Building connections and slaying basilisks: fostering support, resilience, and positive adjustment for sexual and gender minority youth in online fandom communities

ABSTRACT

Sexual and gender minority youth (SGMY) disproportionately experience risks including discrimination and victimization, as well as psycho-social and behavioral concerns. There remains a relative lack of attention to factors promoting their positive development – particularly via online modalities. Research on their supportive use of technologies in specific contexts is necessary to explain the positive outcomes of contemporary SGMY despite their experiences of excessive risk. This article employs uses and gratifications theory to investigate online fandom communities as a source of social support for SGMY, as well as the potential of these online communities to contribute to their resilience and positive adjustment. A sample (n = 3665) of SGMY aged 14–29 ($\overline{x}$ = 17.77) was drawn from a mixed methods online survey. Results indicate participation in online fandom communities may increase connectedness, provide opportunities for support and mentorship, facilitate navigation of challenges towards positive adjustment, and encourage feelings of strength. Implications for research and professional practice are emphasized.

KEYWORDS:

• Information and communication technologies
• fandom
• sexual minorities
• gender minorities
• social support
• resilience

Acknowledgements

The author is grateful for the support of Dr Shelley L. Craig, as well as the thoughtful contributions of the youth participants.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes on contributor

Lauren B. McInroy is an Assistant Professor in the College of Social Work at The Ohio State University. Her research focuses on vulnerable children, adolescents, and young adults; in particular LGBTQ+ populations. Her research interests include the implications of engagement with information and communication technologies (ICTs) for identity development, social support and community engagement, health and mental health, and resilience and positive adjustment. She also focuses on digital research methodologies and employing new technologies in social work practice [email: [email protected]].

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada [grant number 475-2015-0780].