‘Between losing my family and asserting my identity’: exploration of Korean LGBQ YouTubers’ experiences coming out to parents

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aimed to explore Korean Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Queer (LGBQ) individuals’ experiences of coming out (i.e. disclosing one’s LGBQ identity) to their parents through analysing YouTube videos by Korean queer creators sharing their stories about coming out to their parents. Among the initially identified 23 videos, nine were chosen based on specific criteria. Reflexive thematic analysis revealed four themes: (a) I had to negotiate between the fear of losing my family and asserting my identity, (b) I armed myself with knowledge to confront parents’ prejudices, (c) my parents were initially fearful, but ultimately wanted me to be happy, and (d) it is important to be thoughtful about coming out even though it brought me closer to my family. This study underscored the complex interplay of Confucianism and Christianity as social contexts and the creators’ dual strategy of employing cultural tactics and critically confronting biases in response. For Korean LGBQ YouTubers, coming out was a highly relational endeavour. This study highlighted social media’s role in promoting queer visibility in South Korea. Implications include the need to develop more culturally appropriate support and resources tailored to Korean LGBQ individuals and to facilitate greater understanding and acceptance of LGBQ people among Korean parents.