If you're part of the LGBTQ+ community on the Internet, you might know a thing or two about fandom!
🌈 This study aimed to better understand LGBTQ+ adolescents and young adults' view of LGBTQ+ representation and community climate in online fandom communities.
🌈 Historically, representation of LGBTQ+ individuals is negative, perpetuating stereotypes, and lack nuance in ways that strengthen heterosexism. Tropes such as “bury your gays” exist in mainstream media, i.e. where LGBTQ+ characters are subjected to death or violence for the sake of a dramatic or shocking plot line.
🌈 Current literature suggests that LGBTQ+ youth online participation allows folks to experience identity-based exploration, development activities, and community building. Fandom acts as a form of counterpublics, a form of space for withdrawal and regrouping for marginalized communities, providing skill buildings for counter activities directed at wider publics, such as LGBTQ+ activism.
Check out the study on our research hub: https://lnkd.in/geWEM3a7