be responsible for the continuation of damaging stereotypes about transgender individuals by giving precedence to information that supports negative narratives and deleting positive portrayals. It potentially exacerbates prejudice and discrimination against already vulnerable gay groups.
Despite the challenges of queering the algorithm, social media is an excellent tool for queer people to connect with others who share their identities and experiences. Rauchberg, (2022) claims that the queer community may now interact and establish alliances regardless of where they live. Queer people can use social media to create content that challenges limiting views of gender and sexuality. Additionally, Lamarre (2019) claims that the internet may be used to promote the visibility and self-representation of LGBTQ persons. According to Lamarre’s (2019) research on queer Instagram users, the network provides a secure platform for users to express themselves by creating and sharing original content. LGBTQ people can challenge conventional understandings of their identities and demonstrate personal agency by sharing their tales on social media. Social media is vital for LGBTQ people to express themselves, make friends, and build a sense of community.
Nevertheless, the algorithms that power these platforms may not adequately reflect the realities of already underrepresented LGBTQ identities, promoting harmful stereotypes and restricting access to information. Despite these challenges, social media may provide a valuable platform for homosexual individuals to express themselves and build networks (Rodriguez, 2022). Further research on the relationship between queerness, social media, and algorithmic mediation must ensure that these platforms invite all users and appropriately reflect their experiences.
Social media’s influence has significantly impacted the formation of queer identities on how they are portrayed. It has opened the door for forming queer groups and networks, promoting the self-representation and visibility of queer identities. The rise of social media has provided LGBTQ people with a platform from which they challenge heteronormative narratives and establish their own, even though LGBTQ people have frequently been misrepresented or ignored in mainstream media. Gill-Peterson (2019) asserts that social media websites play an essential role in the growth of gay communities on the internet. People who identify as LGBTQ find a sense of community and support on social media, which is especially helpful for those who live in areas where the LGBTQ community is less prevalent. People who identify as queer challenge heteronormative narratives and contribute to the conversation about queerness in the media when they connect and form communities online. Ruberg and Ruelos (2020) look into algorithms’ effect on the visibility and identity of queer people online. Algorithms heavily influence the production of queer identities and their depiction, and algorithms can perpetuate biases against marginalized queer identities.
Decisions made by algorithms regarding what content to display and promote can affect how individuals and communities not part of the LGBTQ community are viewed by those who are. Nevertheless, as Tuoriniemi (2021) points out, there is tension between being authentically queer and appealing to a broad audience when portraying members of the LGBTQ community. There are times when queer media makes an effort to appeal to a broader audience, and one of the trade-offs is an inaccurate portrayal of gay characters. It is possible for marginalized communities, such as the LGBTQ community, to have their voices stifled due to the pressure to produce content that would appeal to a large audience and generate profits.
The use of social media has completely altered the landscape when it comes to the representation of queer identities in the media. It has provided members of the LGBTQ community with a potent instrument that can be used for both self-representation and the challenge of heteronormative narratives (Berger et al., 2021). However, it is still challenging to balance appealing to a large audience and preserving the queer authenticity of LGBT portrayals. Maintaining a critical view toward how algorithms and commercial interests can shape the creation of queer identities online is essential. Even though social media has the potential to be an effective platform for queer representation and visibility, this stance must be maintained at all times.
Queerness, Social Media, and Social Justice
Queer people have significantly benefited from social media because it has given them a platform to find allies, organize, and advocate for equality and diversity. Several studies have highlighted the potential of social media to provide marginalized queer communities with a voice and advance the cause of social justice (Cavalcante, 2020). People who identify as LGBTQ can search the internet to locate a community in which they can share their experiences and collaborate on social justice initiatives. By providing queer people with a secure space to organize and bring others together in support of a common cause, they have made it much simpler for queer people to become politically active. The ability of members of the LGBTQ community to advocate for themselves and bring attention to the challenges they face has been significantly aided by social media (Ruberg & Ruelos, 2020). On various social media websites, images, videos, and messages have been distributed to draw attention to the challenges faced by the queer community and its recent achievements. Through social media, queer people can publicly condemn homophobia and discrimination and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
However, there are obstacles to overcome to promote queer social justice through social media. Although social media has made it easier for queer people to connect and form communities, it has also served to reinforce prejudices against queer identities that are marginalized (Sprik & Gentile, 2019). The algorithms used by social media platforms are frequently trained on data that does not adequately represent the queer community. This results in biased algorithms that reinforce negative stereotypes and biases against members of the LGBTQ community, who are already at a disadvantage in society. It leads to queer people being subjected to discrimination, harassment, and even acts of violence online, which can have devastating effects on their mental and physical health.
In addition, social media has been criticized for its role in the commercialization of queer identities. This makes it more difficult for queer people to remain authentic while still appealing to a large audience (Tuoriniemi, 2021). Social media encourages queer people to present their identities in a manner that may be less true to who they are because it rewards users for broad appeal. The tension between a queer representation for a mass audience and the preservation of queer authenticity can present significant challenges for queer people as they navigate social media. These challenges can range from minor to significant.
Conclusion
Queerness and social media interaction impact visibility, belonging, activism, and social justice. According to literature reviews, social media sites have enabled new forms of community and activism while allowing marginalized queer voices to be heard. A central theme emerged: the impact of algorithms on queer online representation. Although algorithms can potentially increase the visibility and representation of often marginalized queer identities, they perpetuate biases and present challenges in queering the algorithm. Another challenge for online platforms is maintaining a sense of queer authenticity while catering to a large audience. The line between using social media to advance social justice for underrepresented queer identities and succumbing to the temptation of homogenizing for mass appeal at the expense of accurate portrayal is thin. Despite some flaws, social media remains a powerful tool for queer organizing and community development. Because of social media, LGBTQ people have a place to network and organize, which fosters a sense of belonging and solidarity that can lead to systemic change.
More research is needed to determine how social media affects queer visibility, identity, activism, and social justice. More research is required into the challenges and limitations of queering the algorithm and the role algorithms play in shaping queer representation and visibility. More research is needed to determine how social media reinforces prejudice against marginalized queer identities and how to mitigate this. Finally, research must continue to look into the implications of queer social justice in light of the conflict between a queer representation for a broad audience and queer authenticity protection. Queerness and online community research is a complex and ever-evolving field. Recognizing the medium’s limitations and difficulties is critical for effectively using social media to amplify marginalized voices, advance social justice, and foster community building. More research on social media’s impact on queer representation, identity, activism, and social justice is required to ensure that it remains a powerful tool for queer liberation and social change.
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