Online Communities and Identity: Experiences of LGBTQIA+ Emerging Adults Engaging With LGBTQIA+ Online Content During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Identity development for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, plus (LGBTQIA+) emerging adults (18-25 years) is a complex process, with numerous inter- and intrapersonal factors. Often, the internet can provide LGBTQIA+ resources and community, aiding individuals to understand themselves and connect with similar others. These benefits are especially vital, amplified by the reality that LGBTQIA+ individuals must sculpt their identities within the confines of an often-unaccepting society. Internet usage has gained a different role, however, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. This is due to many LGBTQIA+ individuals being separated from in-person connections, increasing both social isolation and time spent online. However, little is known about the specifics of online engagement during the pandemic and its effects on LGBTQIA+ identity development. Using a critical realist approach, a thematic analysis was conducted to explore the experiences of Australian LGBTQIA+ emerging adults' engagement with online LGBTQIA+ content during the pandemic and how they perceived its influence on their sexual and gender identities. As identity development involves complex social factors, the results were interpreted through the lens of social identity theory. Thirty-five participants completed a qualitative survey, finding that despite pandemic-related disruptions, participants utilized the separation from their usual routines as a critically unique opportunity to explore and build their identity, assisted by online content and communities. The study further exemplified shifts toward expansiveness and fluidity in LGBTQIA+ identity labels for younger cohorts. These findings highlight the pivotal role that online LGBTQIA+ content has in shaping identity development, especially throughout the isolating circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. Public Policy Relevance StatementThis study explored the unique experiences of Australian LGBTQIA+ emerging adults, intertwined with the complex backdrop of a pandemic. The findings emphasize the pivotal role of online spaces in assisting individuals to navigate their sexual and gender identities, providing a source of comparison, validation, and self-understanding. Additionally, this research offers insights into the intricate social nature of sexual and gender identity development, furthering our understanding of LGBTQIA+ experiences during challenging times and enriching the dialogue surrounding this marginalized gr