Genderqueer identity development in the digital age: an exploration of transgender, nonbinary, and genderqueer people’s experiences navigating gender and online spaces

Abstract

Treball de fi de màster Estudis Internacionals sobre Mitjans, Poder i Diversitat

Supervisora: Pilar Medina Bravo

Online spaces can be safe or alternative spaces for transgender, nonbinary, and genderqueer people to develop their gender identity and self-expression. Although online spaces have become more relevant for younger generations, and can provide LGBTQ+ people with community and support, online gender identity development remains under researched. This study explores gender identity development in the digital age for genderqueer people and how online spaces have played a role in this process. A sample of eleven participants took part in qualitative in-depth interviews which were then analysed according to grounded theory. This analysis resulted in four main themes with corresponding subcategories. The findings indicate that transgender, nonbinary, and genderqueer people actively use online spaces to help develop their gender identity in many ways, warranting future research.